PHOTO: Dook | WORDS: Gareth Pike
There are visionaries changing the face of Southern Africa in the sociopolitical or economic spheres. Then there are those – like Greg Straw – who are doing so quite literally.
Greg Straw owns Earth Architectural Landscapes, a firm driving landscaping and habitat restoration across the map from Sandton to Pemba.
Projects range from private residences to Nelson Mandela’s Qunu and Houghton gardens, Sandton boutique hotel Athol Place, community apiaries and even soccer fields in the Congo.
Greg stays on the move between sites both high profile and humble. VISI found him on a Vilanculos runway early one morning to get his take on Earth – and earth.
“What makes us different in the field is that we design, build, landscape and maintain. We even grow our own plants – they can be quite a challenge when you’re dealing with salt spray on an island-based hotel site off the east coast of Africa.”
Thing is, Greg is as likely to be found there as he is refurbishing one of Zambia’s oldest golf courses or designing a penthouse in Sandhurst. He has created a House of Safety in Braamfontein and an animal interaction haven for AIDS orphans.
So, what is he dreaming up next?
“We are designing a comprehensive site plan on which 260 new schools across South Africa will be modelled. We are also busy with three resorts in Mozambique and the creation of numerous self-sustainable markets. Then there are the preparations for the next Rooms on View.”
Africa is big. Greg Straw seems to have a vision to match.
• Greg Straw: 011 606 2671, www.earthland.co.za
