Startup Story
Finding a specialist, experienced and professional consultant who can navigate their way around any complex architectural real estate project can be tough. But in Mozambique, Natércia Mondlane, founder of Natércia Mondlane Arquitectura & Imobiliária, is creating highly innovative design solutions to meet all her clients’ urban design needs.
LoA chatted to the talented Natércia Mondlane this month to find out more….
Tell us about yourself
My name is Natércia Mondlane and I am the founder and CEO of Natercia Mondlane Arquitectura & Imobiliária (Mozambique). I have a degree in Architecture and Urbanism; international certification by RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyor); and I have accumulated experience in these fields of technical and professional knowledge. It was my desire to create and have a different experience in these fields that boosted me to start in 2020 my journey as an entrepreneur. Today, my business is focused on delivering design solutions to the local market, in particular, and through these solutions show how versatile our market can be.
“As a company, we aim to bring to the market new forms of architectural production through the exploration of under-explored areas.”
What does your company do?
NM| Arquitectura & Imobiliária is a young multidisciplinary consulting company focused on the areas of architecture and real estate. It has experience in the design and implementation of architectural construction projects, remodelling of buildings and requalification of architectural spaces. Determined to be a well-known company in the market, NM| Arquitectura & Imobiliária bets on providing services that excel in quality on architectural projects, with our main focus on Kitchen & Bathroom design, and on real estate appraisal. In parallel to the production of architectural projects, NM| Arquitectura & Imobiliária, created a digital space, Negócios de Arquitectos (Facebook | Instagram: @ Negócios.de.arquitectos) dedicated to sharing useful tips for newly graduated architects and freelancers. The idea of this space arises with the aim of helping professionals to dive into the professional world by giving tips on how to overcome obstacles in the first years of the profession, all based on my experiences. When I graduated in architecture I found myself in a situation of not knowing how to start my practice. I didn’t even know who to turn to, to give me the right tips to dive into the professional world. All I knew was that I had get a job to understand the dynamics of the profession. Throughout this journey, I researched a lot and gathered experiences from people with whom I interacted, to the point of feeling the need to share those experiences. In in my mind it didn't make sense to keep so much information for myself!
What inspired you to start your company?
I am a highly creative person and I believe that creatives should have the space and freedom to create, with no restrictions. After graduating and working for three years in an architecture company, I came to the realization that I had to start my own business. It was a deep desire of leaving a mark, a legacy in my community and in the world. And it was last year, 2019, that I had decided that my journey as an employee had come to an end and embarked into the entrepreneurship world.
“More than providing quality services, it is in our interest to show our clients that architecture goes far beyond the production of building projects (residential, commercial, etc.).”
What makes your business, service or product special?
As a company, we aim to bring to the market new forms of architectural production through the exploration on under-explored areas. More than providing quality services, it is in our interest to show our clients that architecture goes far beyond the production of building projects (residential, commercial, etc.). We are also guided by the satisfaction of our clients, making sure that the client is well served since our first contact until the delivery of the final product, under the belief that a happy client = a successful business.
Tell us a little about your team
Right now, I am responsible for all the work, from creating content for the company’s pages to the production of architectural projects. Whenever I need an extra hand with the projects, I always make sure to hire a professional, so that I am able to deliver the final products on time.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I was raised in an environment where entrepreneurship was the main dish at the table. My father is an entrepreneur and he always made sure that we read books about the topic. He has always been my inspiration since my childhood and has been supporting me in this journey since I decided to embark on it. Even though I grew up in an entrepreneurial environment and with all my father's support, embarking on the entrepreneurial journey was not so easy for me. First because of my fears and then because talking about entrepreneurship as a woman is still unusual in our community. It took me two years to think through on the decision of starting my own business, but I knew that deep down I would end up starting it. When I graduated, I had to look for a job, to understand the dynamics of the market and to gain experience on my field. Working for a company was an experience that helped me to better understand the path I wanted to take and above all, to understand what I wanted for me on a personal and professional level. And for that i am grateful! I walked away with no certainty of what this journey would be like. The only certainty I have is that I am more and more aligned with what I want, with what satisfies me and with my true essence. This is what gives me strength to go day after day of my journey.
“We are guided by the satisfaction of our clients, making sure that the client is well served from our first contact until the delivery of the final product, under the belief that a happy client = a successful business.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We aim to implement our kitchen and bathroom solutions in all kinds of projects (residential, commercial, institutional and health). In addition to the design solutions we intend to produce furniture and accessories that will match and give the final touch the spaces.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur means to have an opportunity to create and to leave your mark in the world. It is very rewarding to think that our work can inspire and positively impact other people´s life.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
If the business idea makes you feel so anxious that you can´t even sleep then go for it. Just make sure that you do it for the right reasons because this journey can get really though along the way. You will NEED to constantly remind yourself about the whys.
Contact or follow Natercia Mondlane Arquitectura & Imobiliária
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL naterciamondlanearquitectura@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
Finding your niche in any marketplace is key for future success as an entrepreneur, but for Natércia Mondlane her niche was clearly defined by her passion and her training. Today, she is building an independent architectural design consultancy in Mozambique which provides a unique palette upon which to create a great business. Her specialist expertise and creative eye will surely be in big demand by discerning clients who want that personal design touch. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa