Architects & Interior Designers (SAHO)

SPECIAL SECTION

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ARCHITECTS INTERIOR DESIGNERS

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SPECIAL SECTION: ARCHITECTS

NEW WORLD, new thinking

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Professor Desmond Laubscher, CEO of the African Institute of the Interior Design Professions, talks about how COVID-19 has affected service design in our communities

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he fast pace of change and the need for resilience have never been more apparent as we move out of 2020 and the global impact of the pandemic. As we move through 2021, much of the uncertainty experienced by creatives and creative industries is still with us.

Questions around resilience, scalability and adaptability have been on the minds of every designer. We can take some comfort in the fact that design as a process of inquiry, and practice of exploration, allows us to investigate and conceptualise innovative solutions to complex challenges. The process is supported through a specific designerly way of thinking, referred to as design thinking.

We have all encountered the concept of design thinking over the past few years, often through a bombardment of media, workshops and so-called gurus.

At its core the process is very simple and follows some golden rules: research the problem, define the challenge, ideate and prototype. During this process we can go backwards and forwards until we have a refined concept and solution. There are different models but most follow this iterative process.

The process may be simple, but it supports a range of

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complex thinking processes and enables us as creatives and citizens of this world to confront the difficulties that we encounter every day. We have realised that our world has changed forever and we need to look at our surroundings with fresh eyes.

Design thinking underpins all forms of design practice.

Many traditional disciplines, such as architecture, interior design, product design and the design of digital solutions, have built their process of research, conceptualisation and the realisation of design on the foundation of design thinking.

Emerging fields, such as service design, which has been gaining ground globally over the past 20 years, extends the application of design thinking principles within more expanded and systematic reviews of the connections between design disciplines.

We have also reached the point where our interactions no longer belong to one design discipline but rather to a multidisciplinary world where a range of design disciplines bring their expertise to a project as needed.

Service design places at the centre the needs of individuals, and allows for open dialogue, critical investigation and the creation of holistic solutions that acknowledge the context and needs of individuals.

“As designers it is our responsibility to improve the quality of life for all with our design skills, and service design goes a long way to achieving that goal.”

Photographs (this page): ©iStock.com

The process encourages contextual relevance and innovative approaches that respond to the challenges posed by local, regional and global challenges.

As designers it is our responsibility to improve the quality of life for all with our design skills, and service design goes a long way to achieving that goal. As we begin the shift towards a new world, post-COVID but eternally changed by the pandemic, service design seems to be more pertinent within our community.

Organisations such as IDEA Collective are actively working towards making service design thinking principles and processes accessible to creative organisations and individuals. The first step in dealing with complex challenges is called the Engaging Phase. During this phase it is important to develop empathy to successfully navigate a pathway. This requires using tools to pose questions and look for solutions.

The Explain Phase explores, documents and extracts influencing factors, and defines main insights. This helps one to document and describe what needs to be

done, who is involved and what should be considered throughout the process, from analysis. During this phase it is critical to remain in contact with all stakeholders to ensure that the analysis process yields insights that are not driven by bias, preference or assumptions.

The Explore Phase pulls all the threads together and supports creatives and stakeholders to think of ways to address the challenge, evaluate ideas against influencing factors, present to stakeholders to gain feedback and capture ideas and information during the process.

Last is the Extend Phase, where all stakeholders reflect on the process as a whole and the proposed solutions. The focus on reflection, both throughout the early phases of model and on the final experience, is key to allowing individuals to see the potential of the process.

Once the proposed solution is evaluated and found to be relevant, appropriate, and hopefully innovative, the implementation is planned.

All these phases play a pivotal role in the process, and as creative thinkers, designers need to embrace and step forward to become part of the new thinking in our post-COVID world.

Services underpin the world as we know it – retail, civic, governance, healthcare, transport. We engage in complex activities, we navigate complex environments and we embody complex requirements.

We live in a world that really needs our conceptualising and empathetic expertise. Design is no longer about designing mundane spaces and objects – it is about engaging as experts, to use our expertise to improve the quality of life for all. Q A special thanks to IDEA Collective for their expertise and input

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SPECIAL SECTION: ARCHITECTS

THIS PAGE: BACK ROW (from left): Tanya Boshoff and Louis Boshoff from Boshoff Architects, Theo Bothma from Theo Bothma Architects and Design, Lucky Masegela from Acute Innovation SA, Qefate Lerotholi from Think Design Studio.

FRONT ROW (from left): Johann le Roux and Wouter Erasmus from Arté Architects, Antoinette Horngren from JK Designs, Mutombo Kitenge from Top Centre Properties Group.

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WE BRING YOU THE ARCHITECTS WHO TURN ORDINARY BUILDINGS INTO EXTRAORDINARY HOMES

THIS PAGE: BACK ROW (from left): Juan Myburgh and Eloise Van Rensburg from SG Studio, Kevin Lloyd and Peter Oravecz from Kevin Lloyd Architects, Johan Breytenbach, Suzette Hammer and Nick Karandreas from SBE Africa Exclusive Architecture.

MIDDLE ROW (from left): Duif Joubert from SG Studio, Donovan Gottsmann from Gottsmann Architects.

FRONT ROW (from left): Gideon Banda from Divine Architecture & Interiors, Johan Duvenhage, Karen Duvenhage, Dene Duvenhage, Francois Pettit and Giuseppe Soffietti from JDA Architects.

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Arté Architects A leading architectural company, continuously striving for excellence in design solutions with innovative thinking.

JOHANN LE ROUX SENIOR PARTNER

WOUTER ERASMUS SENIOR PARTNER

TOMMY JOYCE DESIGN PARTNER

Arté Architects strives to provide its clients with innovative, practical and sustainable designs in combination with new creative ideas and the skill of bringing those designs to fruition. With combined strength in all architectural and construction-related disciplines, the team offers an all-in-one service of choice.

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ow has Arté Architects’ design approach evolved through the years? Where we started by drawing plans on paper with pens and pencils, technology has made it possible to communicate a “flat” design on paper to a sensory experience where you can walk through your house in 3D via virtual reality.

This development has greatly improved the communication gaps, not only from the client’s experience, but from a construction team’s perspective. It saves a lot of time having 3D information on hand, which will greatly eliminate misunderstandings. We immerse our clients in still 3D renderings, videos and a virtual reality experience from inception to construction and finalising finishes, as a complete package.

Designing in 3D that is linked to a live virtual reality feed has definitely improved the evolution of how we approach a project, in all aspects.

Good architectural design is… With any profession, you need to approach each project with the utmost passion and good work ethic. We have a dynamic design and technical team to help carry the project through from inception to close-out.

Architecture needs to reflect the desires and intentions of the end user, and through hard work and a passionate approach, we create a unique design for each project.

Therefore, if any design is approached without the required hard work and passion, it will not be a good design.

Good architectural design is aesthetically pleasing, functional and durable – and above all is the realisation of a dream into a home.

What advice can you offer a client looking to build their dream home? The initial stages are extremely important when considering building your dream home.

The planning phase should not be overlooked as an insignificant phase, seeing that this will be the foundation for the entirety of the project. Choosing the correct architect who understands your needs and your personal preferences is a vital initiative that will save money and time towards the end of the project.

What does sustainable architecture mean to Arté Architects? With recent drought-stricken years, it has become more apparent that the natural and built environment has to be in harmony. We strive to improve the building’s performance through green design, which improves positive impacts on the environment as well as the health and comfort of its occupants.

What are your thoughts on the future of South African residential architecture? Digital platforms, easy access to design information and the fact that leading architectural companies do not shy away from presenting their best design work on media platforms has created a wealth of high-quality information.

The new residential client is educated in design and form.

Home owners understand the term “look and feel” and they value the importance of aesthetic appeal as part of their residential investment. A high standard of architectural design expectation is set, and the architectural company must deliver.

The uncertainty of project execution from the construction industry will demand more time from the architectural company in managing the client’s interests on-site. The client will expect a successful design and execution by the appointed architects.

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JK Designs ANTOINETTE HORNGREN

JUNIOR PARTNER AND OPERATIONS MANAGER As a firm of 11 members, JK Designs strongly believes in the importance of nurturing relationships and values clear communication above all.

JK Designs produces tailormade designs through efficient teamwork and a variety of input and expertise.

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ood architectural design… Acknowledges the existing solutions and considers future implications while creating a new solution. It is also harder to notice than poor design as it fits the user’s needs so well that it is invisible. If you need to explain a design to the client, it should most probably be relooked at by the designer.

At JK Designs, we always advocate for emotive design as this engages people in a focused way that strives to evoke the specific need and use for space. Good architecture is a multifaceted result of pleasing aesthetics, natural flow and appropriate spaces.

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An on-trend architecture and interior design firm focused on emotive, personal and relevant designs.

What should readers consider when looking for an architect? Past client experiences are the best advertising testimony to secure new clients as an architect. Be on the lookout for an architect with experience in your type of project. We always encourage a meeting to introduce ourselves instead of selling our service over the phone or via email.

The process of designing and building can be lengthy, therefore, it is important to connect with our clients. Due to the need for personal connection, we encourage clients to meet/interview more than one architect to find the perfect fit.

When choosing your architect, consider the architect’s history and capability to perform required services; related experience such as past performance on similar types of projects; familiarity with local geography and facilities; experience and skills in project management; and design approach/methodology.

What does sustainable architecture mean to JK Designs? The sustainable architecture movement is fast gaining popularity worldwide and is resulting in many new and exciting sustainable building technologies coming into the market. The newness of a lot of these products needs to be considered, as some might not stand the test of time.

However, it is thrilling to see what the future can possibly hold for green architecture. Specialists in these fields have become an indispensable element to the successful

implementation of these green initiatives, in addition to thorough research into the technologies and how they can best serve the client’s specific area of need.

What is the future of South African residential architecture? South Africa is very new to celebrating its local architects. But the past few decades have produced incredible talent in the architectural industry, and these architects will carry the responsibility of adapting to our rapidly growing and changing urbanisation and way of life.

Awareness is growing among South Africans to reduce their energy and water consumption and new technology is making it more affordable to implement consumptionreducing solutions to the home.

Technology in all sectors is growing rapidly and having a home that can grow with these advancements definitely makes it more marketable. Technology-related additions always have two phases: infrastructure design and installation; and then the more expensive phase of equipment installation. If you are financially unable to afford the whole installation, make sure that the infrastructure is in place for future additions.

CONTACT 015 809 1517, www.jkdesigns.co.za Instagram: @JKDesignsSA JUNE 2021 99

Kevin Lloyd Architects As a specialised practice, Kevin Lloyd Architects’ focus is on innovative, ethical, conscientious and considerate design.

PETER ORAVECZ

ARCHITECT AND PARTNER The team at Kevin Lloyd Architects is driven by a lifelong passion for architecture and progression while embracing the latest international technological advancements. Offering a hands-on approach during builds, the firm prides itself on providing comprehensive and innovative solutions for its clients, resulting in a positive outcome.

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hat inspired you to become an architect? At a very young age, trailing behind my parents through various establishments, I began to wonder why I preferred being in a particular space over another – this led to questioning what made a space better than another. At this point, my endeavour to understand spaces began and a little later on in life the desire to create spaces cemented the career path of architect.

My design philosophy… has fundamentally remained the same through the 17 years of practice, designing spaces that create both a physical and emotional experience.

A space is not simply an enclosure with a floor and a ceiling, but rather a multitude of elements, both tangible and intangible that act on our basic senses, subconscious, well-being and emotions.

The endeavour to understand these principles has never ceased as no two spaces are the same. Over the years I have become more aware and sensitive to the emotion that spaces can invoke. This has resulted in an almost obsessive attention to the finer details – the kind of details that are so often overlooked, yet have an effect at a subconscious level.

How would you define good architectural design? It can be defined by how appropriate it is to the purpose it serves, but this comes with terms and conditions. Take a garden shed as an example: it may simply be a box with a door to store garden equipment – it serves its purpose; but how considerate is it to its surroundings and those who have to look at it?

What does green architecture mean to Kevin Lloyd Architects?

Being sensitive to the natural environment, being resourceefficient, building with renewable materials, making use of process by-products or materials with the least embodied energy as possible – the amount of energy it takes to make a material – being energy-efficient, and lastly being water-wise. These are also applicable to the building process, not just the building itself.

On the future of South African residential architecture…

Given South Africa’s ever-changing set of unique circumstances, it seems that gated estates and high-rise developments will be

the norm for a while, although I do not believe this is the best way forward.

When looking for an architect, what should clients consider?

Firstly, a proper qualification is most important: a master’s in architecture or equivalent five-year degree in architecture. Don’t get confused with an architectural technologist – this is quite different. I have both qualifications and can tell you first-hand, they are indeed different.

Architects should also be registered with SACAP, have a good understanding of design codes, building regulations, the approval processes and so forth. They should be able to build relationships with clients, understand them as individuals, their different facets, habits and needs.

CONTACT 076 449 4338 083 283 0928 www.klarchitects.co.za JUNE 2021 101

Acute Innovation SA A creative architectural studio that’s driven by organised simplicity, simplified sophistication and intellectual elegance.

LUCKY MASEGELA

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Acute Innovation SA comprises a creative team of vibrant thinkers who challenge the conventional in solving spatial design problems with simple yet sophisticated and accessible solutions.

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hat is Acute Innovation SA’s goal? We are all about clarity and freedom of expression under any imposed parameters in the betterment of life. We find the delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication in remodelling the client’s requirements into a built sculptural form. We don’t conform and are always striving to improve and hone our craft in creating timeless architecture.

Good architectural design is… Simplified design that does not follow the status quo and is geared towards humanity because that is what breeds sustainability.

What should readers consider when looking for an architect? Reliability and a good philosophy in design.

What advice can you offer clients looking to build their dream home? Clients should not rush the design phase.

This is an important part of the process and dictates the success of a project.

What does sustainable architecture mean to Acute Innovation SA? We believe in designing for humanity.

This means taking extra care of our eco-system, which will lead to a fruitful outcome with regards to its sustainability.

The future of South African residential architecture...

It’s bright and promising. Many professionals in the built environment are adopting unique, technically sound and responsive solutions, which are additive to the cultural vibrancy of our personal spaces.

CONTACT 015 291 2500 info@acuteinnovationsa.co.za Instagram: @acute_innovation_sa 102 JUNE 2021

Boshoff Architects An architectural firm that strives to design spaces that emphasise the people and elements inhabiting them.

LOUIS BOSHOFF DIRECTOR

TANYA BOSHOFF

JUNIOR ASSOCIATE In principle, the team at Boshoff Architects is interested in the unveiling of a narrative that is already present in every home and space.

The team aims to create spaces that are simple, elegant and authentic.

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he future of South African residential architecture... We are moving into interesting times as people are spending more time working at home, yet still seeking community and connection. Houses are becoming more complex spaces as the uses within a house develop. We are excited to see what hybrid typology (mixed-use) of spaces will emerge out of this.

What advice can you offer to readers looking to build their dream home? It is helpful to understand that architecture is made to accentuate the elements and people that inhabit it. Architecture is not so much about the building but about the spaces it houses inside. Architecture frames spaces. It is important to establish a well-thought through brief (list of functions) about the spaces you want and how you will be using them daily. The clearer the vision, the better the design.

What should readers consider when looking for an architect? Never compromise on your vision.

Find a designer who will take time to understand that everything will flow out of your home. Your work, family and personal life will determine how you will function in your space. Find an architect who will see it as an honour to take you through this process and work towards your dream home.

What does sustainable architecture mean to Boshoff Architects? Green architecture is seen as an ecosystem of elements that are interdependent on each other. The building can therefore sustain itself and the users within it. The reality of green architecture is twofold. Many solutions are simple design principles that have been well-thought through. Beyond those, technological systems can be implemented but will fail to bring efficient results without the right design strategy.

CONTACT 083 304 9277 louis@bosarch.com www.boshoffarchitects.com JUNE 2021 103

Divine Architecture & Interiors A multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke architectural and interior design services.

GIDEON BANDA PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT AND DIRECTOR

Divine Architecture & Interiors strives to create pragmatic, affordable and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Director, Gideon Banda believes successful architecture can be achieved by actively paying attention to the site context, materiality and sustainability.

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hat inspired you to become an architect?

I passionately believe in God and that through him all things are made. As a procreator, I strive to follow in God’s footsteps in creating defined and divine spaces.

There is no greater joy than that of seeing your creation coming to life.

Since you became an architect, how has your design philosophy evolved? I have been in the industry for more than 15 years, constantly adapting to the changes that transpire in the built environment. In my quest for uniqueness, I strongly believe in the exploration of new ideas, technologies, materials and design philosophies.

How would you best define good architectural design? If it’s functional and takes your breath away, then it is good architecture.

When looking for an architect, what should be considered? Versatility is important. Also, a professional who is patient enough to listen, interpret and fullfil the client’s brief.

What advice can you offer a client who is planning on building their dream home? The budget is key to everything. The architect plays an important role in advising on feasibility, therefore the client must actively seek to engage with the architect in formulating the brief to ensure the desired outcome is achieved.

What does sustainable architecture mean to Divine Architecture & Interiors? We believe in sustainability and the reduction of carbon footprint in all projects. By carefully orienting our buildings, using passive heating and cooling

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systems, and harvesting of water and light energy, we are able to create buildings that are self-sustaining and durable.

What are your thoughts on the future of South African residential architecture? The future is bright. As more clients are trusting and seeing the value of commissioning architects in the planning and designing of their homes, there is a notable improvement in the quality of work being produced.

CONTACT 076 761 7675 banda@divinearch.co.za Instagram: @divine_architecture_sa

Gottsmann Architects A multidisciplinary architectural firm, Gottsmann Architects specialises in residential and commercial architectural developments.

DONOVAN GOTTSMANN

PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT Gottsmann Architects thrives on challenging architectural projects, and has developed an extensive international portfolio ranging from residential designs to large-scale urban design proposals, including in the environmental and commercial spheres.

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ow has your design philosophy evolved over the years? I have been in the industry for over 10 years now. My design philosophy is naturally questioned every few years, whereby I learn by experience and seek to evolve and adapt as a designer, architect and professional.

When I started out, I learnt the importance of influence of the client and the budget, but as I have developed, I have realised the importance of the full context, which expands past the geographic location to include the personal history people bring to the project. In addition to these everexpanding philosophies, the long-lasting impact of a building or built environment could not resonate any deeper in the current time we find ourselves in, therefore the enormous sense of responsibility we as architects carry has become critical.

Green design is… A term that’s been thrown around loosely over the years as a trend, but it is more than this in our firm. It comes with a design responsibility, a need to inform and educate those seeking to build and a commitment in our firm to evolve in the sphere of sustainable design.

What advice do you have for home owners looking for an architect? Consider an architecture firm that understands your brief and the context of it, as well as one that can deliver the product both conceptually and technically with the professionalism you truly require.

How do you feel about the future of South African residential architecture? I am really inspired by the calibre of the young architects in our practice, as well as the quality of other architectural firms. We are always seeking to design more diverse buildings, and working among other competent peers ensures superior design development.

Competition is good as it raises the design standards.

Furthermore, by regularly examining at one of the local universities, I am encouraged by the quality of the students coming out.

CONTACT: 011 979 7116, info@gottsmann.co.za gottsmann.co.za JUNE 2021 105

JDA Architects A vibrant, design-oriented and professional architectural studio in Salt Rock on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast.

JOHAN DUVENHAGE FOUNDING PARTNER

GIUSEPPE SOFFIETTI PARTNER

With over 60 years of combined architectural experience, JDA Architects is a small, open and creative studio, comprising highly efficient staff.

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ow has JDA Architects’ design philosophy evolved over the years? Our design philosophy is grounded in the necessity to place the client first, to create more with less and always stay abreast with modernisation and technology.

The inspiration gained from the iconic masters of architecture and especially from Frank Lloyd Wright is still valid today. Architecture requires total commitment – there is no room for uncertainty. You either love it or your hate it; there is no middle ground. Architecture is more than just a shelter. It is about image expression, it is about ideas, reality, space, the materials and their limits. This leads to innovation, technology and reinvention.

Good architectural design is… Less is more. Forward thinking in design. Architecture is about proportions and the rhythm of buildings. Complicated designs bring about unnecessary costs and complications in opulent showcases, often the architect’s egotistical views. We must always put the client first, offering knowledgeable guidance and professional expertise.

What does sustainable architecture mean to JDA Architects? It is the synchronisation with nature, location, materials and energy consumption.

Our approach always is to eliminate a negative environmental impact through skilful sensitive design.

A synergy of elements – natural and manmade.

The future of South African residential architecture…

Consumers need to be influenced and educated about the fact that brick and mortar are not the only construction materials that can be used in building homes. We need to move to solutions for the future. This way of thinking is applicable to authorities as well. The authorities and commercial banks can lead us into the future or can shackle us to the past.

What advice can you offer readers looking to build their dream home? Look for a site best suited to accommodate your requirements and your investment expectations. Spend more time on planning and less time on changing ideas and goals during the construction phase. Budget wisely and adequately – be realistic in your expectations.

We spend a huge amount of time indoors and this environment greatly influences our lives. It impacts how we learn, heal, live and work. Your home should be a haven that is a reflection of you and your desired lifestyle.

CONTACT 087 460 0254 dene@jdarch.co.za www.jdarch.co.za 106 JUNE 2021

SBE Africa Exclusive Architecture One of South Africa’s top five architectural firms in high-end residential properties.

JOHAN BREYTENBACH DIRECTOR

SUZETTE HAMMER DIRECTOR

NICK KARANDREAS DIRECTOR

Based in Sandton, SBE Africa Architects has a firm footprint locally and internationally. With a passion for designing upmarket homes, the firm prides itself on offering its clients a personalised service, project management and aftersales support.

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ow has SBE Africa Architects’ design philosophy evolved over the years? We have seen various architectural trends in the last three decades and have noticed the rise and fall of the South African-adapted pseudo-Tuscan and Georgian, the modern farmhouse and contemporary styles. At SBE Africa Architects, we have remained of the opinion to grow with the modern times we live in. We have always made use of as much glass as possible to bring in nature into the home, together with natural elements of stone and wood.

Good architectural design… Speaks for itself.

Architecture can only be defined as good when clients know they have a good investment. Over the past few years, residential properties designed by SBE Africa Architects have given clients almost double their money

back when they sell within five years.

That’s an all-time record in our eyes, and it just shows the result of good architecture.

What does sustainable architecture mean to SBE Africa Architects?

It means we are finding a comprehensive energy-efficiency solution; we try to get the house off the grid as much as possible, with the least possible cost to the client. We only use specialists and surround ourselves with only the best.

We incorporate solar energy on the roof, battery backup systems, grey-water systems and water tanks for reserves, which we strategically place in the basement of a home design.

CONTACT 011 807 3442 reception@sbeass.co.za www.sbearchitects.co.za

EXCLUSIVE ARCHITECTURE

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SG Studio An architectural firm that is deeply grounded in core design principles.

JUAN MYBURGH

PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT

ELOISE VAN RENSBURG DIRECTOR

DUIF JOUBERT DIRECTOR

Pretoria-based SG Studio comprises a resourceful team of young, passionate architects. Visionaries, problem solvers and out-of-the-box thinkers, the team values quality and strives for excellence in every project.

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G Studio’s design philosophy… Has matured within the almost 12 years we have been in the industry. Still today, we are constantly evolving and adapting to the latest design environment, while remaining deeply rooted in excellent core design principles.

Good architectural design is… Based on fundamental design principles. It is explorative and pushes boundaries, yet never compromises on beauty and functionality.

What advice can you offer readers who are looking to build a dream home? Designing a beautiful house perfectly on paper is relatively easy, but bringing that home into reality takes a highly skilled professional team. This fact is too often taken for granted. In our industry we encounter many clients who opt for plan-only options, hoping to save in the short term, but paying the price later for substandard construction that deviates from the original plan. Ensure an excellent team drives the vision to execution.

What does eco-architecture mean to SG Studio?

Our company philosophy encourages efficiency in communication and we believe in eliminating costly mistakes by anticipating and managing risks. We believe this in itself assists in lowering the carbon footprint of the entire building process.

What are your thoughts on the future of South African architecture? South African architecture is unique in the sense that it is a blend of the world’s best inspirations.

Because of our diverse cultures and climate, we tend to borrow the best from all styles of architecture across the world to create a truly unique mix that is proudly South African.

CONTACT 012 004 1467 hello@sgstudio.co.za www.sgstudio.co.za 108 JUNE 2021

Theo Bothma Architects and Design A Joburg-based practice specialising in creating bespoke lifestyles, locally and internationally.

THEO BOTHMA

ARCHITECT, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER Specialising in highend architectural and interior design, Theo Bothma Architects and Design’s (TBAD) approach is to design visually stimulating spaces that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

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ow has TBAD’s design philosophy evolved? When you start your career as an architect, you start with a very imperious mindset, always knowing better and keen to impose your ways onto the client. Over the past 10 years, we’ve learnt that to create architecture and interior design that resonates with our clients, it is important to listen to their vision, to guide them and ultimately create a masterpiece. This becomes not just great architecture, but also a comfortable backdrop against which our clients work, live and entertain in the way they had framed in their minds. From start to finish we create a story with our clients, carefully planning, communicating and ultimately achieving a successful end project.

Good architectural design… Should transcend the concept of merely creating a gaudy showcase.

Good architecture ensures a comfortable space for its occupants, a practical living environment, and is accompanied by good interior design. With architectural design you create the envelope. Interior design writes the love letter inside.

What advice can you offer a client looking to build their dream home? When it comes to architecture, we always advise our clients first to consider the orientation of their properties. Facing the home north will help lessen extra building and future running costs.

When it comes to interior design, the budget should focus on the kitchen, main bedroom and guest toilet. The guest toilet might seem an odd priority, but it’s one of the only spaces in the house where your guests have a couple of minutes to spend alone. Create an impressive space that starts a conversation.

The future of South African residential architecture...

Must continually reassess what residential architecture should be, keeping its unique South African roots in mind. There are simply more beautiful possibilities in a country with the diversity of those who can collaborate on a truly South African signature.

CONTACT 076 373 5049 011 327 6430 www.tbad.co.za JUNE 2021 109

Think Design Studio A creative design studio with global reach, aspiring to inspire.

QEFATE LEROTHOLI

FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Think Design Studio comprises a talented team of experienced creatives whose skill sets embody great knowledge in architecture, design, graphics and urban planning. Its aim is to be a leading, reputable and unswerving architecture and design company with a global footprint.

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hat inspired you to become an architect?

It all started at a young age back at home. My father, a structural engineer by profession, opened me up to the construction industry at a very young age. My choice of architecture emanated from that exposure. And the day I fully understood the builtindustry cycle of professions.

The rest of the journey has been sculpted by my curiosity about how the many different pieces of the industry’s puzzle work. I was also inspired by the love for creating and combining the art and science of architecture.

Good architectural design is… Edward Tufte said, “Good design is a lot like clear thinking made visual.” We at Think Design Studio believe that good design breeds positivity and good business whereas bad design does the opposite. Good aesthetics and functionality together create an experience that echoes good design and the opposite about bad design is true.

What advice can you offer a client looking to build their dream home? For us, we enjoy the process of having to tap into a client’s mindset. With our initial interaction, we would advise them to have thoroughly researched exactly what they would like as their dream home. Any kind of research, from budget to photos of interest and so on, is useful and integral to our design processes so as to engage and be in complete harmony with the client’s needs.

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What does sustainable architecture mean to Think Design Studio? Our understanding of sustainable architecture as a philosophy of architecture that advocates sustainable energy sources, energy conservation, the reuse and safety of building materials, and the siting of a building with consideration of its impact on the environment, is one of the anchors in our design philosophies. This means that with every residential project we are commissioned to do, we list all the eco-related systems we can incorporate to meet efficient green standards.

CONTACT 062 342 8913 create@thinkdesignstudio.co.za Instagram: @thinkdesignstudio

Top Centre Properties Group An architectural and construction firm with a contemporary African approach.

MUTOMBO KITENGE FOUNDER AND ARCHITECT As an architectural and construction company, Top Centre Properties Group (TCPG) specialises in high-end residential builds, providing a turnkey service. Enhancing a client’s lifestyle, TCPG strives to deliver unique solutions with detailed designs.

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hat inspired you to become an architect?

The love of creating spaces for people and the ability to use my creativity to imagine and create unique spaces.

Good architectural design is… Any architectural work that is functional for the user while creating the desired mood or ambience.

What does eco-friendly architecture mean to TCPG? Eco- design for us is a combination of how smart a home is in relation to the environment. Power efficiency, water saving, waste disposal, heating and cooling – all these aspects should be included without changing the mood of the space created.

How does the future look for South African residential architecture? The lockdown has been a blessing in South African residential architecture. Home owners have been able to spend time in their homes, and are able to see what works and what doesn’t, and as a result what elements need to be added to the home.

This creates a space where existing homes are being renovated according to the owners’ daily and lifestyle needs.

CONTACT 087 802 7863 info@tcpg.co.za Instagram: @tcpg_architects JUNE 2021 111