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DMV ARCHITECTURE AIMS for continuous development within the office through the exploration of space making. We take great pride in the buildings we produce. Our Architecture is rooted in modernist planning principles but is expressed in a timeless aesthetic.

Practice

We believe Architecture is a part of the environment and needs to be developed through the careful design and consideration of the surrounding context. This is achieved by understanding, exploring and implementing the fundamental principles that result in good design.

We believe that a successful building will evoke a sense of emotion upon the user that will automatically showcase the hierarchy of the space, thereby creating a feeling of fulfillment not only for the architect but even more so for our clients.

Aim
Our goal is simple – to turn ideas into architecture that endures.
Every project begins with a clear intent: to understand the client’s vision, explore its potential, and transform it into a design that feels both timeless and tangible. We distil each concept down to its essence, balancing creativity with practicality, and ensuring every detail serves a purpose.
By aligning vision, budget and buildability from the outset, we create spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply functional, creating architecture that resonates with those who experience it and stands gracefully over time.

Clients
Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do.
Our clients trust us to interpret their needs and challenge the ordinary. Together, we develop a clear brief, define priorities, and shape a project that reflects who they are and how they live or work.
From concept to completion, from design and documentation, to approvals, and on-site coordination, we manage every detail so the process feels as seamless as the result.

Our approach

We’d love to talk with you about our unique approach. We help forward-thinking clients succeed in their projects, taking an idea and turning it into great architecture.

No two clients are ever the same, and neither are our designs. Whether it’s a coastal retreat or a commercial space, we approach every project with the belief that each client’s story is unique, deserving a design response crafted specifically around their vision and way of life.

Our philosophy is simple: Led by Experience. Driven by Design. Built Together.

It’s this approach that ensures every space we design reflects both its environment and the people who frequent it.

Services

At DMV Architecture, we follow the professional framework set out by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).

These six stages guide every project from the very first conversation to the moment you move in, ensuring your design journey is structured, transparent, and seamless from start to finish.

Stage 1: Inception
Every project starts with a conversation.
We take time to understand your needs, your site, your lifestyle, and your budget. Together, we define the brief, outline the scope, and identify any consultants or approvals that may be required. This sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Stage 2: Concept & Viability
This is where ideas take shape.
We explore design concepts, spatial layouts, and materials — testing what’s possible on your site and within your budget. The aim is to turn your vision into a clear and achievable design direction.

Stage 3: Design Development
Your design becomes a reality on paper.
We refine the chosen concept, develop the details, coordinate with engineers and other consultants, and confirm specifications. By the end of this stage, you’ll have a well-defined design that’s ready for documentation and submission.

Stage 4: Documentation & Procurement
Here, the technical work begins.
We prepare all drawings and documents required for council submission and approval. Once approved, we compile detailed construction drawings and specifications — ensuring every element of your project is ready for accurate costing, tendering, and construction.

Stage 5: Construction
From plans to progress.
We remain involved throughout the build, conducting site visits, reviewing workmanship, and ensuring the design is executed as intended. We liaise with contractors and consultants, helping to resolve queries and maintain quality control from start to finish.

Stage 6: Close-Out
The final chapter — and one of the most rewarding.
We carry out final inspections, confirm that all work meets specifications, compile the defects list, and assist with obtaining your occupation certificate. The result: a completed project that’s ready to be lived in, loved, and enjoyed.

Our directors

Dal Venables

PRINCIPAL // FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

If Dal were a dog, he’d be an Italian Greyhound—full of fizz, impossible to slow down and bouncing around for absolutely no reason. His energy levels are questionable, but undeniably infectious. And even if he could see every colour of the rainbow, his favourite would still, somehow, be yellow.

Neal Fisher

PRINCIPAL // DIRECTOR

With a laugh that is undeniably distinct—and can be heard from the parking lot—meet Neal. His inner cocker spaniel shines through on a daily basis, all cheerful energy and an ear-to-ear grin, making him one of the most recognisable personalities in the office.

Our team

THE HUMANS
BEHIND
THE HARD HATS.

Pieter Boshoff

3D ARTIST // SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

SACAP CAT 40851210

Robert Walters

CANDIDATE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

SACAP CAT 12345678

Julius Grobbelaar

TECHNICAL MANAGER // SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

SACAP PSAT 29362245

Jonathan L’Ange

PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT

SACAP PRARCH 68744972

DESIGN IS WHAT WE DO.
COLLABORATION IS
HOW WE DO IT.

Megan Liebenberg

INTERN ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

Sarah Rawstron

MARKETING // CLIENT LIAISON

Emmilia Karantges

CANDIDATE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

SACAP CAT 12345678

Catherine Upton

INTERN ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

A TEAM YOU CAN
COUNT ON TO
GET IT DONE.

Arno Erasmus

SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

SACAP PSAT 64881520

Chanelle Koopman

CANDIDATE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

SACAP CAT 12345678

Stian Terhoeven

PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT

SACAP PRARCH 69548628

Roche Merrick

SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

SACAP PSAT 38139431

BECAUSE YOUR STORY
IS UNIQUE,
YOUR ARCHITECTURE
SHOULD BE TOO.

Deone Geldenhuys

AI RESEARCH SPECIALIST // INTERIOR DESIGNER

Media & Publications

SYNC – Architect & Builder
Project 441 – Home Owner
Project 117 – Home
The Elvee – Scape Short-List Edition
The Elvee – Architect & Builder
Project 115 – Home
Pearson Music Centre of Excellence – Architect & Builder
The Elvee – Architect & Builder
Project 11669 – The Insider
The 1054 – SA Building Review
Project 59/485 – SA Building Review
Project 11669 – Visi
Grass Roof Contain Yourself – Food & Home
Project 11669 – Home
Project 11669 – The Herald
Project 11669 – Earthworks

September 2025
June 2025
November 2024
September 2024
March 2023
June 2022
September 2022
September 2021
November 2020
January 2020
January 2020
Apr/May 2019
December 2018
September 2018
May 2018
Oct/Nov 2016

Awards

124 SFL – SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture – Regional Award
239 SFL – SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture – Commendation
441 SFL – SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture – Regional Award
The Elvee – SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture – Regional Award
2689 Walmer – SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture – Commendation
115 SFL – SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture – Commendation
Bloomingdales – Corobrik SAIA National Awards – Commendation
Bloomingdales – SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture – Regional Award
The 1054 – SAISC Steel Awards – Metal Cladding Winner
11669 Walmer – Corobrik SAIA National Awards – Commendation
11669 Walmer – SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture – Regional Award
214 Graaff-Reinet – SAIA-EC Awards for Architecture – Regional Award

2025
2025
2022
2022
2022
2021
2021
2021
2019
2018
2017
2017

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