mra architects

Architecture in Cape Town involves specific technical and regulatory realities that inexperienced practices often underestimate. Western Cape municipal bylaws differ from Gauteng, wind-loading calculations matter on exposed sites, and the city's heritage overlays restrict certain areas entirely. Good architects read these constraints correctly—they know which properties fall under heritage protection, understand the distinction between minor works and full applications, and factor municipal turnaround times into project schedules. They've also navigated Cape Town's actual construction timelines: material availability, contractor reliability, and seasonal weather delays. The difference between competent architectural practice and struggling practice often comes down to whether the architect anticipated these realities or learned about them during the project.