Get to know Jacqui Barhouch
I started Blackbird in 2018, and have more than 20 years’ experience in public relations, marketing and communications in both the UK and South Africa.
After initially studying interior design in Cape Town, I moved to London and into the world of architecture, heading up communications for international firms Eric Parry Architects and David Chipperfield Architects.
On my return to Cape Town after ten years in London, I got stuck in to local experience at PR agency Conversation Capital. I then moved back into architecture, joining dhk Architects as Head of Communications and later, as an Associate. I initiated the city-wide Open Studios architecture event in 2013, and continue to run it annually.
Passionate about empowering women and giving back, I co-founded non-profit Hatch in 2015, which delivers newborn essentials to new mothers in Cape Town’s underprivileged communities.
Since 2021 I have also served as a director for the non-profit Colours of a Kind having worked with the organisation since its formation in 2019.
While working at dhk architects, I also spearheaded the firm's participation in the award winning Go for Gold education-to-employment programme, aimed at developing underprivileged youth in the construction industry.
I’m a founding member of Society, a women’s entrepreneur network supporting women on their business journey.
Photo by Julia Freemantle