Tanja Smith, chartered architectural technologist and associate at Gradon Architecture

A QUIET word from the boss is enough for most people to know their work is appreciated.

For Tanja Smith, however, it was a little different.

Her praise came from Nelson Mandela.

The former South African president visited a site in Cape Town where she had worked on a major regeneration project to revitalise the Wetton Lansdowne Phillippi Corridor squatter camps.

It was a timely boost to career initially stymied by the country’s economic downturn.

She said: “I graduated when there was a massive recession on.

“I ended up in an electrical engineers’ drawing office and was trying to get some training, but at that stage they would rather take on an unemployed architect than a graduate.

“An opportunity came up and I got out in the field for a bit.”

From there came an opening to work on an urban design team, which was charged with overseeing changes to areas of Cape Town.

That’s when Mr Mandela made his appearance.

The 41-year-old said: “We were told that he would be there.

“It wasn’t an occasion we you could sit down with him and have a chat, but he did meet us all.

“It was quite a significant thing that he was there for the work that we had done.”

A while later she moved to England, which allowed her to focus further on architecture.

Moving to the North-East was perhaps an obvious move – her father is from Newcastle – but she says the switch couldn’t have gone any better.

As you read this, Ms Smith, who is one of four women that makes up almost half of Gradon’s workforce, is preparing for life in Mongolia.

She will spearhead the firm’s international profile in Ulan Bator, one of the world’s most densely populated and polluted cities.

She will stay in the country until December, though the stint could be extended.

Earlier this year, Gateshead-based Gradon submitted proposals for 50 energy-efficient properties, capable of protecting residents against temperatures as low as -30C, in the Mongolian city.

She said: “Mongolia will be a new challenge, but it’s one I’m looking forward to.

“My first impression of Ulan Bator was one of awe.

“The city is enormous and when I first visited it was in the depths of winter and my hair froze over more than once.

“The city has a familiar feel, but there are sharp reminders you are somewhere different.

“There’s the language, almost no Western faces on the streets, and traffic mayhem with loud horns going off constantly.

“When you see the extent of the problem in Ulan Bator, you feel the need to do something about it.

“So my time there will be all about continuing what we have done, dotting some of the I’s and crossing some of the T’s.

“It will be one step closer to realising a more complete presence out there.

“We are helping the people in Mongolia, but we’re also helping the planet by fixing these issues.”

Favourite North-East building and why? Alnwick Tree House. It appeals to the kid in me.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Washing dad’s car for R5 a week in South Africa.

What is the worst job you've had? Working at a door company when I arrived in Newcastle.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? Lamb and spinach curry.

What would your superpower be? To be able to fly.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. That’s easy, the fab four that make up my group of friends, though sadly one is no longer with us anymore.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? A motorcycle. But I'm not saying how much as it’s a sore point.

Favourite book? Tandia, by Bryce Courtenay.

When did you last cry? May last year.

What is your greatest achievement? Being part of a team who were invited to meet Nelson Mandela following works on a scheme in South Africa.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given?

Never admit your weaknesses

Favourite animal and why? Elephant. They are so big yet so vulnerable and I love the fact they display human-like emotions.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? My friend Wayne. He directs plays in South Africa for local theatre.

What was the last band you saw live? The band at the ball for the National Association of Women in Construction last month.

Describe your perfect night in. Bunch of friends, good food, good wine, good laughs.

In another life I would be... A fighter pilot.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Renee Zellweger, with brown hair this time.

What irritates you? Strict routine.

What's your secret talent? That will be telling and then won’t be a secret anymore.