dhk Architects

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dhk Architects

dhk Architects was established in 1998 in a merger between Derick Henstra Architects and KCvR Architects.

Today, dhk is part of 10N, a collective created by Egis. We are a design-led studio incorporating architecture, urban and interior design.

22/08/2026

Huge thanks to our Dublin-based friend and former dhk teammate, Baliwe Sibisi, for dialling in for a recent episode of our friends of dhk series to talk about her professional and personal journey, and the pivots that brought to this far. She shared her reflections on navigating change across careers, countries and creative pursuits.

Baliwe was a bursary recipient (between 2015 and 2016) and worked with dhk from 2013 until 2018 as a Junior Architectural Designer and Candidate Architect. During her tenure, she contributed to notable projects including Nieuwe Steenberg, the Delaire Graff Estate store, lifestyle estates for Balwin Properties and the Tembaletu School Sports Centre in the Western Cape.

She reminded us that careers, and life in general, are rarely linear and that reinvention is a lifelong practice. She also shared how she's balancing her current role as a Senior Project Manager with running uBaliwe, her independent ceramics brand, which was recently selected as one of the winners of the Woolworths Youth Makers Competition for 2026. Tap the link below to learn more about her presentation and for a roundup of the friends of dhk who've joined us since we launched the series in 2024. https://bit.ly/4cuHmeF

Part of 10N Collective created by Egis Group.

21/08/2026

Throughout the year, dhk colleagues attend and speak at various development conferences hosted across Africa. One of these is the ZIMREAL Property Investment Forum, which is taking place on 26 August at the Hyatt Regency Harare. Our colleagues Peter Fehrsen and Guy Briggs will be attending.

This year, Guy will join a panel discussion on value addition and creation in Zimbabwean real estate. The panellists will look at how developers, pension funds and professional teams can work together to create unique assets that enhance customer experience and revenue. Guy will draw on his expertise in regeneration, social upliftment through environmental design and the design of sustainable cities. His perspective is especially relevant given dhk's current work on a large-scale masterplanning project in Harare, consolidating a series of sites into a connected, mixed-use commercial and residential environment. We are working on several other projects in Zimbabwe, too.

Now in its sixth year, ZIMREAL has established itself as Zimbabwe's premier property investment forum. After years of navigating currency reform, inflationary pressure and rebuilding institutional confidence, organisers say the country's property and capital markets are generating momentum, creating strong conditions for development to progress. Register to join the conversations https://zimreal.com/

Photograph: Andrina Darja

Part of 10N Collective created by Egis Group.

19/08/2026

We recently revisited our archive of unbuilt work and found a project that, despite never being realised, showcases our expertise in reinvigorating urban areas through precinct-led design.

The landmark mixed-use development, led by our team in Johannesburg, was conceived as part of a broader urban regeneration vision. The proposal sought to transform the area through new investment, high-quality public spaces and enhanced pedestrian connectivity. It incorporated premium retail, office space and, in one iteration, a hotel. The scheme included interventions to strengthen the spatial structure, improve vehicular and pedestrian movement, expand the public realm and landscape network and create active edges.

Part of 10N Collective created by Egis Group.

18/08/2026

Nathaniel Wakefield joined our Johannesburg studio in January this year. With 30 years of experience, his appointment as Senior Associate bolsters our leadership team. His mandate includes coordinating and delivering technical documentation and site administration, while strengthening information flow between concept design, detailed design and construction stages. His role also encompasses business development, training and development, and senior-level operational and office management responsibilities.

Since joining dhk, he has been involved in the flagship Olympus mixed-use development in Sandton and the commercial building at 20 Rosebank within the Oxford Parks precinct, both in Johannesburg. We managed to carve out some time in his schedule to discuss his architectural career, what drew him to dhk, his current role and a little bit about his interests outside of work. Read the full story here: https://www.dhk.co.za/journal/in-conversation-with-dhk-senior-associate-nathaniel-wakefield

Images 1&4:

Part of 10N Collective created by Egis Group.

17/08/2026

Every person at dhk plays a key role in our success as a leading architectural practice. Today we tip our hats to Studio Manager Natasha Geils who leads dhk's administrative team, the engine that supports studio operations. Tash, as she’s affectionately called, is the Studio Manager and PA to Chairman Derick Henstra. She joined dhk in 2012 and has since become a longstanding and trusted presence within the studio.

Tash executes her twin roles effortlessly, thanks to her extensive experience and understanding of the studio's operations. Read the full story below for more on our small army of supporters capable of powering the studio’s daily operations, managing talent and maintaining long-term financial health. https://www.dhk.co.za/journal/the-team-behind-the-team

14/08/2026

City Park | MAMA Shelter Cape Town, in the heart of the CBD, is approaching completion.

It's exciting to see how closely the development matches the renders, translated from sketch to reality. Practical completion inspections are now underway and our teams report that the bold design moves have come to life as intended. Fit-outs for the branded residences and hotel rooms are well advanced and the Bree Street Plaza is taking shape. We can already see how it’ll be a new social destination in one of Cape Town’s most vibrant urban corridors.

While the project isn't yet complete, our teams can see the details coming together to transform the former hospital into a vibrant and playful destination. This even includes the striking creative elements introduced throughout the parking levels. These designs have been created by our graphic design team. Full project details below - including our adaptive reuse and heritage conservation design response. https://www.dhk.co.za/projects/city-park-at-111-bree-street-mama-shelter-hotel-and-residences

Part of 10N Collective created by Egis Group.

11/08/2026

Spotted: 35 Lower Long, caught mid-commute this week. There's something special about seeing our work woven into everyday life. Glimpses of a building caught on the way to work, a reflection in a window spotted while grabbing coffee, or a facade in view when you’re looking just up at the right moment.

Thanks to dhk new joiner Khumalo Mhlakaza for sharing this shot.

Have you spotted one of our buildings in your day-to-day? Share your snapshot with us, tag us or drop it in the comments. We'd love to see the our local and global projects through your eyes.

Part of 10N Collective created by Egis Group.

09/08/2026

On 9 August 1956, 20 000 women marched together to make their voices heard, fighting for a better world for everyone. It’s a date we commemorate every year on Women’s Day in South Africa. That same spirit lives on in the women at dhk who are blazing their own trail, designing to improve lives in our cities. We celebrate them not just today, but every day.

PS: If you’d like to work with these incredible women, we’re hiring.

Part of created by .

06/08/2026

Great design is only as good as….Our answer? The team behind the design team: studio ops, people + culture, and finance; the behind-the-scenes specialists who keep everything moving so designers can focus on the work.

Now your turn: fill in the blank in the comments.

(One word or a sentence, anything goes.)

Full piece: https://www.dhk.co.za/journal/the-team-behind-the-team

Part of 10N Collective created by Egis Group.

Address

66 Waterkant Street
Cape Town
8001

Website

http://www.dhk.co.za/

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