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Tranquil outdoor living area with private pool, timber deck, boma fire pit, and ambient mood lighting — perfect for entertaining, designed by a South African architecture firm. 3D Rendering and design by ARCVISA STUDIO in johannesburg

Luxurious modern bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub and striking limestone herringbone accent wall — designed by a leading South African architecture firm. 3D Rendering and design by ARCVISA STUDIO in johannesburg

Modern timber-clad server area with sleek Cemcrete floors and a touch of greenery, showcasing contemporary residential design by a South African architecture firm. 3D Rendering and design by ARCVISA STUDIO in johannesburg

Photo-realistic 3D architectural rendering showcasing modern design excellence by a Johannesburg-based architecture firm in South Africa.

We've created this space to share extra insights and helpful information to support you through the exciting journey of designing a new home or renovating an existing one. Whether you're just starting out or already deep in the process, some of this guidance is simply good to know and we hope it brings clarity and confidence as you move forward in finding the right architect for your vision.

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Over the years, many clients have approached us to assess properties before they purchase them, seeking advice on whether they are worth renovating. This practice of involving an architect to evaluate a potential purchase is indeed prudent. With this in mind, I wanted to share some important information for prospective buyers.

Firstly, if a seller indicates, "No, we don’t have plans; they are at the council," this should raise a red flag. The seller is essentially stating that they do not possess a complete set of their own plans. It is the seller's responsibility to maintain a full set of current building plans that accurately reflect the property as built on site, which should be stamped and approved by the council or relevant municipality. If the plans provided are not stamped, they are not officially approved, and the council has no record of them; thus, they are not legally recognized.

I recently encountered a situation where a real estate agent claimed, "Getting plans from the Council has changed; you can't walk in anymore. You need to register online, and it takes ages to get them." This is incorrect. Council runners can typically obtain plans within a day or two, and these can be provided to potential buyers for review prior to viewing the property.

Please note that the council only retains a backup set of plans, which the property owner should already have. If the plans are not available at the council in any archive files, it is the owner’s responsibility to have the house redrawn and submitted for their records.

Before embarking on a renovation or addition, architects will either obtain or require the client to provide several key documents: the Surveyor General (SG) diagram, a zoning certificate, and all previously approved plans. These documents are essential for understanding the site’s overall rules and regulations, including building restrictions, allowable extensions, height limitations, coverage and FAR ratios. They are also necessary when submitting new plans to the council for approval. Therefore, obtaining these documents in advance is beneficial.

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Too often, architectural design starts with questions like, “How many bedrooms?” or “What’s your budget?” While these details matter, they don’t define a home.

When I meet a new client, I prefer to ask:
• How old are your children, and what do they love to do after school?
• Do you gather for Saturday breakfasts around the kitchen nook,

or is it a quick bite at your favorite café?
• Does the extended family come over for braais and game nights?

What games bring you together?
• Is working from home a big part of your routine, or do you spend most days at the office?
• Do you cherish meals around the dining table,

or are relaxed barbecues on the patio more your style?
• After dinner, do mom and dad retreat for some quiet time,

or do you all stay up together?

These are the details that shape a home, not just its structure but its soul. Your home is your sanctuary, the place where you create memories with the people you love most.

Architecture is psychology. It’s about understanding who you are, how you live, and what brings you joy, so we can design a space that truly feels like home.

That’s why, by the end of a project, we hope to be more than just your architects, we hope to be your friends. And we’re grateful for the clients who, to this day, still invite us for a glass of wine on the stoep or a cozy coffee catch-up on a rainy afternoon.

Because once we truly get to know you, we don’t just build your house, we create a space where your life unfolds.