Alfredo Brillembourg

U-TT Founder and Director
U-TT Group CEO

Leading design development for U-TT in Geneva, New York, Caracas, Oslo and Cape Town. Alfredo is an award winning architect, urban designer, and academic. He founded U-TT in 1998 and has been designing and building social development projects for U-TT around the globe. It is through his vision and determination that a housing model has been developed that alleviates poverty and restores dignity to communities.

“The Empower project showcase a unique innovation in low income housing delivery and integration into the surrounding informal settlements. The architecture has a minimalist approach, creating a symphony of form and function in these residential structures. The clean lines, geometric shapes, and strategic use of sustainable materials contribute to an aesthetic that is timeless. A unique initiative of participatory design for all of South Africa.”

Delana Finlayson

UTTE Managing Director

Delana is a qualified chartered quantity surveyor with decades of experience in the construction industry. She provides the strategic vision and passionate advocacy that is pivotal to the success and growth of all UTTE’s initiatives.

“The Empower Model has redefined what housing means in these underserved areas, emphasizing not just bricks and mortar, but spaces that foster dignity, safety, and opportunity.”

Hugo van Aarde

UTTE Director
Quantity Surveyor | Project Manager

Hugo is a professional Quantity Surveyor who has worked in the construction industry since 2011 and was appointed as a Director of UTTE in 2022. He is responsible for the financial management of construction projects—overseeing cost planning, tender documentation, procurement, and contract administration. Hugo provides project management services from inception through to completion, ensuring delivery within time, cost, and quality parameters.

“The Empower Housing Initiative allows us to combine technical expertise with social purpose. By managing costs and timelines effectively, we help turn ambitious visions into real homes that empower families and strengthen communities.”

Frederic Levrat

U-TT Group Director

Fred is an award winning architect, lecturer, author and architecture professor, having taught Design Studios at Columbia University GSAPP for 20 years. He is currently teaching Design Studios at Pratt Institute and New York City Institute of Technology. Levrat is the Founder of the international Avant-guard group ARX, established in 1988. His expertise and experience in urban design is evident in all of U-TT’s projects around the globe.

“Housing needs to provide more than just a place to sleep, but a place to live as an urban citizen, a place where the communal activities are enriching and reinforcing the notion of the community, education and civic participation.”

“We need to build spaces for the pleasure of the mind, not only the comfort of the body.”

Nikola Redelinghuys

UTTE Candidate Architect

Nikola is a candidate architect contributing across all stages of the construction process -from concept design to technical detailing. With a deep belief in the transformative power of design, Nikola plays a key role in shaping spaces that are functional, inclusive, and grounded in the lived realities of the communities UTTE serves.

“Design is not a luxury- it’s a necessity. It holds the power to solve problems spatially and empower communities to thrive with dignity. I believe UTTE is reshaping the urban landscape of marginalised communities in South Africa, one meaningful space at a time. I am proud to be part of the team.”

Lunga Ntsabiso

Architectural Technologist

Lunga Ntsabiso is a qualified Architectural Technologist, with experience
in community engagement and design workshops that are not only inclusive
to relevant stakeholders and professionals, but the broader community as well.

Lunga is also a visual artist, who is well versed and knowledgeable when it comes to construction and detailing.

“It’s no longer a day job when passion for change drives you.”

 Sbu Masibulele

Community Centre Manager

Sbu is the Community Centre Manager at UTTE, bringing extensive experience in community engagement. He oversees daily operations, facilitates local partnerships, and ensures the centre serves as a welcoming hub for residents.

Phumezo Tsibanto

Community Liaison Officer

The Community Liaison Officer will serve as the bridge between the Empower Housing Projects and the local communities in Khayelitsha. The CLO is responsible for engaging with community members, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed, and facilitating effective communication between stakeholders.