Architecture that respects place, people, and past

ThursdayArchitecture provides architectural design consultancy, sustainable building advisory, and heritage restoration services across South Africa. We work with homeowners, estates, and developers who value craft, context, and long-term performance.

Heritage restoration

Cape Town Heritage Villa — original plasterwork, sash windows, and cast-iron verandah reinstated with period accuracy.

Sustainable building

Stellenbosch Eco-Winery — rammed earth, recycled timber, passive cooling, and a 6-star Green Star SA rating.

Adaptive reuse

Johannesburg Office Hub — 1970s warehouse converted with 85% waste diversion and 40% energy savings.

Service Packages

Choose a starting point that matches your project scope and timeline.

Ready to discuss your project?

Whether you're planning a new build, a sensitive restoration, or a sustainable retrofit — we can help you move from concept to construction.

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Trusted by clients across South Africa

Our work speaks through the people and projects we’ve served.

“ThursdayArchitecture brought our 1890s villa back to life. The attention to original plasterwork and timber floors was extraordinary. A team that truly respects heritage.”

— Eleanor van der Merwe

Homeowner, Cape Town

“Our eco-winery visitor centre achieved a 6-star Green Star rating thanks to their sustainable design. Rammed earth walls and passive cooling work beautifully.”

— James Kriel

Owner, Stellenbosch Wine Estate

“They transformed a 1970s warehouse into a light-filled creative hub. The steel frame and concrete shell remain, but the space feels completely new.”

— Thandi Ndlovu

Director, Maboneng Workspaces

Clients we’ve worked with

Bo-Kaap Heritage Trust Stellenbosch Wine Routes Maboneng Precinct Green Building Council SA Heritage Western Cape

Frequently asked questions

What does a typical heritage restoration project involve?

We begin with a detailed survey of existing fabric, including plasterwork, joinery, and structural elements. Then we source period-accurate materials and work with conservation specialists to repair rather than replace. Modern services like plumbing and wiring are discreetly integrated behind original surfaces. Every project follows South African heritage guidelines.

How do you approach sustainable building design?

We start with passive design principles — orientation, thermal mass, and natural ventilation — to reduce energy demand. Then we specify locally sourced, low-embodied-carbon materials such as rammed earth, recycled timber, and reclaimed steel. Rainwater harvesting and on-site wastewater treatment are standard where feasible. We aim for at least a 4-star Green Star SA rating on new builds.

Do you work on small residential projects or only large commercial ones?

We take on projects of all scales — from single-room heritage restorations to full commercial adaptive reuse. Our smallest recent project was a 40 m² cottage retrofit in Franschhoek, and our largest was a 2,000 m² office conversion in Johannesburg. The same level of care and documentation applies regardless of size.

What is the typical timeline for a design consultancy project?

For a standard residential new build or renovation, the design phase takes 8 to 16 weeks depending on complexity. Heritage projects often require additional research and approvals, adding 4 to 8 weeks. We provide a clear schedule at the outset and update it fortnightly so you always know where things stand.

How do you handle planning permissions and heritage approvals?

We prepare all necessary documentation, including heritage impact assessments, motivation reports, and detailed drawings. Our team has submitted over 30 successful applications to South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and provincial authorities. We also liaise directly with local planning departments to streamline the process.

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