Brian Bernhardt Architect, Cape Town
Buildings that become a legacy.
Sustainable architecture for homes, apartments and offices across Cape Town and the Atlantic Seaboard, taken from first sketch to final inspection by one architect with 30 years in practice.
30 years, concept to completion
Atlantic Seaboard
New-build residences and major alterations since 2012.
30 years
as a practising project architect
Since 2012
focused on Atlantic Seaboard residences
JBCC
Principal Agent and contract administration
SANS 10400-XA
energy-efficiency compliance on every build
Why clients choose Brian
Creativity and building science, in one pair of hands.
Timeless buildings happen where good design meets sound technical judgement. That's the ground Brian has worked on for three decades.
One point of accountability
As Principal Agent under the JBCC contract, Brian manages the contractor and professional team so decisions, quality and programme sit with one person.
Designed for its climate and site
Construction techniques and technology chosen to suit the place, so the building works with its environment rather than against it.
Lower running costs for life
Electrical, mechanical and water systems optimised with the service engineers to cut monthly bills over the building's lifespan.
From concept design to final inspection.
See all services and how it worksArchitecture
Concept design through council approval, tender and construction documentation.
Project management
Tendering, appointments, site oversight and JBCC contract administration for new builds and alterations.
Technical consulting
Diagnosis and repair of leaking roofs, damp and defective building details.
Sustainable building and services
Lower-carbon construction and optimised building services that meet national energy regulations.
Homes shaped by the Cape coastline.
View the full portfolio
Bantry Bay residence
New build. A family home stepped down the slope to hold the sea view from every level.
Camps Bay villa
Alterations and additions. A dated house reworked around a new pool terrace and open living level.
Fresnaye living level
Renovation. Walls removed and glazing enlarged to bring morning light deep into the plan.
Corporate headquarters
Commercial. Delivered with a leading national practice for a corporate client.
Client words
What working with Brian is like.
“Brian kept the builder, the engineers and us on the same page for eighteen months. We moved in on time and the house performs exactly as he said it would.”
Homeowner, Bantry Bay new build
“Two other professionals couldn't find the source of our leak. Brian diagnosed it in one visit, documented the fix and made sure it was done properly.”
Homeowner, Sea Point remedial works
“His sustainability advice paid for itself. Our running costs are a fraction of what we budgeted, and the building sits beautifully on the site.”
Developer, Atlantic Seaboard apartments
About Brian
Thirty years at the intersection of creativity and science.
Brian has always seen buildings as more than structures: a concrete legacy for the generations that follow.
After practising with some of South Africa's most prestigious architectural firms, he has worked on a broad range of buildings across the country's climates and regions, and since 2012 has concentrated on the Atlantic Seaboard's most distinctive residential properties.
Read Brian's storyPlanning a new home, alteration or office?
Tell Brian about your site and what you'd like to build. The first conversation is about your goals, your budget and what's possible.