November is the month for celebrating and showcasing every firm and project that was victorious at the inaugural SCAPE Award of Excellence. These names are raising the bar for excellence in the local architecture and design industry, standing on a stage set for international acclaim. In partnership with Infinity Surfaces and alongside our Impact Partner Oggie, we present the top firms and portfolios in the country for 2024. Introducing the Winner of Emerging Design Firm of the Year: Sketch Interior Architects
Sketch Interior Architects is a firm that believes that good design is personal and emotional. Their design approach is one of narration; of collaboration and iteration that requires foresight, flexibility, and dedication. Founded by Enrike de Wet in 2019, the studio specialises in boutique hospitality designs and renovations that give the sector a new type of sparkle.
In the beginning
At the inception of Sketch Interior Architects, Enrike brought career experience from Dubai to the table, but the inspiration for the practice extended much further. ‘I’ve had amazing mentors and role models in my life; family members, lecturers, past employers, clients, and fellow designers. Secondly, my travels and work abroad were a big inspiration. The exposure to design, strategy, and systems was worth gold. What I learned during those years lay the foundation for how I run the studio now. Lastly, my passion for design was and remains my biggest inspiration to keep growing Sketch. I can always be found sketching new designs or hunting for new ideas — I admire and analyse creativity everywhere I go,’ Enrike says, describing her design journey.
Choosing durability and longevity
With an aim to achieve timeless design, Sketch avoids succumbing to thematic design choices, opting rather for an aesthetically sustainable approach. This strategy ensures lasting relevance in their designs while rejecting trends that age. On the more physical side of sustainability, they believe restaurants and hospitality interiors should be innately sustainable — materials and finishes chosen for durability and longevity to avoid frequent refurbishing.
“Sketch’s projects have great spatial attributes. Their work with materiality and light in a unique way creates innovative and iconic spaces. They show concern for choosing different materials and exploring their characteristics as defining attributes of spatiality, presenting a diverse and vibrant portfolio.” – Rodolfo Reis and João Caria Lopes, Founders of Volume Architecture Lisbon Studio
An affinity for hospitality
Located in Johannesburg, the studio has an affinity for restaurant design and has found their niche particularly sought-after in Rosebank. In fact, their flagship project — Proud Mary — stands proudly in this vibrant suburb. But their reach certainly doesn’t end there; they currently have 80 projects stacked up under their name.
Next up in design endeavours
The latest two design endeavours reach beyond their beloved Rosebank to Pretoria. The first project is a testament to Sketch’s diversity in the form of Volley — a series of purpose-built student accommodation and social spaces. Their goal with this project is to create warm, welcoming, and conscious environments for students to connect, learn, and socialise. The second upcoming project is Doppio Zero, located in Pretoria’s Hazelwood Village which is known for its eclectic atmosphere.
In just a few years, Sketch Interior Architects has made an indelible mark on the hospitality design industry in South Africa, combining innovation with bold creativity, designing for longevity, and a deep understanding of narrative in their spaces. Their commitment to creating emotionally resonant, timeless environments is evident in every project, reflecting their versatility and dedication to redefining the hospitality experience.
This article is an extract from our November issue. Read the full issue here.
