We often hear the question: “Why do I need to use an architect”?

Arhitects are trained to make the most of the site, space and materials to maximise what you can get for your budget and reduce your future bills. They are familiar with the construction industry’s working methods and with legislation, regulations, and standards, and can guide you at every step of the project. They interpret your ideas with imagination, creating spaces that can be used, enjoyed and valued for decades.

The reality is that renovating or building a new home or any building is an expensive investment and requires to have all the necessary planning and building approvals by a registered professional architect in place even before the construction process starts.

So what value does the services of registered professional architect typically add to the process?

  • Buying a new plot or erf or even an existing building to renovate can be a daunting task without the correct professional input. An architect can analyse the zoning information or land-use restrictions, orientation and estate guidelines or other restrictions in your title deeds before buying a new property which can save you a lot of hassle and headache along the line.
  • An architect can give professional input regarding climate or the use of certain building materials which will allow you to save on costs in the long run. A well-designed building will perform well in terms of energy usage and will not result in high electrical bills.
  • Also keep in mind that an architect can manage your building project from inception to completion. This will include assembling and coordinating or managing a project team to include a quantity surveyor, engineer, landscape architects and builders and sub-contractors. This will allow for a seamless transition from design to the completion of the final product.

We offer a full architectural service, but also a partial service should you require assistance with the following.

  • Concept Architectural Design.  What is your dream or vision  and how does it translate to an architectural design?
  • Design Development. Do you have a concept in mind, but need to develop this into usable drawings or need assistance to clarify the bigger picture?
  • Technical Drawings and Documentations for tender, building and construction plans. These are the working drawings used by contractors during construction.
  • Council submissions and approval for building plans. In need of approved building plans, as-builts or recording or surveys of previously built structures and occupation certificates? Contact us for assistance.

Having approved building plans in place is required by law.

The National Building Regulations Act 103 of 1977 4(1) states: “No person shall without the prior approval in writing of the local authority in question, erect any building in respect of which plans and specifications are to be drawn and submitted in terms of this Act”

  • Quality Control. Do you need someone to ensure that your appointed contractor is providing you an acceptable quality of building work?  How do you ensure that your contractor does not take shortcuts or use the correct specified materials to give you the final product you envisioned? Regular quality control and site inspections will ensure that construction problems are pointed out and rectified with the correct solutions at an early stage.
  • Contract Administration. Need assistance with the tender process, appointing a contractor with the necessary contracts in place to prevent delays and damages? Do not find yourself in a position where you are exposed to risk due to a lack of a building contract. What building contract are you.

Our team has many years’ experience both in the refurbishment of buildings and the implementation of new building designs and developments on Greenfield sites and can advise you on the service that will be suitable for your project.

Our portfolio includes motor-related, commercial, warehousing, office and residential/ home and interior designs and projects.

Our members and associates are registered professionals as required by law and membership includes the following bodies:

South African Council for the Architectural Profession: www.sacapsa.com

South African Institute for Architects: www.saia.org.za

Pretoria Institute for Architecture: www.pia.org.za

Architects are trained to make the most of the site, space and materials to maximise what you can get for your budget and reduce your future bills. They are familiar with the construction industry’s working methods and with legislation, regulations, and standards, and can guide you at every step of the project. They interpret your ideas with imagination, creating spaces that can be used, enjoyed and valued for decades.

All projects go through more or less the same process, starting with the initial briefing; through to design development; preparing documentation for planning permission where required; producing the technical drawings for building regulations and construction purposes; tendering and finally construction and handover.