If you are looking for the best architects in South Africa, you are in the right place. Designing your home to live in is a big undertaking and a personal one too. As a result, you want to find the best at designing homes and we hve made your life a little bit easier by creating this list of 5 of the best of them in South Africa.
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What does an Architect do?
An architect is a professional who designs buildings and other structures. They typically have a degree in architecture and are licensed to practice in a particular region. Architects are responsible for creating plans and designs, overseeing the construction process, and ensuring that buildings meet safety and building codes. They may also be involved in the selection of materials, the coordination of subcontractors, and the management of budgets. In addition to designing new buildings, architects may also be involved in the renovation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of existing structures.
Our list of best Architects in South Africa
SAOTA
This is a company that anyone with even a vague interest in architecture already knows. SAOTA are easily the most famous archicts in South Africa. The company was founded in 1986 by world-renowned South African architect, Stefano Antoni. Over the years, the company merged with other heavyweights in architecture such as Greg Truen and Philip Olmesdahl to eventually be SAOTA which stands for Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects.
Their services are in demand throughout the world and they have built houses in many of the most famous cities in the world.
Our favourite project from SAOTA is 8408 Hollywood Hills, in Hollywood California.
If you look at the most expensive street in South Africa, Nettleton Road, of the 17 houses on the street, 3 of them were built by SAOTA.
SAOTA homes are known for being ambitious and pushing the envelope when it comes to design. Their designs are always at the cutting edge, pushing innovation without going over the top. Because of this, their projects tend to be future-forward, with some of the houses that they designed 15 years ago not looking dated more than a decade later.
Nico van der Meulen
Nico van Der Meulen Architects is another very popular architectural firm in South Africa.
The family business was founded by the eponymous Nico van der Meulen in 1984 with his wife Santa. The firm is run primarily by Nico and his sons, Rudolph and Werner van Der Meulen who are also skilled architects with designs that have been showcased on Top Billing.
It has gone on to build a name for itself, particularly in the Gauteng province where they have built some of the most impressive homes in the city.
The business has both architecture and interior design arms. The interior design uses pieces from their store, M Squared Lifestyle Necessities, which supplies high-end furniture from Italy that they use to furnish the homes.
Nico van Der Meulen’s style is exemplified by a use of natural along with visible concrete and steel which gives a somewhat industrial leaning in the design of their homes. The design marries rugged textures with luxury in a style that is distinctive of their work.
But it’s not all contemporary architecture. The firm can do classical architecture just as well, with the Italian-style mansion in Laudium, Pretoria, being a fine example.
Another distinctive feature of their homes is the presence of striking sculptures, usually at the entrance, which are done by the youngest brother, Regard van der Meulen.
Peerutin
If you don’t know this architectural firm already, you should, because you have likely seen some of their projects before.
Peerutin was founded in 1997 by brothers Simmy and David Peerutin who ran the business for over 20 years as Peerutin and built some of the most innovative homes in South Africa.
In 2021, Peerutin Merged with another award-winning architectural firm, Louis Carol, into the now Peerutin Carol.
Notable commercial projects completed by the firm are V&A Waterfront’s Victoria Wharf, Sandton Convention Centre, and Wembley Square. They have completed projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, from South Africa to Mauritius, Cote d’Ivoire, and Cameroon to name a few.
For residential properties, they have built arguably one of the most stylish and futuristic homes in the country, the Pengilly House also sometimes referred to as the Iron Man House in Clifton, Cape Town.
Another house of theirs that is quite popular is the serenity villa, a boutique hotel in Cape Town
The company is based in Cape Town at Theba Hosken House, 16 Mill Street, Gardens, 8001, Cape Town, South Africa
They have an active social media presence where you can keep up with some of their most recent projects.
SBE
SBE was founded and is driven by the dynamic brother and sister team of Johan Breytenbach and Suzette Hammer, managed together with Professional Architect Nick Karandreas.
They specialize in modern contemporary luxury houses, having built numerous in the Midrand, Northern Johannesburg area. Many of their houses are built in the prestigious Steyn City and have been featured in popular publications.
They are quite popular on the socials with a whopping 44,000 followers on Facebook and 50,000 on Instagram. There you can see their designs which they post regularly. But of course, video is better than still image so here is a video of one of their properties that appeared on Top Billing.
They might very well be the most popular architectural firm in Gauteng, with their profile sporting a whopping 56 reviews (the most we could find for any firm) with an average rating of 4.4.
Cimato Moroldo
Cimato Moroldo Architects is one of Johannesburg’s finest dynamic architectural companies in South Africa and my personal favourite when it comes to those based in architects in Johannesburg.
The firm was established in 1997 eponymously as Aurelio Cimato and later joined by Adriano Moroldo in 2002. They specialize in the residential, commercial, and interior design spaces. The firm is particularly popular with affluent homeowners in the Germiston area, which many of the nicest houses in Bedfordview being built by Cimato Moroldo.
Our pick from their portfolio is the Linksfield Ridge property which was built in 2012. The house, built on a ridge with views over all of Johannesburg, is a triple-story masterpiece that was built with an innovative design that made use of its location, with views over the city even from the garage. More than 10 years later, the property still looks modern and not dated, which is a testament to the groundbreaking nature of the design at the time it was constructed.
Another property worth mentioning is the Morningside mansion they built most recently, which is the definition of an entertainer’s dream.
They have a 5-star rating on Google from 15 reviews.
The company is located in Bedfordview at Unit 1, The Refinery, George Allen St, Wilbart, Germiston, 1401
SPS Arch & Design
If you want something that is different from the rest and is at the cutting edge of architectural design, SPS may very well be it. They are a young and innovative, young and ambitious design firm with a unique mix of creativity and innovative thinking that sets them apart from any other companies that we have seen.
They have some of the most futuristic designs you will see of any architect in South Africa.
Words simply won’t do for their work so just have a look at some of their designs on their website.
The business enjoys glowing reviews, with a 4.9 average rating on Google Reviews from 11 reviews.
Their offices are located at 22 Peltier Dr, Sunninghill, Sandton, 2157
How to choose an Architect
- Professional qualifications and experience: Look for an architect who is registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and has the appropriate qualifications and experience. It’s important to choose an architect who has the necessary qualifications, experience and registration to ensure that your project is in good hands. SACAP is the regulatory body for the architectural profession in South Africa, and architects must be registered with the council in order to practice legally.
- Style and design approach: Choose an architect whose design approach and aesthetic aligns with your own. Look at their portfolio of past projects to get an idea of their style and design philosophy. The architect you choose should be able to understand your vision and create a design that reflects your tastes and preferences.
- Communication and collaboration: It’s important to choose an architect who you feel comfortable communicating and collaborating with. They should be able to listen to your needs and vision, and work with you to achieve your goals. You will be working closely with your architect throughout the project, so it’s essential that you have a good working relationship with them.
- Budget and cost: Choose an architect whose fees align with your budget and project scope. Make sure to discuss costs upfront and get an estimate for the total cost of the project. Architects typically charge a percentage of the total project cost, or an hourly rate. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved to ensure that the project stays within budget.
- Reputation and references: Look for an architect with a good reputation and positive references from past clients. Ask for references from past clients and speak to them to get an idea of the architect’s work and professionalism.
- Location: Choose an architect who is based in or near the area where your project is located, as they will be more familiar with the local building codes and regulations. Architects who are based in the area where your project is located are more likely to be familiar with local building codes and regulations, which can help to ensure that your project complies with all necessary laws and standards.
- Speciality: Some architects have specialities in certain fields such as residential, commercial, historical building conservation, sustainable design, etc. It’s good to look for an architect who has experience in the type of project you are planning. For example, if you are planning a sustainable building, it would be best to choose an architect who has experience in that field.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the reviews, ratings and complaints of the architect and the company they work for, it will give you a good idea about the companies work ethic and professionalism.
Choosing an architect is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By considering the above factors, you can ensure that you choose the right architect for your project and that your project is in good hands.
FAQs
What is architecture?
Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and other structures. Architects use their expertise in design, engineering, and project management to create functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing structures that meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients.
What are the different types of architecture?
There are many different types of architecture, including residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and public. Each type of architecture has its own unique characteristics and requirements, and architects may specialize in one or more types of architecture.
What is sustainable architecture?
Sustainable architecture is the practice of designing buildings and structures in an environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient way. This can include using sustainable building materials, designing for natural light and ventilation, and incorporating renewable energy sources.
What is the role of an architect in a construction project?
The role of an architect in a construction project is to design the building and oversee the construction process to ensure that the finished product meets the specifications of the design. Architects work with clients to understand their specific needs and preferences, create designs that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing, and oversee the construction process to ensure that the work is done correctly and on schedule.
How does architecture impact the environment?
Architecture can have a significant impact on the environment, both positively and negatively. Sustainable architecture can help to reduce a building’s environmental footprint by using sustainable materials and energy-efficient design, while traditional architecture can have a negative impact on the environment by using non-sustainable materials and consuming more energy.
What is the difference between an architect and a building designer?
An architect is a professional who is licensed to practice architecture, while a building designer is a professional who designs buildings but may not be licensed. Architects typically have a professional degree in architecture, while building designers may have a degree in a related field or may not have formal education. Architects are also subject to specific regulations and laws, while building designers may not be.