MARCUS SMIT ARCHITECTS

COMPANY PROFILE

Graduating with top honours from the University of Pretoria in 1993, Marcus Smit didn't take long before establishing the practice in Cape Town 16 years ago. A recent Cape Institute for Architecture Award for Excellence recipient, the firm performs most of its work in the modern luxury residential markets for local and foreign clients.

Apart from a current project in Tanzania, locations where buildings have been designed span almost the entire South Africa, but concentrates in the Western Cape.  Other larger and commercial work and designs include wineries, guest houses, lodges, village shopping centers, farm buildings, group housing schemes and office layouts in excess of 6000m².

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The design philosophy of the practice is rooted in a functional application and problem solving approach by means of appropriate, current and economical methods and materials. This approach requires for as many as possible aspects of a project to be taken into account.

Apart from the specific use of the building, the client’s needs and the building’s function, form giving aspects include the site and location of the building, orientation, climate, use, budget, site specific regulations, views, neighbouring properties etc.

OFFICE

The practice is located in the sea-side village of Gordon's Bay 50km outside of Cape Town and central to the Helderberg Basin, Cape Winelands, Overberg and Hermanus. Ensuring a personal service from conception to finished product, as well as meticulous attention to detail, is part of the work ethic.

The team consists of registered architects, architectural technologists, draftsmen and administrative support staff. As registered architects with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession, The Cape Institute for Architecture and The South African Institute for Architects, the practice offers a complete professional service.

Additional services include the choosing and design interior fittings and furniture, as well as garden layouts, achieving an ideal integration with the design of the building.