What areas do you work in?

Brian is based in Cape Town and works mainly on the Atlantic Seaboard, and takes on projects for residential clients, developers and organisations across South Africa.

What does a Principal Agent do?

Under the JBCC building contract, the Principal Agent administers the contract on the client’s behalf: issuing instructions, managing the professional team, certifying payments and inspecting the work so the building is completed to the required standard.

Can you help with an existing house rather than a new build?

Yes. A large part of Brian’s work since 2012 has been extensive alterations and additions to existing homes, from redesigning a living level to adding whole floors.

Does sustainable design cost more?

Some measures add to the initial cost, but the aim is a building that uses less energy and water, so monthly running costs fall over its lifespan. Brian will talk through where the payback is on your project.

My roof leaks and nobody can find the cause. Can you help?

Yes. Technical consulting covers diagnosing leaks, damp and defective details, specifying the fix, getting it priced and overseeing the remedial work until it’s properly done.

Services – Brian Bernhardt Architect

Four services, one accountable architect.

I create a working environment conducive to effective collaboration between the contractor and the professional team, and strive for seamless project management throughout construction. My job is to ensure that no matter how complex the build or alteration, it is completed to the highest standard achievable.

Architecture

Full architectural services from initial concept design through to detailed documentation for council approval, contractor tendering and construction. Brian acts as Principal Agent under the standard JBCC building contract, ensuring the building is completed to the required standard and in compliance with national energy regulations.

Concept and sketch design
Council submission drawings
Tender and construction documentation
Principal Agent under the JBCC contract

Discuss an architecture project

Project management

Project management services for new buildings, as well as alterations and additions, with JBCC contract administration provided for the duration of the project.

Managing the tender process
Contractor and subcontractor appointments
Overseeing on-site construction
Quality control through to final inspection

Discuss project management

Technical consulting

Investigation and resolution of construction and design failures, including issues such as leaking roofs, damp and defective building details.

Diagnosing the problem
Developing practical solutions
Documentation for contractor pricing
Overseeing the remedial work

Report a building problem

Sustainable building and services

Advice on sustainable building techniques to reduce a building's carbon footprint over its lifespan, working closely with service consultants to optimise electrical, mechanical and water systems.

Lower-carbon construction methods
Optimised electrical, HVAC and water systems
National energy-efficiency compliance
Lower long-term running costs

Plan a sustainable build

Five stages from first meeting to handover.

Consultation

We meet on site to understand your brief, budget, timeline and the site's constraints.

Concept design

Sketch proposals explore layout, orientation, materials and sustainable strategies.

Approvals and documentation

Drawings are prepared for council approval, then detailed for tender and construction.

Tender and appointment

Contractors price the work and Brian helps you appoint the right team under the JBCC contract.

Construction and handover

Brian oversees the site, resolves issues as they arise and signs off quality at final inspection.

Architectural services, concept to completion.