Anesu Dhliwayo - Student

Anesu Dhliwayo is a Bachelor of Architecture candidate at the BAC and currently serves as Atelier's, the BAC's Student Government President (2013-2014). Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Anesu moved to the United States in 2004. Her relationship with design started soon after when she enrolled in the BAC's Summer Academy, a design exploration program for high school students. This experience connected her with the BAC and solidified her interest in studying architecture.

Awarded to a promising summer academy student with the goal to increase diversity among BAC students, graduates, and the design professions by making design education available to significantly underrepresented groups in the profession, Anesu is a Houseman Professional Program Scholarship recipient.

Anesu is likely to be found working at CBT Architects or at student events. Through her previous service with Atelier (Vice President, 2012-2013 and Secretary, 2011-2012), Anesu has helped shape the BAC's Student Lecture Series. She is proud to be part of the team that brings emerging and inspiring designers to the BAC to lecture. Through her involvement in community activities, she has eagerly connected with Bjarke Ingles to get an autographed copy of Yes is More and met David Adjaye.

However, she also highly values BAC studio culture and time spent with friends in studio working tirelessly to complete models and drawings. "Being surrounded by and working with peers that share your passion for architecture and design has made me grow into a better and more collaborative designer. It is something all design students should have and experience."

Anesu's cultural background enables her to bring a unique perspective to her work and think critically about design. "Living in the age of natural disasters and growing up in Zimbabwe, a place where resources are limited, I'm interested in architecture that aids people in need. I highly value the work of Habitat for Humanity, Mass Design Group and Rural Studio. As a designer, I will always consider the regular everyday person and how they will interact with my design. I will also consider how my designs can make their environment better and serve them better as well."