Studio D'Arc is a multi-national architectural company that has been practising from as early as 1973 and have always aspired to maintain a high level of professionalism and quality of service, combining experience with passion. We believe in providing an exceptional level of service to our clients. For this reason, the directors of our firm will maintain their involvement with every project from the early stages of design to occupancy of the finished building and beyond.
Services
The practice has been involved in a wide spectrum of building project types since its inception, which varies from the standard residential component to highly sophisticated health care, institutional, commercial, leisure estates and industrial typologies. The need for proper tourism-orientated facilities was recognised at a very early stage. The need to improve tourist facilities and to upgrade the structures to handle tourism has been a subject of research for many years. The work carried out covers a wide field and is colourfully portrayed in our website contents.
Apart from providing the standard architectural design and documentation services, we also provides:
All architectural related design, authority approval and construction documentation;
Project Management;
Town planning;
Project feasibility studies;
CAD & Revit visualization and simulations;
Photography and specialty artwork;
Information technology in maintenance systems (GIS systems); and
Facilitation of projects
Design Philosophy
The successful completion of a building is a function of a number of integrated aspects, which includes the functional, technological and dimensional requirements related to the problem definition. All these aspects should be implemented to create an aesthetically pleasing envelope and productive working environment within the confines of a given budget. Close liaison with the full professional and construction team is essential in order to achieve a cost efficient construction project.
Education/Training
Strong emphasis is placed on the maintenance of a high level of training, and dedication to the field of Architecture is an attitude encouraged amongst all staff members. Presently all projects gain full benefit offered by a competent computerised design and draughting team.
Social Involvement & Empowerment
The dawn of the Rainbow Nation has had an influence on the approach of the practice in that a greater awareness of social responsibility towards all communities has become a high priority as the constant search for suitable professional staff members increased. Whilst we are fully aware of the importance and therefore recognise the need to invest heavily in terms of finance in the marginalized communities, we also believe that the need to invest expertise, time and effort especially from professional practices, which have gone through a period of difficult times, is of utmost importance.
Future Vision
The changes in the playing field for the investigation into the various community structures has moulded the view to providing a more comprehensive and grass roots service together with the professional values established by the architectural profession over the years. The new South Africa offers tremendous possibilities and challenges to the Society at large, but it is up to the professionals as well as the investment fraternity of this country to assist in realising the dreams of the country's people. It is true that the policy makers are involved at a political level but the implementation of dreams, desires and aspiration can only be achieved through the practical route of planned investment and development.
In conclusion it can be said that the vision of the practice is to be involved with others in providing a better future for a new South Africa and greater Africa with whatever limited resources available and to do this through a cross cultural based practice.
International Liaisons The firm has been constantly endeavouring to broaden its horizons and have been in ongoing association with an American based firm of architects in Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Tucson. The connection between the two offices has existed for 25 years and has grown immensely in the past 3 years.
Awards/Recognition
Awards received include various merit awards from Corporate Institutions & Architectural Governing Bodies. Recently a National Fulton Building Award was received for the new University of Port Elizabeth (now NMMU: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) Administration Building.
Concrete Masonry Association: Professional Office for Atelier Ontwikkelings, Port Elizabeth 1987
Fulton Award from the Concrete Masonry Association for the Uitenhage Fire Station
S.A. Institute of Civil Engineering: Regional Award for Excellence for Civil Engineering for Ibhayi Centenary Hall
Concrete Masonry Association: Professional Office for Ninham Shand, Port Elizabeth 1995
ISAA: Merit award for House Hicks
2007 SAPOA Commercial Development Award:
Sunridge Village Shopping Centre Phase 1
2008 SAPOA Residential Development Honourable Mention: The Brisbane Luxury Apartments
2008 SAPOA Residential Development Award: The Saxon Luxury Apartments
ECIA 2009 Award of Commendation for King's Lynn Apartments, Port Elizabeth
ECIA 2009 Award of Commendation for Sunridge Park Village Shoppping Centre, Port Elizabeth
Company Infrastructure & Resources Studio D'Arc Architects Eastern Cape employ
