09/09/2026
WHERE IT BEGAN
Olivehill Architects was founded by Irma van der Walt on 6 September 2006, after she returned to South Africa following a period working as an architect in Ireland.
The practice began modestly—in the bedroom of our two-bedroom flat. There was no large office, established team or impressive project portfolio. There was simply a place to work, professional experience, determination and the ambition to build a practice founded on good architecture and dependable service.
From those small beginnings, Olivehill gradually grew: one project, one relationship and one opportunity at a time.
Twenty years later, we remain proud of where the journey began—and grateful to everyone who helped us take the next step.
