November 2021
Kritzinger Architects have submitted a concept design for a new 150m2 beachfront cottage in Paternoster, West Coast, South Africa. The design is in keeping with the humble local fisherman vernacular, where elements such as 'bakoond' fireplaces, flat roofs and small facade openings are celebrated.
November 2021
Kritzinger Architects have submitted a concept design for a new 150m2 beachfront cottage in Paternoster, West Coast, South Africa. The design is in keeping with the humble local fisherman vernacular, where elements such as 'bakoond' fireplaces, flat roofs and small facade openings are celebrated.
August 2018
Kritzinger Architects work on Sir Richard Branson's Manor House is featured in the August issue of Conde Nast House & Garden.
August 2018
Kritzinger Architects work on Sir Richard Branson's Manor House is featured in the August issue of Conde Nast House & Garden.
August 2018
Kritzinger Architects work on Sir Richard Branson's Manor House is featured in the August issue of Conde Nast House & Garden.
Plettenberg Bay House
The four-bedroom home is set on a ridge overlooking a golf course in an exclusive Plettenberg Bay residential estate. The house is nestled into the hillside, with all rooms overlooking the valley below. A large open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is located on the lower level and roofed over with an indigenous landscaped garden which is overlooked by bedrooms on the upper floor. A wide entrance passage and staircase forms a strong arrival axis offering direct views of the golf course and pool from the entrance lobby. .
Plettenberg Bay House
The four-bedroom home is set on a ridge overlooking a golf course in an exclusive Plettenberg Bay residential estate. The house is nestled into the hillside, with all rooms overlooking the valley below. A large open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is located on the lower level and roofed over with an indigenous landscaped garden which is overlooked by bedrooms on the upper floor. A wide entrance passage and staircase forms a strong arrival axis offering direct views of the golf course and pool from the entrance lobby. .
About
Kritzinger Architects is an award-winning, Cape Town based Architecture studio, founded by Jed Kritzinger and Julia Abell in 2010. They formed the practice after a ten-year stint in London working with renowned British Architect Sir Norman Foster on a number of high profile projects.
Since inception, Kritzinger Architects has gained a reputation for design excellence, having won "Best Residence Africa" at the 2012 International Property Awards, and were shortlisted for "World's Best" the same year. The practice has been shortlisted for Cape Institute of Architecture Awards and has consistently featured in a number of local and international publications.
In 2023 Kritzinger Architects was listed by Architizer as one of the 20 best Architecture firms in South Africa.
In 2024 the practice made the top 100 Icons of the Design Industry list by SCAPE Magazine.
Working predominantly on private homes on the Atlantic seaboard in Cape Town, the practice has also designed a number of residences for international clients in Mauritius, the Seychelles, Belgium, Portugal and more recently in Panama. In 2016 the practice was selected by Sir Richard Branson to design and refurbish his private Manor House in the Cape Winelands, as well as his hotel and spa on the estate.
Most projects have come through referrals or repeat clients which the practice highly values.
Jed and Julia also founded Mobile Maisonette www.mobilemaisonette.com, a company that designs and manufactures affordable modular cabins for both rural and urban settings.
Our Approach
We strive to create buildings which have integrity, that are conceptually clear and respond well to their environment. We see each project as unique and begin our work process by carefully considering the existing conditions so that we can unlock undeveloped opportunities hidden in every site. Our observations together with the client brief inform a response that is specific to each project.
We develop our ideas further through analysing precedents and building techniques while at the same time creating architectural models, mock-ups and three dimensional drawings to reinforce our ideas. As a result, our buildings emerge from a clear concept and defined architectural language that informs the detail design process going forward.
We do not work to a prescribed style, but rather strive to create a unique and distinctive aesthetic for each project that is rich in character and crafted with an understanding of materials, texture and colour.
Client Relationship
We believe that a good client-architect relationship is key for any project to achieve its full potential.
We are aware that constructing a building is one of the biggest investments a person may make in their lifetime, and therefore it is important for us that our clients feel comfortable and involved throughout the development process. We make a point of listening to our client's needs and in turn offer our experience rather than preconceived ideas. We are there to guide our clients through the various stages of a project, providing insight and always striving to add extra value. We are realistic from the beginning of the project and ensure brief and budget are continually managed together.
Kritzinger Architects offer clients a full Architectural service, generally based on the SACAP work stages. We are however, also flexible in our service offering. Our clients have a choice of appointing us for a full service or alternatively for individual workstages which can be tailored to suit specific requirements and budget.
Jed Kritzinger
Jed studied architecture at the University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. His student work featured at the Dulux Awards, and his contribution towards architectural conservation was recognized and published by the University. On completion of his studies in 1994, Jed moved to London to work for Sir Norman Foster, completing a number of award-winning projects for the practice. In 2005, Jed joined Blueprint Worx as Architect in charge of the new Cape Town International Airport, and became CEO of the practice in 2007. Jed founded Kritzinger Architects with Julia in 2010 and together they oversee the running of the practice. Jed is a member of both the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA).
Julia Abell
Julia grew up in the United States, France and Switzerland, and studied architecture at Cambridge University (U.K.), graduating with Honours in 1995. On completion of her studies, Julia joined Sir Norman Foster in London, where she worked on a number of prestigious projects, including the Great Court at the British Museum and projects for Imperial College. In 1999, Julia became a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), passing her professional practice examination with distinction and in 2002 completed an Executive Management Programme at IMD, Switzerland. In 2010 Julia established Kritzinger Architects with Jed and together they oversee the running of the practice. Julia is fluent in English and French and has a good understanding of German.