Process

When working with heritage architecture, we’re often asked: What’s the difference between preservation and conservation? The two are closely linked, yet their philosophies shape how we approach the old buildings that define Cape Town’s urban fabric.

Human – AI – human. That’s our workflow. Artificial intelligence has entered nearly every industry, and architecture is no exception. Over the past few months, our team has explored what AI might mean for us, testing tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Nano Banana, and Spacio AI. The experience has been equally fascinating and humbling.

Every architect knows that dealing with municipal councils can be one of the most challenging aspects of the job. What should be a straightforward process of aligning on standards and ensuring compliance often turns into a lengthy, confusing, and sometimes adversarial experience.

Converting heritage buildings into contemporary apartments or aparthotels is never a straightforward exercise. Each structure comes with its own physical, regulatory, and spatial constraints, and no two buildings respond the same way to reuse. Every conversion should be treated as its own bespoke design challenge, while working closely with developers to balance heritage value with modern needs.

In architecture, success is rarely the work of one. No matter how simple or complex, every project is a chain of interdependent professionals, contractors, consultants, and suppliers, each link playing a vital role in holding the whole together. But there’s a catch: a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Navigating the heritage approvals process in the Western Cape has long been a challenge for architects and developers alike. While the importance of preserving our built heritage is evident, the procedures involved can be time-consuming, unpredictable, and sometimes frustratingly subjective.