SAOTA

From 28–30 March, the 2025 WAD Luxury Residence Design and Construction Summit takes place in Shanghai. SAOTA Principal Stefan Antoni will deliver a keynote speech on Saturday, 29 March, sharing his insights into the future of high-end residential design. Following his presentation, he will join Tony Chi, founder of tonychi studio for an engaging discussion on the industry’s evolving landscape.   Held at The Anandi Hotel and Spa, the event brings together leading luxury residential designers and real estate developers from around the world. Stefan’s keynote will explore the impact of AI on future trends in luxury residential design globally. To illustrate these influences, he will showcase exciting new SAOTA projects, including the 2024 WAF Award–winning Meru in Kenya and the newly launched Amanjena Residences in Marrakesh, Morocco. #SAOTA #architecture #2024WAD

For our latest Design Friday session, we had the privilege of hosting Jhono Bennett, PhD, an architect, researcher, and co-founder of 1 to 1 – Agency of Engagement. His work focuses on spatial justice and participatory design, addressing urban inequalities in South Africa. Jhono shared his career journey, including his time at SAOTA before moving on in 2010, and how his experiences led him to co-found 1 to 1—a design-based initiative dedicated to bridging knowledge systems, providing training, and driving meaningful change in South Africa's post-Apartheid, post-Colonial, and now post-Rainbow Nation cities (post-post). He also spoke about his PhD research at The Bartlett School of Architecture, which examined the role of architecture in shaping cities and supporting spatially marginalised communities in South Africa.   Key Takeaways from the Session: ▪️Reflective Practice – Using architecture to ask better questions and engage with complexity. ▪️Tactical Interventions – The impact of small, strategic projects in informal settlements and city spaces. ▪️Ethics in Design – The importance of meaningful participation and navigating political influences. ▪️️Creating Resources – Developing tools and guidebooks to support practitioners in spatial justice.   Jhono’s perspective was a powerful reminder that design extends beyond buildings—it is about people, processes, and power structures that shape our urban environments.   A big thank you to Jhono for sharing his insights and sparking an important conversation. #SAOTA #architecture #DesignFriday

Workshop bei SAOTA / Cape Town ☀️ Letzte Woche haben wir die geschätzten Kollegen Phillippe Fouche und Philip Bartman von SAOTA vor Ort im sonnigen Südafrika getroffen! Es war wunderbar, nach den in der Vergangenheit schon gemeinsam verwirklichten Bauten wieder einmal für ein sehr spannendes Projekt in Deutschland unseren Input geben zu dürfen.

We're #hiring a new 2025 SAOTA International Student Internship in Cape Town, Western Cape. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Construction Update | Six Senses The Palm, Dubai We joined Lead Architect Adam Drawl Assoc. AIA on a tour of the site at Six Senses The Palm, Dubai to get the latest updates as construction continues... BSBG was engaged on the project by client and developer, Select Group UAE, as the Lead Consultant, Executive Architect, and Structural Engineer, and is currently on-site providing Construction Supervision. SAOTA is the Concept Architect for the project. Watch the video below...

SAOTA Principal, Greg Truen, is set to speak at the 16th GBE Luxury Hotels & Resorts Forum in Shanghai on 13-14 March 2025. In his talk, "Ingenuity: How High-End Residential Design Carves the Unique Charm of Modern Hotels," he will explore the synergy between residential and hospitality design, highlighting how thoughtful architecture creates distinctive guest experiences. Excited to be part of the conversation. #GBEForum #HospitalityDesign #Architecture #SAOTA

Applications for SAOTA’s 2025 International Student Internship Program are open! This unique experience is open to architecture students studying outside South Africa, offering hands-on experience working alongside our architectural teams on live projects, attending site visits, and engaging with our Principals. 🔹 Duration: 30 June – 29 August 2025 🔹Limited spots available Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dXmtg6q3 Application deadline: 4 April 2025 #SAOTAInternship #ArchitectureStudents #FutureArchitects

Applications Now Open! SAOTA’s Student Internship Program is now accepting applications from South African architecture students. This three-week programme is designed to equip final-year undergraduate Architecture students with the skills and experience needed for life after graduation. 🔹 Open to current third-year Bachelor of Architecture (BAS) students 🔹 Must be available in Cape Town for the full duration of the programme How to Apply: Submit your CV, portfolio, and academic record at the following link: https://lnkd.in/dHeg5vfs Deadline: 9 May 2025 #SAOTAInternship #ArchitectureStudents #FutureArchitects

We're #hiring a new 2025 SAOTA Student Internship (South Africa) in City of Cape Town, Western Cape. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Kural Vista Villa, Dubai: Luxury, but Make it Architectural Poetry This Palm Jumeirah villa is what happens when eroded stone meets high design—think travertine stacked like nature’s own sculpture. Climate-responsive features such as pergolas, deep overhangs, and courtyards ensure comfort while enhancing the sensory experience of waterfront living. And we are not done yet; with seamless indoor-outdoor flow and a rooftop made for the soft life, SAOTA & CK Architecture Interiors clearly understand the assignment.   "A 1,000-year-old olive tree anchors this villa. It exudes timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship, offering an immersive living experience in the heart of Palm Jumeirah’s Billionaire’s Row." CK Architecture Interiors explains when asked about the design of this villa. Would you rather spend your evenings in the indoor lounge or by the infinity pool? Drop your pick below 👀 Developer: Alpago Properties Interior Design & Contractor: CK Architecture Interiors by Cem Kapancioglu Architect: SAOTA (Phillip Ohlmesdahl, Bobby Hugill) Photographer: Chris Goldstraw Photography, Julia Freemantle View the full project here: https://lnkd.in/gfVDpF3T Want to feature your project on Love That Design? Scan the last picture on this post or drop us a mail: research@lovethatdesign.com 📩 #DesignGoals #WaterfrontLuxury #ArchitecturalElegance #DubaiAesthetic #PalmJumeirahLiving #LuxuryRedefined #GCCDesign #DreamHome #IndoorOutdoorFlow #MinimalismMeetsLuxury