Introducing Clifton Residential Apartments in Cape Town: Where Luxury and Nature Converge

Introducing our Clifton Residential Apartments in Cape Town a new and exquisite architectural gem to be nestled amidst the majestic Lion's Head, iconic Table Mountain, and the breathtaking beaches of Clifton. Prepare to be captivated by this stunning development that promises a harmonious blend of privacy, tranquility, and opulence.

Step into a world where discrete luxury and unparalleled comfort converge with awe-inspiring panoramas. Clifton Residential Apartments offer a secluded enclave of refined living, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to surpass even the loftiest expectations of quality, design, and excellence.

As you enter these extraordinary units, be prepared to be mesmerized by the expansive views that stretch far beyond the horizon. With strategically placed windows and open spaces, natural light floods each residence, creating an atmosphere of serenity and warmth. Whether you're gazing at the majestic mountains or the picturesque beaches, every vista is a masterpiece in itself.

But it's not just the views that will leave you breathless. The finishes found within Clifton Residential Apartments are a testament to uncompromising quality and attention to detail. From the sleek, modern kitchens adorned with top-of-the-line appliances to the luxurious bathrooms featuring exquisite fixtures, every element exudes timeless elegance and sophistication.

Indulge in the convenience and comfort that is seamlessly integrated into this architectural marvel. With thoughtfully designed layouts, each apartment offers a functional living space that effortlessly combines style and practicality. Experience the joy of coming home to a sanctuary that reflects your discerning taste and desire for the finest in urban living.

Clifton Residential Apartments symbolize a new era of sophisticated living, where nature's beauty meets architectural brilliance. This development is an embodiment of refined luxury, providing residents with an unmatched lifestyle that embraces both tranquility and vibrancy.

Join us on this remarkable journey as Clifton Residential Apartments come to life. Stay tuned for updates and be prepared to witness the pinnacle of architectural design unfold before your very eyes. Welcome to a world where dreams meet reality, where comfort meets elegance, and where every detail is crafted to perfection.

Clifton Residential Apartments in Cape Town boast several unique architectural features that set them apart in the luxury real estate market:

1. Nestled Amidst Majestic Surroundings: Situated amidst the iconic Lion's Head, Table Mountain, and the breathtaking beaches of Clifton, the apartments offer residents unparalleled natural beauty and stunning views.

2. Thoughtfully Designed Layouts: The apartments feature strategically placed windows and open spaces to maximize natural light and provide expansive views, fostering an atmosphere of serenity and warmth.

3. Panoramic Views: Each residence offers panoramic views that extend far beyond the horizon, showcasing the majestic mountains and picturesque beaches, ensuring that every vista is a masterpiece in itself.

4. Meticulous Attention to Detail: From the sleek, modern kitchens adorned with top-of-the-line appliances to the luxurious bathrooms featuring exquisite fixtures, the finishes within the apartments reflect uncompromising quality and attention to detail.

5. Harmonious Blend of Privacy and Opulence: The development promises a harmonious blend of privacy, tranquility, and opulence, creating an exclusive enclave of refined living for residents seeking both luxury and seclusion.

6. Timeless Elegance: The architectural design exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, with every element meticulously crafted to exceed even the loftiest expectations of quality and design.

These unique architectural features make Clifton Residential Apartments a standout choice in Cape Town's luxury real estate market, offering residents a truly exceptional living experience.

7. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living: The apartments seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to enjoy the temperate Cape Town climate and breathtaking views from expansive balconies, terraces, or private gardens.

8. State-of-the-Art Amenities: Clifton Residential Apartments offer a range of state-of-the-art amenities. From infinity pools and wellness centers to private cinemas and lush communal gardens, these amenities provide residents with a luxurious lifestyle and enhance their overall experience.

9. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design: The development incorporates sustainable design elements such as energy-efficient lighting, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and smart home technology. This commitment to sustainability reflects an eco-conscious approach and ensures a reduced environmental footprint.

10. Iconic Architectural Icon: Designed by world-renowned architects, each apartment is a true masterpiece. The architectural design of the building itself becomes an iconic landmark, adding to the allure and desirability of Clifton Residential Apartments.

11. Privacy and Security: The architecture prioritizes privacy and security, with features like controlled access points, secure parking facilities, and discreetly integrated surveillance systems. This ensures peace of mind for residents, allowing them to fully enjoy the comfort and exclusivity of their homes.

12. Proximity to Amenities: Despite its secluded ambiance, Clifton Residential Apartments are conveniently located near vibrant city life and essential amenities, including renowned restaurants, high-end boutiques, cultural attractions, and recreational facilities.

In essence, the unique architectural features of Clifton Residential Apartments create a harmonious blend of luxury, natural beauty, and thoughtful design. Living in these apartments offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the best of Cape Town's beauty, both inside and outside of one's home.

Exploring Architectural Concepts in Residential Design

Residential design is all about creating a comfortable and functional living space. Achieving this goal requires careful consideration of numerous factors, including the use of architectural concepts. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the most essential architectural concepts in residential design and how they play a role in creating truly exceptional homes.

Scale and Proportion

Scale and proportion are the foundation of any architectural design. They dictate the size, shape, and relative placement of objects and spaces within a building. To achieve a harmonious and balanced environment, architects must carefully consider how each element relates to the others.

Scale refers to the size of an object relative to its surroundings. When designing a residential space, architects must balance the scale of each piece of furniture and fixture with the size of the room itself. For example, a large sofa may look out of place in a small living room, while a small dining table could feel lost in a large dining room.

Proportion, on the other hand, refers to the relationship between different elements within a space. This includes the relative heights, widths, and depths of doors, windows, and other architectural features. Achieving good proportion requires careful attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics.

Finding the perfect balance of scale and proportion is key to creating a space that feels comfortable, inviting, and balanced.

Light and Shadow

The use of light and shadow is another critical aspect of residential design. Light can be used to create a feeling of warmth and spaciousness, while shadows can add depth and texture. When used strategically, light and shadow can help to highlight specific areas or features within a space, and can even help to define the flow of traffic within a room.

Natural light is an essential component of any residential design. Incorporating large windows, skylights, and other elements that allow natural light to flood into a space can help create a healthy and inviting environment. Natural light can also be used to connect indoor and outdoor spaces, helping to create a seamless transition between the two.

Artificial lighting is equally important in residential design. When designing a lighting scheme, architects must consider both the function of each space and the mood they wish to create. Task lighting can be used to provide bright, focused light for specific activities, such as cooking or reading. Ambient lighting can create a soft, warm glow throughout a space, while accent lighting can be used to highlight specific architectural features.

The use of light and shadow is a powerful tool in residential design, helping to create dynamic and visually compelling spaces.

Symmetry and Asymmetry

Symmetry and asymmetry are two opposing concepts that play an important role in residential design. Symmetrical designs feature an axis of symmetry, with each side of the space mirroring the other. Asymmetrical designs, on the other hand, lack this mirror-image quality and may feature elements that are deliberately out of balance.

Symmetry is often associated with classical architecture, where it is used to create a sense of order and stability. It can also be used to make a space feel larger and more spacious, by creating visual continuity between different areas of the space.

Asymmetry, on the other hand, can be used to create a sense of interest and excitement in a space. By intentionally breaking away from strict symmetry, architects can create dynamic and visually compelling designs. Asymmetrical designs can also be used to emphasize the unique qualities of a space, such as an unusual architectural feature or a stunning view.

Texture and Materiality

Texture and materiality are essential components of any residential design. The materials chosen for walls, floors, and other surfaces can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a space. Similarly, the use of texture can add depth and interest to a room.

When selecting materials for a residential design project, architects must consider factors such as durability, cost, and aesthetics. They must also consider how different materials will work together within a space, creating a cohesive and visually appealing whole.

Texture can be used to create a sense of warmth, depth, and complexity in a space. This can be achieved through the use of tactile materials, such as stone or wood, or through the incorporation of textural elements.

The use of materials and texture remain an important element of residential design. Different materials and textures can create a range of effects, from adding warmth and softness to creating a more industrial or minimalist feel.

Common materials used in residential design include wood, stone, metal, and concrete. These materials can be used to create a range of textures, from smooth and sleek to rough and rustic. The careful selection and placement of materials are key to creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.

Textures can also be incorporated on a smaller scale, such as through the use of soft furnishings like cushions and throws. These elements can add depth and interest to a space while also creating a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Function and Flow

Finally, when designing a residential space, architects must carefully consider how the space will be used and how people will move through it. This means thinking about factors such as traffic flow, storage, and accessibility.

The function of each space must be carefully considered, and appropriate fixtures and fittings must be selected to support these functions. For example, a kitchen must be designed with ample counter space and storage, while a bedroom must be designed with comfortable sleeping arrangements in mind.

Traffic flow is another important consideration in residential design. Architects must think carefully about how people can be used to add depth and dimension to a space. Effective lighting design must consider both the natural light available and the use of artificial lighting to create a mood or highlight key architectural features.

Balance and Harmony

Balancing all of these elements is key to creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing design. Achieving balance involves considering the placement of each element within a space and how they work together to create a cohesive whole.

Harmony is about ensuring that all these elements work together to achieve a unified and pleasing overall design. This includes considering how colors, textures, and materials complement one another and how the design will function as a coherent whole.

In conclusion, residential design is a complex art that involves careful consideration of a range of architectural concepts. By balancing scale and proportion, light and shadow, materials and texture, and balance and harmony, architects can create homes that arenot only functional but also beautiful and inviting.

Heini van Niekerk

The Beauty and Mathematics of Shapes in Nature and Architecture

Ah, architecture! It truly has a rich history of incorporating mathematical patterns into building design.

The universe is full of energy, frequency, and vibration that make up everything around us. Nature is a true treasure chest of fascinating shapes and patterns, each one more beautiful than the last. These patterns are not just aesthetically pleasing, but they are mathematically intriguing. In this piece, we will delve into the relationship between shapes, mathematics, nature, and architecture.

One example of how mathematics and patterns relate in nature is the harmonic series. This series represents sound frequencies with different amplitudes. When plotted, the harmonic series takes on the appearance of a shell. While this comparison may seem odd, it's nothing more than a case of apophenia that plagues our minds when we seek patterns that may not exist. Fractals, however, are legitimate examples of mathematical patterns that occur in nature.

Shapes in higher dimensions are even more captivating. A circle in three dimensions, for instance, can be both a sphere and a spiral. What differentiates a three-dimensional circle from its two-dimensional counterpart is frequency and vibration. Spherical harmonics are wave functions of the electron in the hydrogen atom and serve as solid spherical shell oscillator functions. Our Greek ancestors could not have imagined such a picture!

In a Hilbert functional space orthonormal base, projecting a Euclidean space vector onto its Cartesian axis is no different from solving a manifold's harmonic equations in finite dimensions. This relationship holds true even for complex functions in the complex plane exp (i2πnt). We have versatile tools at our disposal to draw any shape we can imagine, even those beyond our wildest dreams.

The Laws of Mathematics are as rigid as human-made laws, but logic still reigns supreme in both fields. However, ambiguity can distort our reality on a perceived timeline. The resemblance between the Fibonacci sequence and the logarithmic spirals found in nature gives rise to speculation. It's worth contemplating whether galactic shapes inspire living math of that space. Is it also possible that all life forms emulate the kinetic galactic superwave? The relationship between geometry and harmonic functions has also been observed in architecture.

Architects have long used mathematics and geometric principles to develop aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound buildings. The Fibonacci sequence is one example of how geometric principles are applied in architecture. This pattern is a mathematical sequence that appears frequently in nature, such as in the arrangement of leaves on a stem or the spiral pattern of a seashell. Architects have incorporated this sequence into their designs, such as in the layout of the floor plan or the placement of windows.

This sequence consists of a specific series of numbers (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55…) where each value is the sum of the previous two. Nature also abounds in this pattern, from the spiral growth of snail shells to the arrangement of leaves on a plant stem. Architects use the Fibonacci sequence to establish beautiful proportions and spaces. For instance, the ratio of the height of the Parthenon's columns to their circumference is in the golden ratio, which comes from the Fibonacci sequence. The nautilus shell provides another example of a Fibonacci spiral, and this has been utilized to design things such as staircases and floor tiles.

Another set of patterns that architects have used in designing façades and building skins are fractals. Fractals exhibit repeating patterns that are self-similar at different scales. This means that one can find the same pattern at both micro and macro levels.Fractal geometry creates self-similar patterns that can be found in nature. These intricate and repeating patterns add harmony and balance to the built environment. They are often employed to produce intricate and visually stunning designs with repeating patterns, such as the façade of the Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi.

The connection between shapes and mathematics extends beyond nature and architecture and into various fields such as music, art, and technology. The relationship between math and the world around us is an exciting and enthralling topic that continues to inspire scientists and thinkers alike.

In short, the beauty of shapes in nature and architecture is closely intertwined with the underlying mathematical principles that govern them. From the harmonics of sound frequencies to the patterns of the Fibonacci sequence, there is a profound link between math and the world around us that continues to captivate and inspire us. These patterns serve as a robust foundation for the design process, strengthening the fundamental relationship between mathematics, nature, and architecture.

It is therefore not a superficial connection but one that’s inherent in the mathematics that governs our universe. By exploring these connections, we may not know everything, but we can gain a more profound understanding of the world around us and how we as architects shape it.

Heini van Niekerk

Sustainable Design in South Africa: Balancing Environmental Needs with Innovative Solutions

Sustainable design is becoming increasingly important in South Africa as architects and builders aim to create environmentally responsible buildings that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective.

One of the key challenges in sustainable design is balancing environmental needs with innovative solutions, particularly in a country with a significant need for affordable housing and a diverse range of living conditions. Many architects in South Africa are utilizing passive design strategies, such as smart orientation, shading, daylighting, and natural ventilation, to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and improve indoor comfort.

Another area of focus is material selection. Architects are increasingly choosing locally sourced, recycled, and non-toxic materials for their building projects, reducing the environmental impact of construction and improving the health of occupants. Additionally, green roofs and sustainable landscaping are being utilized to address water scarcity and biodiversity concerns.

As with any design project, collaboration between stakeholders is essential for success. South African architects are working closely with environmental consultants, engineers, builders, and communities to ensure sustainable design principles are applied effectively and efficiently, resulting in buildings that meet the needs of both people and planet.

In conclusion, sustainable design is a critical consideration for architects in South Africa as they strive to create buildings that are functional, beautiful, and sustainable. Through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, architects in South Africa are leading the way in sustainable design, setting an example for others to follow.

Exploring the Origins and Significance of Shack Architecture in South Africa.

While shack architecture in South Africa may not be the most enticing subject matter for those seeking the more glamorous elements of architectural design, it is nonetheless a visual everyday reality and it’s therefore essential to understand its historical roots and significance. In fact, “shacks” have become a prevalent form of architecture in both rural and urban areas, with many people residing in informal settlements across the country. Though one might not immediately want to associate the term "architecture" with shacks, they nonetheless represent a unique and influential aspect of South African reality as an undefined “free and decisive organic design” within the urban landscapes throughout our cities, town entrances and edges. Here we aim to explore the origins and cultural significance of shack architecture in South Africa, particularly in the context of informal settlements. By examining the spatial, material, and cultural aspects of shacks, this study will highlight the creativity and resilience of South African communities while underscoring the urgent need for improved living conditions.

Architecture is a multidimensional discipline that involves designing and constructing buildings, structures, and the spaces in between. In the built environment, architecture constitutes not only the physical form of constructions but also the functional and social aspects of the design. It shapes our daily experiences and influences the way we interact with our surroundings. The South African shack as a form of architecture mean that we can be examining its spatial, material, and social dimensions to better understand its “sense of place” in the broader context of South African design.

Despite being viewed as temporary structures, many people reside in these homes for years, shaping their communities and challenging conventional notions of what constitutes "architecture" in the built environment. The aim to explore the historical and social roots of shack architecture in South Africa and its significance in the broader context of South African design are one that shouldn’t be ignored simply because “it’s not liked” or frowned upon. By delving into the spatial, material, and cultural aspects of shacks, one only stands to gain a better understanding of their place in contemporary South African society by shedding light on the resilience and creativity of the working-class communities who inhabit them while highlighting the urgent need for better living conditions.

Urban Introduction:

With over 13 million people living in informal settlements across South Africa, shacks have become an ubiquitous architectural form in both urban and rural areas. While often seen as temporary structures, many people live in these makeshift homes for decades, shaping the fabric of their communities and challenging notions of what constitutes "architecture" in the built environment. The aim to explore the South African shack as a form of architecture, examining its spatial, material, and social dimensions to better understand its place in the broader context of South African design should not be dismissed.

Historical Context:

The emergence of the South African shack can be traced back to apartheid-era forced removals, which saw millions of black South Africans evicted from their homes and relocated to townships on the outskirts of major cities. These townships lacked basic services like water and electricity and provided only substandard housing options, setting the stage for the growth of informal settlements. Today, shacks are found throughout the country and represent a form of housing for working-class South Africans who cannot afford formal housing.

Spatial Dynamics:

Despite their humble origins, South African shacks have a unique spatial language that sets them apart from other informal housing structures worldwide. Shacks are often configured in dense clusters, with narrow passageways and makeshift courtyards creating interstitial spaces that foster social exchange and community cohesion. The roofs of shacks also often feature a pitched design, allowing for maximum sunlight penetration, while the interior space is partitioned into distinct zones for cooking, sleeping, and communal activities.

Spatial Dimensions of the South African Shack:

The spatial dimensions of the South African shack are shaped by the constraints of the informal settlements in which they are found. The lack of available space means that shacks are often built close together, with narrow alleyways separating them. These alleyways provide the only access to the interior of the settlement and serve as communal spaces for activities like cooking, socializing, and washing.

Inside the shacks themselves, space is at a premium. Rooms are small and arranged in a linear fashion, with the living and sleeping areas often combined into a single space. The kitchen and bathroom are usually located at the back of the shack, with a door leading to the courtyard outside.

Materiality:

At the core of the South African shack's ethos lies the use of readily available materials. Shacks are typically constructed using corrugated iron sheets, wooden pallets, and other recycled items commonly found in informal settlements. This results in a vernacular architecture that is both cost-effective and adaptable to the needs of its occupants. The materials chosen for shack construction also have symbolic meanings, with corrugated iron sheets serving as a visual indicator of poverty and struggle, yet simultaneously evoking resilience and self-determination.

Identity:

The architectural aesthetic of the South African shack has come to be recognized as a unique expression of the identity of those who inhabit them. The vibrant colors and patterns painted on the exterior of shacks, often in the form of political slogans or personal expressions, not only add to their visual appeal but also convey a sense of ownership and pride. Shack owners often personalize their homes with handmade furniture, artworks, and other items that reflect their cultural heritage.

Social Dimensions:

The social dimensions of the South African shack are perhaps the most significant aspect of this architecture. Shacks are often seen as symbols of poverty and marginalization, but they also represent the resilience and ingenuity of their occupants.

Community:

Shacks promote a sense of community and solidarity among their occupants. Neighbours share resources and work together to improve their living conditions, creating a strong sense of social cohesion. Furthermore, the ability to modify and adapt shacks to changing needs allows for a degree of agency and self-determination that is often lacking in more formal housing arrangements.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the South African shack is more than just a shelter; it is an exemplar of architecture born from economic necessity and government failures. As a built form, the shack embodies a spatial language, materiality, and identity that reflects the lives and aspirations of its occupants. In many ways, these structures are a testament to the resilience and creativity of South Africa's working-class communities, who have made homes out of the most modest materials while continuing to fight for better living conditions.

The South African shack remains a unique form of architecture that offers valuable insights into the spatial, material, and social dimensions of the built environment. It challenges our assumptions about what constitutes "good" design and emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to architecture. By studying the South African shack, we can gain a better understanding of the complex factors that shape the built environment and help to create more just and sustainable living spaces for all.

Heini van Niekerk

Paternoster Waterfront

Currently accommodating the following as a creative and culinary hub: fine arts, theatre, restaurants, fishmonger, coffee shop, vintage toy shop. 

Heini van Niekerk Architects was called to site with the aim of coming up with the envisaged proposal of taking the old ocean factories and workshops previously used within the crayfish / fishing industry to a new level of function. A new use for all the existing structures as a massive revamp and redesign remained key but the architects established that a sense of place must remain as one of the most crucial design elements. The final product reflects the history of Paternoster as it should in order to remain part of the fisherman village in terms of aesthetics and the urban grain. 

The change from factories to a creative hub happened as a result of the regulations in the twentieth century which led to quotas being issued to West Coast Rock Lobster processors and so began efforts to manage the industry.

In 1930's the Paternoster Visserye was established, originally as a Redro Fishery Factory. It became one of the many commercial concerns to establish themselves in Paternoster and over the years remains the only facility involved with fishing West Coast Rock Lobster.

Due to the depletion of the rock lobster stocks along the Cape West Coast, the owners recognised the need to adapt and to look to new ways to sustain the community's historical livelihood. This is why the owners have created The Crayfish Wharf now known as Paternoster Waterfront as part of their commitment to:

  1. Developing alternative sustainable livelihoods through tourism for all.
  2. Managing the stocks that remain and developing aquaculture.
  3. To educate all who visit our part of the world, about our heritage with the sea.

Paternoster History:

Three hundred years ago Paternoster was known as St Martin's Bay and the area was rich in wildlife that included hippo and leopard on the land and the marshes to the east, stretched for miles. The rocks and offshore islands were rich in guano and penguin colonies thrived.

The ancestors of the coastline were the Strandlopers who roamed the shore lines and gathered food from the sea to sustain themselves.

Over time new folk settled in the region and the evolution of a town named after 'Our Father' (Paternoster) grew, founded on fishing and the Strand culture. Guano was mined for its rich qualities as a fertiliser and whales were hunted leading to the establishment of the Saldanha Bay whaling station. These were prime examples of man's industrial appetite for exploiting natural reserves.

Kormorant Paternoster

What started on a very small 285 m² haphazard shape site located at the end of a Cul-de-Sac with only 128 m² left inside the building lines for design. We ended up with a footprint of 98 m² as the maximised footprint with a total of 260 m² total floor area turned out as one of the most insanely beautiful designed Paternoster Cottage style Houses.

The love and art sit in the detail of this house! The materiality mimics that of the historical Paternoster which started as a Fisherman’s Village where the use of tin roof and white plastered walls were used.

A completed home I designed in Paternoster where we are blessed with a vast coastline of white sandy beaches with clear blue waters. Our love affair with the beach however is where we specialise in contemporary architecture for exclusive and innovative beach house solutions.
Our designs are individually designed to bring together modern lifestyles with the natural climate and the surrounding environment – utilising solar light, fresh air, and landscape/seascape – and incorporating modern features and quality materials to deliver a living environment which is both comfortable and inspiring to our clients.

Should you wish to experience this house over a weekend or holiday stay then please feel free to stay over by booking via this link below: Airbnb

They've been awarded Airbnb Superhost status four times in a row.
Martin & Ben are the best hosts.

WHAT DO ARCHITECTS DO?

Heini van Niekerk is a local West Coast Architect with offices in Vredenburg, his company are the Proud Winners Of The 2018, 1st place Community Youth Award for their architecture projects in the West Coast in addition to Best House of the Year. Heini aims to explain parts of his profession in short with a few questions we’ve had.

What do Architects do?

Architects wear many hats in order to make a project successful. Architects design and plan spaces, structures and cities, with consideration for looks (aesthetics), safety, accessibility, functionality for the client, cost, and specifying (the "specs") construction materials and processes. They manage the building project, and most importantly they communicate ideas. The architect's role is to turn ideas (a mental activity) into reality (the "built environment") whilst managing the process in between these two worlds.

Do I need an Architect?

As with any construction project, budget is at the top of the list of concerns. While hiring an architect does add to the overall cost of the project in the beginning, working with an architect will often result in lower overall expenses by anticipating and managing many of the potentially expensive pitfalls of the building process which can actually be a saving. An architect will ensure timely communication and coordination among building trades and consultants to eliminate many hidden and additional expenses which means you will actually be saving.

An architect is trained, experienced and an owner’s best advocate for ensuring a properly designed, cost-effective building and process. While a builder or a home designer may make some adaptations at your request, a good architect will anticipate your needs — even if you are not sure how to express them. But what if your own dreams are more modest? Must you hire an architect? Maybe not. If your taste runs less towards design, low key traditional, you may opt for other cost-saving alternatives.

Who is an Architect?

Not everyone who claims to be an architect are one and there is a difference. Only licensed architects by law can call themselves architects. Architects are registered professionals. Like doctors and lawyers, they have completed university programs, lengthy internships and rigorous exams. Throughout their careers, architects participate in continuing education and professional development, similar to medical doctors and licensed attorneys.

Architecture was not always a licensed profession for all and many plan drafters aim to convince clients that they’re actual architects when they’re not. We’ve had two cases in the last week here in the West Coast where candidate draughtsman with no qualifications or experience claimed to be architects and the owners were convinced. The owners did not know any better and, how could they? Not all home designers have the same level of education or competency as evident in the SAQA gradings for South Africa. Nevertheless, other home designers must still maintain their professional registration with SACAP (South African Council for the Architectural Profession) which demonstrate that they have completed coursework and achieved experience in the field. The field of options for architecture have been divided into the professional categories as architect, senior architectural technologist, architectural technologist and a draughtsman. Always request your architectural professionals Indemnity Insurance which is compulsory and required by law to protect you.

Protecting the Public?

Architecture is a regulated profession and as a member of the public or individual you are protected by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession. The public can check if a person is an architect or not. Simply type in the name, surname or registration number you have and the SACAP register will tell you if they're an architect or not by using the web address below.
https://www.sacapsa.com/search/

Written by Heini van Niekerk