The Architectural Cubicle

The Architectural Cubicle A unique practice with over 4 decades of experience in Design Development and Documentation of building projects.

When planning a new home, it’s easy to focus on the things you can see.The kitchen. The flooring. The bathroom finishes....
21/09/2026

When planning a new home, it’s easy to focus on the things you can see.

The kitchen. The flooring. The bathroom finishes. The lighting.

But some of the most important decisions are made long before those details are chosen.

One of them is orientation.

Orientation is about how your home is positioned on the site in relation to the sun, prevailing weather, views and surrounding properties.

Getting it right can help you make better use of natural light, improve comfort, encourage natural ventilation and manage heat gain.

These are benefits you experience every day, regardless of changing styles or trends.

A kitchen can be upgraded. Floors can be replaced. Finishes can be changed.

But once your home is built, its fundamental orientation is difficult to change.

Good residential design isn't only about how a home looks.

It's about making the right decisions about how it will work and feel long before construction begins.

Would there be fewer empty office and commercial buildings if they had been designed differently?It's an interesting que...
14/09/2026

Would there be fewer empty office and commercial buildings if they had been designed differently?

It's an interesting question.

Buildings are often designed around a particular need, tenant, business model or way of working.

A building that worked perfectly 15 or 20 years ago may no longer suit the way people work, shop or do business today.

And that's something architects and property owners need to think about when planning buildings now.

Not because we can predict exactly what the future will look like, but because we know it will change.

The buildings that can accommodate different uses, changing tenant requirements and new ways of working are more likely to remain useful and relevant over time.

For architects, this means thinking beyond the immediate brief.

For property owners, it means considering not only what a building needs to do today, but what options it might need to provide tomorrow.

We may not be able to design for every possible future.

But we can design with the possibility of change in mind.

A commercial building may be designed for one purpose today.But what happens five, ten or twenty years from now?Retail s...
07/09/2026

A commercial building may be designed for one purpose today.

But what happens five, ten or twenty years from now?

Retail spaces change.
Tenants change.
Technology changes.
The way people use buildings changes.

Adaptability should be considered from the beginning of a project.

Good commercial architecture can allow for:

• Spaces to be reconfigured as tenant requirements change
• Services and infrastructure to accommodate new technology
• Layouts that can support different uses over time
• Future upgrades without unnecessary disruption
• Changes that extend the useful life of the building

A building that can adapt is more likely to remain functional, relevant and valuable for much longer.

Why does experience matter in architecture?It isn't simply about how many years you've been doing the job.Over four deca...
31/08/2026

Why does experience matter in architecture?

It isn't simply about how many years you've been doing the job.

Over four decades, we've seen a lot change:

• Building regulations have evolved
• Construction methods have improved
• Technology has changed how buildings are designed and documented
• The way people use buildings has changed
• Retail and property trends have come and gone

But perhaps the most valuable part of experience is what you learn along the way.
You learn to look beyond the drawing.

You start to recognise potential problems earlier. You know which details need more attention. You understand that a decision made during design can have consequences during construction, maintenance, and the long-term use of a building.

Experience also teaches you that there isn't always one right solution.

Every site, client and project has its own requirements.

That's why we believe experience isn't about having all the answers.

It's about knowing what questions to ask, what to look out for, and when something needs closer attention.

And ultimately, using that experience to help clients make better decisions about their projects.

You don't need to have your new home or renovation completely figured out. That's part of what your architect is there t...
24/08/2026

You don't need to have your new home or renovation completely figured out. That's part of what your architect is there to help with.

But a little preparation can make the first conversation much more useful.

Before your meeting, think about:

• What isn't working now?
For a renovation, identify the spaces, layouts or features that are frustrating you.

• How do you want to live?
Think about your lifestyle, routines, entertaining, family needs, privacy and how you actually use your home.

• What do you want to achieve?
More space? Better flow? An additional bedroom? Indoor-outdoor living? A complete change to the way the home works?

• What do you already know about the property?
Bring any existing plans, previous drawings, photographs, property information or documentation you have.

• What are your priorities?
You may not know exactly what everything will cost, but be honest about what matters most to you and where you are prepared to compromise.

• What have you seen that you like?
Photos, examples and ideas can help your architect understand your preferences, even if you can't describe the style yourself.

And perhaps most importantly, come prepared to talk.

The first stage of good residential design is understanding the client, the lifestyle, the property and the brief.

At The Architectural Cubicle, we believe better design starts with better understanding.

Walk into a well-designed shopping centre and you probably notice the things that are meant to be noticed.The finishes.T...
17/08/2026

Walk into a well-designed shopping centre and you probably notice the things that are meant to be noticed.

The finishes.
The shopfronts.
The open spaces.
The natural light.

But there is a lot of architecture you probably never think about.

• How pedestrians move through the building without creating congestion
• How deliveries get in and out without disrupting visitors
• How fire escape routes are planned and remain accessible
• How people find their way around without constantly needing signs
• How natural light is brought into the right spaces
• How building services are integrated without becoming visually intrusive
• How the building can adapt when its needs change in the future

Good architecture isn't always about creating something that demands attention.

Sometimes it's about creating a building where everything simply works.

From an architect's perspective, site supervision is about helping to ensure the workmanship reflects the quality and in...
11/08/2026

From an architect's perspective, site supervision is about helping to ensure the workmanship reflects the quality and intent of the approved design.

During construction, we assess aspects such as:

• The quality of workmanship
• Compliance with the approved architectural drawings
• The accuracy of important construction details
• The integration of finishes and building elements
• Potential issues that can be addressed before they become costly to rectify

This service can be included across the range of projects we undertake, whether it's a private residence, a private school, a shopping centre, a commercial building, or a residential estate.

Why do some homes feel so good to live in, while others feel like something is off?Often, it comes down to how well the ...
03/08/2026

Why do some homes feel so good to live in, while others feel like something is off?

Often, it comes down to how well the home was designed around the people living in it.

Good residential design is not just about appearance. It’s about how the house works:

• How you move through the spaces
• How natural light enters the home
• How private areas are separated
• How indoor and outdoor spaces connect
• How the home responds to the site

We spend time understanding the property owner before design begins because the best homes are shaped around real lifestyles, not generic layouts.

What do large commercial developments teach us about good architecture?After decades of working on complex commercial pr...
27/07/2026

What do large commercial developments teach us about good architecture?

After decades of working on complex commercial projects, one thing has remained constant: the principles of good architecture don't change with the size of the project.

Some of the most valuable lessons include:

• People come first. Good design begins by understanding how people move through and interact with a building.

• Function is just as important as appearance. A building should support the people who use it every day, not simply make a good first impression.

• Design for the future. Buildings should be flexible enough to adapt as needs change over time.

• Details matter. Small design decisions can have a lasting impact on durability, maintenance, and the overall performance of a building.

• Success is measured over time. The best buildings continue to function well long after construction has been completed.

Whether you're reconfiguring office space, upgrading a retail store, expanding a warehouse, or modernising an existing b...
20/07/2026

Whether you're reconfiguring office space, upgrading a retail store, expanding a warehouse, or modernising an existing building, renovations often involve far more than cosmetic changes.

An architect can help when:

• The layout needs to better support your business operations
• Structural changes are being considered
• Municipal approvals are required
• Existing spaces need to comply with current building regulations
• You want to maximise the value and functionality of the property

Perhaps most importantly, an architect helps ensure the new work integrates seamlessly with the existing building. This means considering everything from circulation and accessibility to natural light, services, and future flexibility.

If you're considering renovating a commercial property, let’s chat early in the process to help you make informed decisions before construction begins.

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Johannesburg

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Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
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