For two years in 2015 and 2016, I lived in Johannesburg, South Africa as Skateistan’s construction project manager and skatepark designer for their first skate school in Africa.

Overseeing this project from early architectural concepts and budgeting, through planning and permitting with local engineers, the project is now the continent's most advanced educational skateboarding facility. Featuring a four-story school constructed of recycled shipping containers, and a concrete skatepark designed for learning and progression, Skateistan South Africa is a hub for future skateboard based educational programs around the globe. Designed and built in collaboration with MWP Architects, Big Box Containers and New Line Skateparks, with support from The Skateroom and artist Paul McCarthy.

How A Skate School Is Changing Girls’ Lives In South Africa - Refinery 29