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. They formed the practice in 2010 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 consistently feature in prominent local and international publications such as VISI, House & Leisure, House & Garden, Elle Decoration (France), Cote Ouest (France), Brava Casa (Italy), Arquitetura & Construcao (Brazil), Design Art (Asia) and Architectural Digest (South Africa).
Kritzinger Architects was listed by Architizer as one of the 20 best Architecture firms in South Africa 2023.
In 2024 the practice made the top 100 Icons of the Design Industry list by SCAPE Magazine.
Kritzinger Architects led the design of Coot Club, a boutique nature retreat on the Klein Rivier. Coot Club won Best Hotel at the 2023 i-ESCAPE Hotel Awards, and went on to win the Conde Naste Hotel Design of the Year 2024.
Working predominantly on private homes on the Atlantic Seaboard and Cape Town's City Bowl, the practice has also designed a number of residences for clients in France, Mauritius, Seychelles, Belgium, Portugal and Panama.
In 2016 Kritzinger Architects 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.
Our Approach
We do not work to a predetermined style. We prefer to see each project as a unique opportunity to create something special that is contextually appropriate, conceptually clear and in line with client expectations.
Our work process begins by carefully considering the existing conditions so that we can unlock opportunities hidden in every site. Our observations together with our client's brief informs a response that is specific to each project.
We develop our ideas further through analysing precedents 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.
Client Relationship
We believe that a good client-architect relationship is key for any project to achieve its full potential.
We are also aware that constructing a building is one of the biggest investments a person may make in their lifetime. It is therefore important to us that our clients feel comfortable and involved throughout the design and 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.
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Our approach is hands on. We are intimately involved in all work stages from inception through to completion on every project
Jed Kritzinger
Jed studied architecture at UPE, South Africa under Prof Danie Theron. 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 world renowned British Architect Sir Norman Foster, completing a number of award-winning projects for the practice. After a ten year stint in the Foster studio, Jed joined Blueprint 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 the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) and the Cape Institute for Architecture (CIA).
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 completed a number of prestigious projects for the practice, 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 very good understanding of German.
Kritzinger Architects: Top 100 Icons of the Design Industry list, 2024 by SCAPE Magazine.
"We have selected who we feel is emerging, challenging the status quo, excelling, innovating, and raising their voice in the industry" SCAPE Magazine