25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa

These annual rankings were last updated on October 31, 2024. Want to see your firm on next year’s list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studio’s ranking.

Home to large mountains, vast forests and endless coasts as well as to the native Xhosa and Zulu tribes with a violent colonial history, South Africa has an array of varying landscapes and clashing cultures. Even during its contemporary history, the Apartheid era was responsible for heavily segregating South Africa in multiple of contexts.

This countrywide division is apparent to many architectural and urban settings. Spatial inequalities, most commonly found in the city of Johannesburg, as well as the infamous marginalized District Six in Cape Town, are some examples of what challenges local architects currently face. From the beginning of the 21st century these ‘lines of division’ are gradually being patched up through the design and construction of many notable architectural works, with cultural and residential architecture being the most prominent. Practices prioritize locally sourced materials such as bricks, bamboo and stone, effectively blending them with the surrounding context while supporting local material economies and becoming pioneers in environmental sustainability.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in South Africa based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

  • The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2024)
  • The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2024)
  • The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2024)
  • The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2024)
  • The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2024)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of South Africa architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 25 best architecture firms in South Africa:


25. Ruben Reddy Architects PTY

© Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD

© Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD

Established in 1988, Ruben Reddy Architects is a balance of seasoned professionals and up and coming young talent, diverse architectural experience, skills and cultural backgrounds, which all merge to create innovative and inspirational design. With a staff of 59, based at six offices around South Africa, Ruben Reddy Architects has an established reputation in sport architecture, healthcare and public sector buildings, as well as extensive experience in large-scale transportation hubs, spatial planning and urban design.

We provide a full range of architectural services for projects at both a local and international level. In addition, we have the professional expertise, in-depth knowledge and proven experience to provide the specialist services in sports consulting, sport bid development, and sport event planning, as well as education, healthcare, hospitality and institutional facilities. Service delivery is key to our success. With a team that is solution-driven, we work closely with our Clients and the relevant stakeholders, to produce projects and outcomes, that meet the needs of both the client and the end-user.

Some of Ruben Reddy Architects PTY’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD achieve 25th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

24. Thomas Gouws Architects

© Thomas Gouws Architects

© Thomas Gouws Architects

Design of exclusive contemporary residences, holiday houses, lodges, and selective commercial projects and interiors.

Some of Thomas Gouws Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Thomas Gouws Architects achieve 24th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

23. MMA Design Studio

© GAPP Architects and Urban Designers, Mashabane Rose Architects, MMA Design Studio

© GAPP Architects and Urban Designers, Mashabane Rose Architects, MMA Design Studio

MMA Design Studio is a Johannesburg-based award-winning architecture studio founded by owner and architect Mphethi Morojele as MMA Architects CC in 1995. The studio provides professional services in architecture, urban regeneration, design, research and strategic thinking. Our focus is on the ability of design to respond to and enhance the historical and emerging African condition at all levels of human social, cultural, artistic and economic endeavors.

Through combining practice with teaching and research we aspire to exceed our client’s expectations by providing solutions that not only conform to the brief but can also be measured against the triple bottom line of social, economic and ecological sustainability. Each project goes through a process of cultural, economic and locational diagnostics in order to provide a narrative framework for the organization of the client’s aspirations and programmatic requirements. We believe that through a transparent design process the constraints of time and cost are challenges that can positively influence the design process and design outcomes.

Some of MMA Design Studio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped MMA Design Studio achieve 23rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 4

22. BPAS Architects

© BPAS Architects

© BPAS Architects

BPAS Architects is a solutions-focused, multidisciplinary architecture and interior design firm. Our goal is to turn your project from dream to design to reality.

We offer wide-ranging experience and expertise combined with adaptive thinking. Our digitalised practice implements top-tier technology at every point of our workflow. Bringing together practical skills and vision, we work to deliver the best results for every project, balancing financial, economic and sustainability factors.

Some of BPAS Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped BPAS Architects achieve 22nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 5

21. Metropole Architects

© Pitcher Architects

© Pitcher Architects

As a practice, we are inspired by the energy of the city, as it unceasingly moves, radiates and evolves like a vast living organism.we aim to generate design that stakes out new territory, and explore ideas that are intuitive, inventive, exuberant and daring. enthused by visionary architects like John Lautner and Santiago Calatrava, we aspire to create iconic and progressive architectural wonders that capture our collective imagination.

Some of Metropole Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Metropole Architects achieve 21st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 5

20. BasaboseStudio

© BasaboseStudio

© BasaboseStudio

BasaboseStudio (Pty) Ltd is a creative, cross-disciplinary design firm with global reach offering services in different fields of design. Our studio has offices in Johannesburg, South Africa and Kinshasa, DR Congo. We create solutions that help each of our clients achieve the materialization of their initial thoughts in a unique collaborative manner. Even though focused on the built environment and livable spaces, each of our projects is executed by pooling any expertise needed from competent sources.

Our holistic and collaborative approach encompasses the disciplines of architecture, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, photography, urbanism and associated fields by collaboration. We engage a diverse range of industry market sectors and project types including residential, corporate, cultural, civic, retail, exhibition, entertainment, healthcare and transportation. We are passionate about creating unique, immersive “solutions” that add value and help our clients achieve their envisioned dreams.

Some of BasaboseStudio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped BasaboseStudio achieve 20th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 10

19. Luxury Frontiers

© Luxury Frontiers

© Luxury Frontiers

Luxury Frontiers, a pioneering design firm, specializes in alternative architecture and interior design for the immersive eco-tourism market. Founded by Luca Franco and Graeme Labe in 2011, Luxury Frontiers is the birthchild of shared passion for experiential and adventure travel. Based in Johannesburg, Luxury Frontiers’ ethos is rooted in biophilic, nature-centric and sustainable design principles, manifesting in alternative construction methodologies.

The team of over 55 radical thinkers, passionate about contextual design and experienced in travel and hospitality. This highly motivated team has been the driving force behind Luxury Frontiers’ success, propelling it to become a world leader in immersive hospitality design, with projects spanning across six continents.

Some of Luxury Frontiers’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Luxury Frontiers achieve 19th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 11

18. Jenny Mills Architects

© Jenny Mills Architects

© Jenny Mills Architects

“Love for form and composition lies at the very heart of our work. We are artists on a quest to sculpt existing spaces in co-operation with nature. Our buildings are exciting and beautiful. They bring something both of ourselves and our clients into the world. We work in close partnership with our clients, focusing on their needs and stylistic preferences.”

Jenny’s work has a strong contemporary signature which is not only evident in her work in this genre but is skillfully integrated into both classic and leisure designs to match her client’s tastes.

Some of Jenny Mills Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Jenny Mills Architects achieve 18th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Total Projects 3

17. C76 Architecture and Design

© C76 Architecture and Design

© C76 Architecture and Design

Established in 2014 by Principal Architect Carl Jacobsz, the Johannesburg & Cape Town based C76 Architecture is inspired by expressing sophisticated simplicity, a disciplined yet exciting approach to architecture, which searches creatively for elegance and excellence proven over time – promoting quality and timelessness over trend. We look to explore characteristics such as client lifestyle, context, culture and existing environmental conditions for inspiration, with the aim of producing quality South African architecture.

Some of C76 Architecture and Design’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped C76 Architecture and Design achieve 17th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

16. Vivid Architects

© Vivid Architects

© Vivid Architects

Vivid Architects was founded in 1998 by Paolo Viotti and Trevor Versfeld. Imraan Ho-Yee joined the practice as a partner in 2000. Vivid Architects is an established award-winning medium sized design practice that concentrates predominately on medium to large scale commercial developments both locally and internationally. The practice enjoys a good reputation in designing selected upmarket private residential homes.

Vivid Architects takes great pride in providing an holistic and comprehensive professional service delivering appropriate and cost effective architectural solutions within the strict parameters of client brief, economic realities, program and budget. Vivid Architects believes firmly in the ethics and importance of a team-based philosophy throughout the design and implementation process and encourages close collaboration of all the disciplines involved.

Some of Vivid Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Vivid Architects achieve 16th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 33

15. Earthworld Architects and Interiors

© DOOK Photography

© DOOK Photography

In the making of meaningful things…

With our world becoming more and more global — virtual and less defined, the need for defining the “Heimat” has become greater than ever. Meaning has become more important than ever. Falling Waters by Frank Lloyd Wright, built for the Kauffmann Family in the 20’s of the twentieth century, transcends the physical to become icons; to become “meaningful things.” It epitomized progress without being industrial: a symbol of innovation whilst acknowledging the context without trying to imitate or assimilate.

Has the role of the architect changed? Are we becoming designers of systems, applying “technology” or do we create modern cathedrals, structures that transcend reality. Buildings that become icons, gathering meaning rather than being machines. Buildings that becomes central figures in the drama of everyday life.

Some of Earthworld Architects and Interiors’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Earthworld Architects and Interiors achieve 15th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 8

14. Three14 Architects

© Three14 Architects

© Three14 Architects

Three14 Architects, founded in January 2008, is an award winning studio of creative architects based in Cape Town, South Africa. The focus on designing exclusive luxury homes for discerning clients – bringing fresh ideas, rigorous detailing and creativity to the residential arena – results in elegant and sophisticated homes that are easy to live in. The office consists of a small, hands-on team taking on a limited number of projects per year. This enables both principal architects to be involved in each project from inception through to completion ensuring an efficient and thorough level of service and a highly considered and always unique end product.

Some of Three14 Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Three14 Architects achieve 14th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 3

13. FrankiePappas

© FrankiePappas

© FrankiePappas

Imagine we could create a fictional persona — a collective pseudonym — that allowed us to put aside our egotisms, our blusters, our vanities, and find a group of people whose similar ideals and different talents create beautiful solutions for a remarkable new world. That is frankie: wonderfully similar. beautifully different. Making great public buildings that contribute to a great future. We get together the entire professional team required to find beautiful solutions for a remarkable new world.

Some of FrankiePappas’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped FrankiePappas achieve 13th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 5

12. Nicholas Plewman Architects

© DOOK Photography

© DOOK Photography

Nicholas Plewman Architects was founded and is directed by Nick Plewman. He has welded a life time passion for the wilderness to two decades of design and project management experience in remote and sensitive environments. To this have been banded the skills of qualified architects, project and cost managers and technologists.

The practice has completed over 35 projects across Southern and East Africa for both public and private clients and has been published in several books and magazines.

Some of Nicholas Plewman Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Nicholas Plewman Architects achieve 12th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner 1
Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 4

11. Architecture for a Change (A4AC Architects)

© Architecture for a Change  (A4AC Architects)

© Architecture for a Change (A4AC Architects)

Architecture for a change (A4AC Architects) is a distinguished architectural firm celebrated for its innovative designs and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Earning accolades such as the SAIA AfriSam Sustainability Awards and securing a commendable top 15% placement in global design competitions, this firm is at the forefront of architectural excellence. Embracing the future, A4AC Architects integrates cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and AI into its design methodology. Their diverse portfolio, which spans from intimate dwellings to expansive office structures, is marked by a distinctive aesthetic. More than just design, A4AC Architects is deeply invested in social responsibility, exemplified by their impactful initiatives in creating informal housing in townships.

Some of Architecture for a Change (A4AC Architects)’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Architecture for a Change (A4AC Architects) achieve 11th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 3

10. Inhouse

© Inhouse

© Inhouse

Inhouse provides a comprehensive design and project management service to the commercial, retail, hospitality and leisure industries.

Committed to the provision of commercially effective design, we place equal emphasis on creative ideas, their implementation and all commercial constraints, which means that our solutions are always conceived within a practical framework.

Since inception in 2002, Inhouse has become one of the largest and most comprehensive design consultancies in South Africa, a growth derived from its commitment to meet client’s requirements and provide business minded design solutions in four key disciplines.

Some of Inhouse’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Inhouse achieve 10th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 7

9. Daffonchio & Associates Architects

© Daffonchio & Associates Architects

© Daffonchio & Associates Architects

Daffonchio and Associates Architects was established in 1996 by Enrico Daffonchio, who has qualified in Italy and registered with the Italian and South African Councils for the architectural profession. The firm has been active in private, commercial and public projects.

The design work focuses on energy efficiency and the awareness of the broader effects that building has on the environment : as well as the way in which proportion, light and color affect peoples’ mood. Building materials and structural elements are meant to be shown with integrity as graphic and sculptural patterns. Collaborations and joint ventures with other firms, artists and specialists from various disciplines are built specially around the requirements of each project.

Some of Daffonchio & Associates Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Daffonchio & Associates Architects achieve 9th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Total Projects 2

8. Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers

© Adam Letch Photographer

© Adam Letch Photographer

Meyer & Associates is an integrated, multi-disciplinary practice that incorporates architecture, interior design and urban design competencies into one bespoke spatial design service.

The original firm, known as MEYER+VORSTER Architects, Urban Designers and Interior Designers, was founded in 2002. In 2013, the firm was restructured and became known as Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers. It is owned and managed by the founding principal of the practice, Tiaan Meyer. He has over twenty years’ experience in the architectural and urban design industry and is complemented by a staff of twelve, which include several professionally registered architects, technologists and interior designers. Team members have been hand-picked for their specialist skill-sets and design capabilities.

Some of Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers achieve 8th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner 2
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 5

7. Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)

© Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)

© Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)

DMMA is located on the second floor of a Grade 1 listed building and has been layed out to best suit the needs of an architectural studio. We enjoy its central city urban location which continues to grow and develop. At VDMMA all members of the team can and must be part of the design process. Production techniques include hand drawn sketching – diagrams, research, testing, models and ‘mock-ups’, and accessible CAD drawings. We use AutoCAD and BIM/Revit packages where appropriate and also in-house 3D software for testing models and visualization.

Our philosophy, since inception, has been to run VDMMA as a Studio and not as a cubicle culture. There are no cellular offices and no private enclaves. Communication in our industry is essential and to this end the open plan studio environment is ideal. All of our professional personnel are Architects, assisted by a limited number of Intern Architects.

Some of Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA) achieve 7th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner 1
Featured Projects 3
Total Projects 11

6. SALT Architects

© Southland Photography - David Savage

© Southland Photography - David Savage

SALT Architects is a design studio based in Cape Town, pursuing Imagination, Humility and Commitment as core values, toward Innovating Meaningful Possibilities.

Our optimistic team provides innovative solutions while remaining contextually and conceptually relevant. Our office is experienced in all stages of a project’s development from conceptual design to completed construction. We constantly pursue work on a variety of building types and sizes, ensuring an inquisitive approach to allow opportunities to advance traditional patterns.

We are committed to designing memorable buildings delivered through effective project management.

Some of SALT Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped SALT Architects achieve 6th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner 2
Featured Projects 2
Total Projects 3

5. CS Studio

© Design.Develop.Build - GA Tech | PBSA | RWTH

© Design.Develop.Build - GA Tech | PBSA | RWTH

CS Studio Architects has developed a way in which they work which is focused on listening to the clients or end users. This is an interactive and participative process. Each project demands its own activities. Interactive processes are a powerful tool in any design phase as it allows everyone to have a say and often leads to much better spatial solutions. By listening to people, the architect is provided with a wealth of information to feed into the design process. role players are empowered and they take ownership of their design decisions.

Some of CS Studio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped CS Studio achieve 5th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner 2
A+Awards Finalist 1
Featured Projects 1
Total Projects 1

4. Elphick Proome Architecture

© Elphick Proome Architecture

© Elphick Proome Architecture

Elphick Proome Architecture was established in 1989 and has grown to become a leading architectural firm in South Africa. Committed to architectural excellence, we strive to create exciting buildings, environments and spaces that respond to the unique nature of each project with integrity and purpose. Our philosophy emphasises an architecture that responds to context, region and climate and is enduring, innovative and functional. We endeavour to design intelligent solutions which rise to the diverse challenges of our social and economic context and make a significant contribution to the African reality.

Some of Elphick Proome Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Elphick Proome Architecture achieve 4th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 4
Total Projects 13

3. dhk

© dhk

© dhk

dhk has established a leading reputation as a design led multi-disciplinary company which incorporates architecture, urban design and interior design. More than 100 people contribute to the success of the company across these three disciplines making dhk one of the largest architectural practices in South Africa.

dhk’s integrated approach to design in the built environment, coupled with innovative and cost effective design solutions, has garnered international recognition with projects spanning across four continents.

Some of dhk’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped dhk achieve 3rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist 2
Featured Projects 5
Total Projects 25

2. Nico van der Meulen Architects

© Nico van der Meulen Architects

© Nico van der Meulen Architects

Nico van der Meulen Architects in Johannesburg, South Africa, is well known for designing ultra luxury dream homes all around the world. The architectural practice focuses on designing innovative, functional luxurious homes, both contemporary and traditional, tailored to enrich their client’s quality of life.

The company remains at the forefront of design by exploring new forms, pushing the boundaries and evolving with technology, without compromising on the authenticity of the design, aesthetics, materials and originality.While creating unique homes for unique tastes, the firm strives to capture every client’s vision and express it through breath-taking bespoke designs.

Some of Nico van der Meulen Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Nico van der Meulen Architects achieve 2nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects 7
Total Projects 32

1. SAOTA

© SAOTA

© SAOTA

SAOTA, a leading studio of architects is driven by the dynamic combination of Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché, Mark Bullivant, Roxanne Kaye and Logen Gordon who share a potent vision easily distinguished in their practices. This, paired with both an innovative and dedicated approach to the design, documentation and execution of projects globally, has seen SAOTA become an internationally sought-after brand.

SAOTA has a global footprint with projects on six continents. We have a clear understanding of the place of design in the world and how to deliver architectural projects in diverse markets. This success is driven by a design philosophy that connects function and form, and the pursuit of true architectural design to create appropriate solutions.

Some of SAOTA’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped SAOTA achieve 1st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner 1
Featured Projects 8
Total Projects 28

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “+” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

  • Project completed within the last 3 years
  • A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
  • Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
  • High quality, in focus photographs
  • At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
  • Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
  • Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.

The post 25 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa appeared first on Journal.