Our philosophy

It’s all architecture to me. The process begins when there is a gesture, like when water meets the earth and things emerge.
— Bijoy Jain

Thoughtful spaces emerge through patient observation and deep listening. Our designs grow from an intimate understanding of both the land's natural rhythms and the inhabitants' daily lives.

We don't impose architecture, we reveal it through careful study of place, light, materials, and human experience. This process honors the environment while creating spaces that both shelter and inspire.

A drawing of rock and wall, with a textured background resembling cracked stone or dried earth in darker shades on the right.
Interior of a modern, minimalist home with wooden floors, steps, and large windows letting in natural sunlight.

Featured Project

Image of man hand sanding wooden panels on wall
Image of architectural project

Set within the heritage zone of Swellendam on a long, gently sloping site stretching from a culturally significant street to the Koornlands River, Riverstead House is designed as a compact home for a growing family who values gardening and outdoor leisure.

Riverstead House

Process

image of landscape
Image of technical architectural hand drawing
Image of architectural hand drawing
Overhead view of a small beige and black architectural model with a pagoda-style roof and multiple levels, placed on a flat surface.

Conceptual Sketching

Through hand drawn explorations, we develop design possibilities that balance site conditions and your lifestyle needs.

image of building construction

Design Development

The project develops through detailed plans and 3D visualisation, refined for statutory and costing purposes.

Construction Oversight

We collaborate with builders and craftsmen throughout construction to ensure every detail is executed with the quality and intention of the original design.

Technical Analysis

We analyse environmental conditions and project brief parameters to ensure your project performs efficiently while responding naturally to its surroundings.

Site Immersion

We spend time observing your site’s unique characteristics to discover opportunities and informants for the project.

Services

A model of a house under construction made of wood, with other architectural models in the background, illuminated by warm lighting.

We design new buildings from an understanding of the land and your unique vision to allow your project to respond sensitively to its context through appropriate design.

New Buildings

This includes:

  • Design from concept to completion.

  • Site-Specific solutions.

  • Detailing tailored to your lifestyle.

  • Construction oversight and quality assurance.

We breathe new life into existing structures through an approach that honours architectural heritage while adapting to contemporary living needs, finding balance between preservation and intervention.

Adaptive Reuse

This includes:

  • Assessment of existing structural conditions.

  • Space reconfiguration and improved efficiency.

  • Integration of modern systems.

  • Harmony between original features and intervention.

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly.

About the Architect

Theodor de Goede is a South African architect whose work is rooted in thoughtful observation, intuitive drawing, and a deep respect for place. Through a collaborative, site-specific process, his practice seeks to create architecture that balances tradition and innovation.
A young man with curly hair and a beard sitting on a chair in a room, with a bookshelf, a guitar, and a clock behind him.