Paul Schmidt’s Post

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Principal and Architect at BouNou

Exciting Career Update: A New Chapter Begins with BouNou After more than two decades of honing my craft in the architectural field, I am thrilled to announce the next exciting step in my career journey: the formation of BouNou, a company dedicated to innovation, design, and the implementation of sustainable construction practices. BouNou aims to seamlessly blend professional architectural services with project implementation, management, and long-term facilities maintenance. Our purpose is to build better lives through design and innovation, and to rethink how we, as authors of space, can help shape living environments for a better, more responsible future. From my early career days at SWS Architects, Welman Architects in the US, and SHW Architects, to the privilege of joining Studio D'Arc Architects in 2000 as a director and shareholder, my aim has always been on delivering excellence in design while pursuing new ways to do things. One of the proudest achievements of my career has been to be part of building Studio D’Arc Architects into a brand synonymous with consistent excellence—a firm started by my late father in 1972. Leaving the practice earlier this year was a deeply personal and significant decision, but I did so with the full support of my family and partners at Studio D'Arc, knowing it was time for personal and professional growth. The seed for this new chapter was planted long ago, during a business trip to New Zealand in 2011, where I was introduced to Bachkit, a timeless example of prefabricated design that captured my imagination. It sparked a realisation: there are better ways to approach both design and construction - ways that embrace sustainability, modularity, and contextual sensitivity without sacrificing creativity. This idea of “doing better” has stayed with me, evolving into a passion for circular economies that go beyond material sourcing or design efficiency, to how we think about waste reduction, reuse, and the future of construction. In 2016, I co-founded Nuclei Unlimited (NUUN design), a company focused on the design and manufacture of buildings. NUUN draws inspiration from the automotive industry, leveraging production processes that offer economies of scale, precision, and low maintenance. NUUN seeks to rethink building finance, ownership, and how we disconnect land from property investment. BouNou and NUUN now work together, offering a comprehensive product and service that delivers value to our clients. I invite anyone who shares this vision for a more sustainable and innovative built environment to connect with me. Let's foster new networks that inspire ideas and drive action.

Paul all the best! It will ba a smashing success…kap dit flou!

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Micheal Fletcher

Managing Director at Arrow Consulting

5mo

Sounds amazing Paul, all the best on the exciting new adventure. It has always been a pleasure working with you, will definitely be watching this space. Prefab and Transportables is really big over here in Australia.

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Kevin Blom

Building Estimator - QS - Audio Video & Satellite

5mo

Congratulations and all the best with the venture Paul.

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Kurt Bruinders

Architectural Consultant at Kansai Plascon

5mo

I love what I am hearing, and am looking forward to watching what you do, Paul! I can only imagine how monumental and emotional the decision must have been to leave Studio D'Arc. Wishing you all the best with this new chapter.

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Karen van Rooyen

Business Development Manager- Eastern Cape at Belgotex

5mo

All the best Paul

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Albert-John Scheuble

senior associate at dhk architects

5mo

Count me in. Keen to exchange ideas

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Nigel Spriggs

Light Alliance Eastern Cape

5mo

Hi Paul, long time no see. All the best with you new end🍾

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Cary Hastie

Traffic Engineer at Engineering Advice and Services

5mo

All the best in your new journey Paul

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Gary Wynne Loest

Construction Owner at Gary Loest Builders

5mo

Congrats Paul, sounds exciting, will be watching this space with interest!

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Good luck Paul. I’m sure it will be just as successful as your previous journey.

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