Dirk Coetser, co‑founder and managing owner of A4AC Architects (Architecture for a Change Pty Ltd), is a Johannesburg‑based architect and 4IR/AI innovator renowned for sustainable, socially‑engaged design. A graduate of the University of Johannesburg and long committed to community-driven interventions, Coetser began his career crafting experimental, service‑learning projects in informal settlements across South Africa.

In 2013, along with he helped establish A4AC. The integrated workshop‑office model blends design with prototyping—half of the firm’s focus lies in hands‑on manufacture and testing of innovative building systems like container modules and light‑steel structures.
Under his leadership, A4AC has earned a SAIA‑AfriSam Sustainability Award and placed in the top 15% of global design competitions

Coetser’s award‑nominated “touching the earth lightly” off‑grid home in Northcliff transformed two repurposed shipping containers with solar power, borehole water, recycled‑bottle insulation, and minimal foundations—exemplifying his philosophy of minimizing environmental impact.

He is also notable for projects in informal settlements like the Mamelodi POD, delivering life‑enhancing shelter with rainwater harvesting and thermal comfort at low cost. In 2022, A4AC, led by Coetser, secured second prize in the “Post‑Colonial WW1 Memorial” cultural competition, proposing an inclusive design to honor Black South African soldiers.

A champion of AI‑augmented architecture, Coetser employs cutting‑edge tools—LiDAR, digital prototyping, 3D printing and design intelligence.

His multidisciplinary approach spans residential, commercial, hospitality, educational, industrial, and memorial architecture—anchored by, sustainable, and community‑led values.