SAOTA

SAOTA SAOTA is an award-winning architecture firm with a global footprint of projects on 6 continents.
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This is SAOTA's official page where you will find news and information about us and the way that we work.

25/08/2026

SAOTA40 | Four Decades of Learning

Reflecting on SAOTA’s Design Thinking
 
“Any project we approach, we don’t come with a preset assumption. Our process is to critically investigate that particular site or that particular project and that particular area and region first, before we draw a single line on paper.”
 
As part of our Four Decades of Learning series, Senior Associate Kerian Robertson reflects on the design thinking that has remained constant throughout SAOTA’s evolution. Beyond form or style, each project begins with a process of investigation, seeking the defining idea that gives a project meaning and shapes every design decision that follows.
 
As we celebrate 40 years of SAOTA, we look back at the principles that continue to inform the way we design.
 

Congratulations to our colleagues on their 2026 promotions. These appointments recognise the talent, commitment, and lea...
21/08/2026

Congratulations to our colleagues on their 2026 promotions.
 
These appointments recognise the talent, commitment, and leadership they bring to the practice, as well as their meaningful contribution to the projects, teams and studio culture that define SAOTA.
 
We look forward to seeing their continued growth and the role they will play in shaping the practice in the years ahead.

Aethalia, Elba, Italy Currently under construction on the island of Elba, Aethalia is a family retreat embedded within a...
19/08/2026

Aethalia, Elba, Italy
 
Currently under construction on the island of Elba, Aethalia is a family retreat embedded within a steep, densely vegetated site overlooking the Mediterranean.
 
Largely concealed from the sea, the house opens towards the bay and horizon. The main villa reinterprets the Roman villa as a courtyard house, with two wings connected by a planted central court that draws landscape and light deep into the plan. Granite-clad planes reference the island’s quarries and layered hillside settlements, while a solid granite plinth anchors the house to the terrain. Above, the living spaces and pool form a lighter pavilion that rises over the tree canopy and extends towards the Mediterranean.
 
SAOTA Project Team: Phillippe Fouché, Dani Reimers, Lizaan Alberts, Sean Mash, Karen Lambert
Interior Architecture: _arrcc
Project Manager: AEI Progetti
Contractor: Stefano Squarci, Leonardo Cardelli & Alessio Agarini
Landscape Design: Tobias Bucher
Architect of Record: AEI Progetti

17/08/2026

As part of SAOTA’s Student Internship Programme, interns visited Kloof House for a guided tour led by SAOTA Principal Greg Truen.
 
Reflecting on the project, Greg explained: “The experience of the house can’t be understood from the outside; it’s only when you move through it that the space reveals itself.”
 
Experiencing the home alongside its architect gave students a first-hand understanding of the ideas behind the design, from its relationship with the surrounding landscape to the way space, structure, and light shape the journey through the house.
 
By opening completed projects to the next generation of architects, the internship programme creates meaningful opportunities to connect architectural education with professional practice, offering insights that extend beyond the studio and into the built environment.

14/08/2026

SAOTA40 | Four Decades of Learning
 
Reflecting on Design Shaped by Collaboration
 
“You have to have various voices with various backgrounds and various understandings of the built environment to help you build something that’s meaningful.”
 
As part of our Four Decades of Learning series, Project Architect Lichumile Monakali reflects on the collaborative nature of architecture. Bringing together different perspectives, experiences and expertise is fundamental to shaping places that are considered, purposeful and deeply connected to the people who use them.
 
As we celebrate 40 years of SAOTA, we recognise the collective effort behind every project and the value of learning from one another.
 

Save the date for our Virtual Open Studios. Step inside the studios of SAOTA, ARRCC and OKHA for a virtual look at the p...
14/08/2026

Save the date for our Virtual Open Studios.
 
Step inside the studios of SAOTA, ARRCC and OKHA for a virtual look at the people, processes and ideas behind the work.
 
Explore the studios, hear from members of the teams and gain insight into how ideas are developed across architecture, interiors and design, followed by a live Q&A.
 
16 September 2026
15:00–16:00 SAST
 
Registration details to follow.

Sunset, Miami, USA A carefully considered L-shaped plan lifts and pivots this Sunset Island residence toward the water, ...
11/08/2026

Sunset, Miami, USA
 
A carefully considered L-shaped plan lifts and pivots this Sunset Island residence toward the water, directing views across the bay while turning away from the surrounding marina and high-rise context.
 
From the restrained arrival sequence to the sail-inspired roof form, the home choreographs movement, light and view, creating an architectural experience that feels both calm and connected to its surroundings.
 
SAOTA Project Team: Mark Bullivant, Edward Peinke, Peter Harel, Anesu Matsinde, Lichumile Monakali
Architect of Record: The Weber Studio
Client Rep: ACA
Interior Designer: PARLOR INTERIORS
General Contractor: Brodson Construction
Structural Engineer: Solver Structural Partnerships
Civil Engineer: Ocean Engineering
MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing): L.Triana & Associates
Lighting Design: Lux Populi
Photographer: Adam Letch

07/08/2026

SAOTA40 | Four Decades of Learning
 
Learning Through Practice
 
“Curiosity is key, so asking questions and giving ideas are pivotal to unlocking projects and moving ideas forward.”
 
As part of our Four Decades of Learning series, Senior Associate Philip Bartman reflects on the value of curiosity, perseverance and the lessons that emerge through the design process. From asking the right questions to empowering the next generation of architects, he shares why growth is shaped not only by the projects we deliver, but by the people we learn alongside.
 
As we celebrate 40 years of SAOTA, we reflect on the experiences that continue to shape the studio.
 

Sunset, Miami, USA Bordering the canal on Sunset Island, this residence presents a sculptural response to its layered co...
05/08/2026

Sunset, Miami, USA
 
Bordering the canal on Sunset Island, this residence presents a sculptural response to its layered coastal context, carefully balancing privacy with expansive views across the water.
 
Elevated above the canal in response to Miami’s proactive approach to resiliency and rising water levels, the home opens toward sunset views across the bay while preserving privacy from passing boats. Environmental responsiveness and architectural expression become one.
 
SAOTA Project Team: Mark Bullivant, Edward Peinke, Peter Harel, Anesu Matsinde, Lichumile Monakali
Architect of Record: The Weber Studio
Client Rep: ACA
Interior Designer: PARLOR INTERIORS
General Contractor: Brodson Construction
Structural Engineer: Solver Structural Partnerships
Civil Engineer: Ocean Engineering
MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing): L.Triana & Associates
Lighting Design: Lux Populi
Photographer: Adam Letch

04/08/2026

SAOTA’s 9Miles Learning Centre has received a WAFX Award in the Power & Justice category at the World Architecture Festival 2026.
 
The WAFX Awards recognise future projects that respond to the key challenges shaping architecture, society, and the planet. Presented ahead of the festival, they celebrate forward-thinking proposals that demonstrate architecture’s capacity to address global issues.
 
Recognised in the Power & Justice category, 9Miles Learning Centre has also been shortlisted in the Future Projects: Education category at the World Architecture Festival.
 
The project will be presented to an international jury at the World Architecture Festival in Miami this November.
 
SAOTA Project Team: Mark Bullivant, Peter Harel, Edward Peike, Enran Frankenfeld, Lichumile Monakali, Kiara Skors, Alex Pienaar, Janka van Zyl
Artwork: YAY ABE

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