An experienced property executive, Frank is specialised in corporate real estate services – from complex property transactions and development finance, to property development, planning and legal compliance. He has been involved in the conceptualisation and execution of successful property developments throughout KwaZulu Natal, working closely with large South African funds, private investors, international companies and key local stakeholders – from government to the communities. Passionate about environment and human-centred developments, Frank has leveraged his expertise to drive several green and brownfields developments across all property sectors, with particular emphasis on biodiversity management, landscape rehabilitation and the formalisation of conservation areas.

After graduating from architecture school in 1993, Richard spent 18 months living with the rural community at Manzengwenya developing two tourism camps. The projects were developed using available material, local skill and knowledge; a thread that has continued to run through all subsequent projects with his award-winning architecture studio, Koop Design. From houses, commercial buildings, institutions and lodges, to rural economic interventions, Richard’s focus is on integrated, community-centric development projects. Developing projects with their entire ecosystem in mind, he delivers everything from design to economic resilience solutions that interweave environmental sustainability, social development and food security into symbiotic public environments.