This January, and back by demand, we re-present The SCAPE 100 issue. This isn’t just any 100 list — this is THE list that celebrates 100 influencers who are shaping the world of design, architecture, and interiors. From visionary designers to iconic architects, taste makers, artists, and makers, this issue is your definitive guide to the trailblazers who are key contributors to the future of the industry. We’re honouring the importance of issues like these because, amidst our busy lives and the serious content we explore through our curated issues, recognition matters.
Disclaimer: This issue is curated in no particular order. It doesn’t discredit the hundreds of exceptional architects and designers from issues past and future. It’s simply a means of showcasing the people and firms we’ve been watching — and we’ve been so thrilled with what we’ve seen that we want to share these industry leaders with you!

26. BERNICE RUMBLE
Founder, Land Art Studio
Salt Rock
Bernice is on a mission to create harmonious, resilient, and delightful destinations. For over 12 years, her landscape architecture firm Land Art Studio has been igniting conversations about the power of nature, culture, and beauty in placemaking. From her base in Salt Rock, KwaZulu-Natal, Bernice leads a team dedicated to the unexpected, yielding spaces that inspire wellness, joy, and a profound reconnection with the world around us. Whether sketching concepts or exploring the nuances of a site, Bernice’s passion for weaving the natural and the designed shines through in every project that bears the Land Art Studio imprint.
Photography by Wild Goat Marketing
27. MARLON JAMES INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Interior Architecture Firm
Cape Town
Marlon James is on a journey of making waves in the design industry, most recently featured in Dezeen for the curation of the Africa Chair Exhibition at Design Week South Africa. The firm was founded in 2023 by Marlon Leggat after having designed a host of noteworthy retail and hospitality spaces around Cape Town — including Bree Street’s Rosetta Roastery —and ahead of the completion of his first large-scale project. The studio’s inaugural residential project, House Deauville, has garnered local and international attention, being featured in titles such as Architectural Digest Germany, Elle Decoration UK, and House and Leisure — a fitting feat for a studio that is making its mark as one to watch.
Photography by Elsa Young


28. FABIO PELLACINI
Garden Designer, Watson Pellacini Garden Design Studio
Cape Town
In the nuanced world of landscape design, Fabio Pellacini — an Italian architect turned garden designer — has forged a distinctive path. After relocating to South Africa in 2016, he partnered with the celebrated Franchesca Watson, transforming garden design through an intuitive approach that transcends rigid architectural conventions. Their collaboration, Watson Pellacini Garden Design, crafts sophisticated landscapes that eloquently dialogue with nature, marrying aesthetic refinement with ecological sensitivity.
Photography by Alessandro Iovino
29. TOSIN OSHINOWO
Founder and Architect, Oshinowo Studio
Lagos
With great insights into socially-responsive approaches to urbanism, Tosin prioritises a vision of architecture and design that is bigger than creating objects and spaces, underscoring a more equitable and expansive vision for the future. Tosin’s firm, Oshinowo Studio, has undertaken a number of significant projects, including the design of the Maryland Mall, the adidas flagship store in Lagos, and the Bahai Templein Kinshasa. She was named one of the 50 most powerful women in architecture and design by Dezeen for International Women’s Day 2024 — an appropriate title for her status as a highly-respected industry figure.
Photography by Spark Creative


30. PHILIP BARTMAN
Senior Associate and Architect, SAOTA
Cape Town
To say that Philip has what it takes is an understatement. His career launched after graduating in 2010 with his Master’s in Architecture from the University of the Free State. Fast forward 14 years and Philip ended2024 off with a BANG, sitting on the judging panel for the World Architecture Festival in Singapore, as well as being a member of the SAOTA team that won the category Future Projects – House for Meru, a luxury home in Kenya. No stranger to WAF, his team’s housing proposal, Neurlȁnder Quarry (Hamburg), received a highly commended mention in 2018. In 2022, he co-presented ‘One’ in Portugal, a proposal for a High-End Multi-Residential building based in Dakar. Philip’s extensive travels across Africa, South America, the Middle East, India, and Europe for a diverse range of projects make him eager to skilfully reinterpret local vernacular in a contemporary way. Having featured on the local television show ‘Die Argitekte’ in 2023, you could say this Bo-Kaap-based guy’s influence is making him a household name, and he’s not set to slowdown any time soon.
31. GIOVANNI PIVETTA
Director and Architect, Peerutin Karol
Cape Town
A transplant from Italy’s architectural heartland, Giovanni Pivetta is one of the dynamic directors shepherding Peerutin Karol’s design narrative with an international flair that leaves us inspired. Since moving across continents in 2014,he has transformed high-end residential and commercial projects, bringing a European sensibility that bridges diverse cultural landscapes


32. NICOLA CHIDYAONGA
Candidate Landscape Architect, Yes& Studio
Cape Town
Nicola Chidyaonga takes the term ‘inter-disciplinary designer’ to a new level. Her career began with a BA in Interior Design from Michigan State University and evolved to her pursuing an education in Landscape Architecture as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar in 2022. Nicola’s career is now taking strides, having joined the esteemed landscape architecture firm Yes& Studio and being an active member of ILASA. With a passion for ecological design, social justice, and community-driven design and de-velopment, her ethos shines brightly through contributions like volunteering for her community in Malawi by planning and facilitating programmes for the International Conservation Clean-up Management (ICCM).
33. GEORG VAN GASS
Founder and Director, GASS Architecture Studios
Johannesburg and Cape Town
Georg founded GASS Architecture Studios in 2005 with a simple yet powerful goal: to create environments that speak to both the heart and the mind. Raised by an architect father and an art-loving mother, Georg was immersed in creativity from an early age — a blend of influences that now permeates every project. His designs, grounded in South Africa’s rich textures and cultural unity, are minimal yet profoundly human-centric. In 2024, GASS was honoured as the runner-up for The Sustainability Prize at the World Architecture Festival Awards for their landmark Green School South Africa project. GASS continues to craft spaces that address both practical and emotional needs, offering a refreshing take on design.


34. KOBUS TRUTER
Founder, KT-Interior Architectural Studio
Cape Town
Kobus Truter’s journey didn’t start in design — it started in the kitchen, and it shows. As the founder of KT-Interior, he brings a chef’s instinct for balance, detail, and flair to every project. His team is known for creating spaces that feel as alive as they are beautiful, whether in a home or a bustling restaurant. With a portfolio that includes beloved South African brands like Tiger’s Milk and La Parada, and the recently opened Paradiso at Monte Casino, the KT-Interior signature stamp is making its way across the country, with each project reflecting the team’s innate ability to create spaces that spark instantaneous and lasting joy.
35. LISA RORICH
Founder and Architect, Lisa Rorich Architects
Durban
When travel and architecture align, the result is the flair with which Lisa Rorich executes her designs of luxury lodges and homes. Her work is highly acclaimed across Africa; Ingwe Lodge in Zululand, Kiri Lodge in Botswana, and a villa for Blue Safari Seychelles feature on her resume, along with the design of Patrick Lambie’s home in KwaZulu-Natal.
Photography by Lar Glutz


36. AIDAN HART
Co-Founder, Managing Director, and Creative Director, Inhouse Design Studio
Cape Town
Aidan’s approach is rooted in a commitment to detail and a passion for creating spaces that feel as good as they look. Inhouse Design Studio, which Aidan co-founded with Lawrence Holmes in 2002, has grown into one of South Africa’s leading design consultancies, boasting high-profile clients such as Travelstart, Ogilvy, and Old Mutual, as well as a long-standing portfolio of collaborations with the Berman Brothers Group. From Cape Town to Johannesburg, Aidan’s designs continue to shape the built environment, blending sophistication with practicality in every project
37. ANTHONY ORELOWITZ
Founder and Director, Paragon Group
Johannesburg
As the Founding Director of Paragon Group ,Anthony has long been a defining figure in South Africa’s architectural evolution. Since founding the firm in 1997, he has overseen some of Johannesburg’s most iconic structures, from the pioneering 15 Alice Lane to the striking Sasol Place and Alexander Forbes buildings. Known for a combination of artistry and pragmatism, his work is a masterclass in shaping both the cityscape and its future. Anthony’s leadership has not just pushed boundaries; but practically leapt over them, landing spectacularly with the first-ever Architecture Firm of the Year award at the inaugural SCAPE Awards of Excellence in 2024.


38. ANNEMIE VAN DEN HEEVER
Managing Director and Founding Member, Hours Clear Architects
Cape Town
With 17 years of experience and as a founding member of Hours Clear Architects, Annemie has quickly made a name for herself in Cape Town’s design scene. Her firm’s Clarens development in Fresnaye won Residential Block of the Year at the SCAPE Awards of Excellence, reflecting her reputation for sharp, thoughtful design. Annemie thrives on complexity, effortlessly transforming multi-storey, high-end residential projects from rough concepts into polished realities. Her work blends striking details with practical functionality, focussing on reimagining urban densification to create beautiful streets and vibrant, contemporary lifestyles. Every project reflects her commitment to quality, from the nuanced details to the broader vision — redefining what modern urban living can be.
Photography by William Sheepskin
39. FYFE BOYCE DESIGN
Interior Design Studio
Cape Town and Durban
Bruce Fyfe and Kelsey Boyce are redefining timeless interior design through their signature blend of casual elegance and meticulous attention to detail. For over two decades, their East Coast-based firm, Fyfe Boyce Design, has been a leading name in both local and international design, creating bespoke spaces that reflect each client’s individuality. From luxurious boutique lodges in Zimbabwe to coastal retreats in the Bahamas, their interiors balance comfort, sophistication, and style, ensuring every space is as unique as the people it’s designed for. With the DOTY’24 Interior Designer of the Year title already secured, the future is undeniably Fyfe Boyce.
Photography by Elsa Young


40. GREG SCOTT
Founding Partner & Principal Architect, Scott + Partners
Cape Town
“I suffer from a deep love affair with potential; what excites me most about the work we get to do is how we allow ourselves to discover and unlock hidden opportunities in the making of buildings, objects, and spaces. I love the fact that when we enter a project, we are able to give ourselves over to a process without a premeditated idea of what the outcome will be; discovering solutions you did not anticipate even being possible is one of the great privileges of being a designer… and we get to do this every day.”
Photography by Kate Del Fante
41. ELPHICK PROOME ARCHITECTURE
Architecture Studio
Durban
For over 36 years, Elphick Proome Architecture has seamlessly combined innovative design with contextual understanding, resulting in a portfolio that is both diverse and acclaimed. From award-winning projects like the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, which recently took home the First Award for Transportation at the 2024 Global Architecture & Design Awards, to the GHO commercial landmark in Mauritius, their work spans the continent, leaving a lasting impact. Co-founders George Elphick and Nicholas Proome lead a team focussed on creating intelligent, sustainable solutions that contribute to the regeneration of African landscapes. Their win for the API Summit 2024 Best Mixed-Use Development Award for ENEO in Nairobi adds to a history of shaping spaces that reflect both purpose and vision. Notable contributions to KwaZulu-Natal’s shoreline, including the Radisson Blu and Oceans Mall, further underscore their ongoing influence in reshaping the region’s architectural and environmental fabric.
Photography by Maxine Elphick Photography


42. LEON VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
Director and Architect, Westhaus Architects
Cape Town
As a young and blossoming architect, Leon’s experience in the industry grew from an exceptional educational career. In addition to winning the Caesarstone Student Designer Competition in 2013,Leon’s Bachelor of Architecture Studies Thesis was recognised by Corobrik for best thesis in the Eastern Cape and placed him in the top 10 architecture theses in the country. Leon went on to draft the design guidelines for the town of Paternoster and was the youngest-ever nominated lead architect for the SAFAL Steel Awards. He won three awards at the event, including the Best Agri-Industrial Building in South Africa for the Woodridge Packhouse. A visionary in his own right, his research was then published in10 + Years 100 Projects – Architecture in a Democratic South Africa(2019). His expertise ranges from a variety of building typologies to urban design, making him adynamic figure in the industry who has earned his place on our watchlist
43. GUSTAV ROBERTS
Founder and Director, SALT Architects
Cape Town
Gustav Roberts, Director of SALT Architects, is known for creating spaces that not only respond to needs but also provoke thoughtful questions. With 16 years of experience, his career began in Windhoek, where he worked alongside Jaco Wasserfall and Paul Munting on award-winning projects. Founding SALT Architects in 2015, he follows a design philosophy of blending innovation with a deep respect for context, and has earned numerous accolades, including the 2024 Commonwealth Association of Architects Social Impact Award for Calling Academy Stellenbosch and the 2023 CIFA Award for Architecture for the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant Control and Blower House complex. In 2024, SALT was honoured with the inaugural Coverland Roof Tile Award for Excellence at the South African Institute of Architects Awards. This win led Gustav to the World Architecture Festival in Singapore, where he was inspired and left questioning how we can better balance successful urbanism with South Africa’s persistent safety and security challenges.


44. LOREDANA MORTON
Founder and Interior Designer, Loredana Morton Interiors
Cape Town
Distinct and deeply personal is the essence of the high end spaces Loredana’s boutique design studio presents. With Italian roots, design runs in her blood and informs the lifelong passion that inspires everything she does. Tapping into that Italian elegance and the vibrancy of their African context, the studio’s ethos blends modern minimalism with bold accents, drawing on natural textures, refined materials, and meaningful details. Every project is approached with care and artistry; every space is created to be unique and sophisticated.
45. GRAEME LABE
Managing Partner and Chief Design Officer, Luxury Frontiers
Johannesburg
Graeme has spent over two decades redefining the boundaries of sustainable hospitality design. His vision, steeped in biophilic and nature-centric principles, connects people to place through immersive, sensory-rich experiences. Graeme’s remarkable career includes five years living in Botswana’s bush, where he slept under the stars and tracked wildlife from his Land Rover — experiences that shape his design ethos today. Under his leadership, Luxury Frontiers has earned global recognition, with award-winning projects for Aman, Ritz-Carlton, and Four Seasons. Graeme’s work is a fusion of functional beauty and contextual relevance, making him a two-time Radical Innovation Award winner. He continues to push the frontier of sustainable luxury hospitality, earning recognition and praise from the likes of Architectural Digest, Dezeen, and Travel +Leisure along the way.


46. MALIKA WALELE
Professional Architect, dhk Architects
Cape Town
As a rising young professional in the local industry, Malika’s interest in architecture is fueled by a strong commitment to social justice and deeply rooted in the belief that design should foster togetherness and connection. After completing the Leonardo, Malika relocated to Cape Town to explore this interestas dhk’s lead on the second phase of social housing at Conradie Park. Beyond architecture, this ethos extends into her passion for photography and pottery where her focus is on the tactile and human-centred nature of the crafts. Through her work, Malika ruminates on cultural values and tradition significant to her identity and the environment around her.
47. NEAL FISHER
Director and Architect, DMV Architecture
Port Elizabeth
When Neal graduated from Nelson Mandela University 20 years ago, his passion projected him onto a mission to design spaces that allow clients to function on a higher level while meeting their needs for growth and wellness. The firm where Neal is one of two directors — DMV Architecture — was started by Dal Venables when he was a student, and proved to be a perfect match for Neal. The firm’s goal is to transform client visions into exceptional built forms that align with their unique identity. Creating the extraordinary, his focus lies in three areas: context, budget, and clients.
Photography by Boomshak


48. MEGHAN HO-TONG
Architect, Researcher, and Educator
Cape Town
Meghan Ho-Tong moves through the industry on multiple paths. Her work uses multi-disciplinary modes of practice to investigate the social, historical, political, and ecological forces influencing the discipline of design, and has been translated through film, publication, pedagogy, architecture, built objects, and spatial strategies. Her films investigate structures of dominion in the built environment while foregrounding femme perspectives and histories of the Global South, and include ‘Chorus’ (2021), which was co-produced for MAXXI Museum’s exhibition ‘Buone Nuove’ and selected for Arquiteturas Film Festival Porto (2022). Meghanco-edited the publication ‘Landwalks: Across Palestine and South Africa’ (2021), supported by the Sharjah Art Foundation 2021FOCAL POINT Publishing Grant. In 2024, she was awarded a Dutch Research Council grant for the project ‘Moving Materials:Architecture, Extraction and Colonial Railway Infrastructures in South Africa’ in collaboration with TU Delft and the NieuweInstituut, exploring her interests in subaltern archives. Through the research-based design practice, Studio Ho-Tong, she has worked with creatives like digital artist Color C Studio and fashion brand Artclub and Friends, and is currently a lecturer at the University of Cape Town.
Photography by Felicity Steenkamp
49. SIMONE KATHERINE HIRSCH
Founder, Simone Katherine Interior Design Studio
Cape Town
Tactile, sophisticated, elegant, and bold are all key terms that embody Simone’s designs. With a wealth of experience, Simone has crafted everything from luxurious Bishopscourt family homes to serene Fresnaye penthouses and chic Hyde Park apartments. Her designs are deeply influenced by her travels to destinations like Japan, Austria, and Zambia, where exposure to diverse cultures has expanded and inspired her creative boundaries. Each space Simone creates reflects a thoughtful fusion of personal style and a keen understanding of her clients’ needs
Photography by Micky Hoyle


50. NEO ARCHITECTS
Architectural Firm
Cape Town and Pretoria
Established in 1988, Neo Architects have been pushing architectural boundaries in South Africa since their inception. The Pretoria office may have been the original Neo on the scene, founded by award-winning architect Dries Verbeek, but in 2019 a new kid emerged, this time on the Cape Town block. The office, based in Stellenbosch, is headed up by Wim Verbeek and Jurie Swart, and it’s fair to say they’re paving a new path in architecture for the Western Cape scene
This article is an extract from our 2025 Scape 100 issue. Read the full 100 issue here.