senior architectural technologist

After matriculating 2006, Wesley was offered an internship at Design Lab the following year. He developed a passion for 3D rendering in the architectural field and realised that a profession in architecture was the way forward.

He enrolled at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and studied full time whilst continuing to work part time at Design Lab and graduated in 2012 with a degree in Architectural Technology. 

Wesley’s focus has always been on the technological aspect of architectural design, the science and artistry in detailing of architectural elements, the relationship between building materials and the reasoning behind choosing the right materials to translate the concept from the theoretical to the built environment.

“No design is possible until the materials with which you design are completely understood” – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

interior designer

Originally from Namibia, Birgit studied Interior Design at Design Time in Cape Town. She graduated at the end of 2004 and started working at Design Lab in 2005.

Over the past 14 years Birgit has gained vast experience across the field varying from budget projects, high end residential interiors, hospitality, commercial spaces to large mixed-use schemes.

She is passionate about the design, co-ordination and implementation process and pays great attention to detail.  She is involved from concept to completion and loves to design beautiful well thought through spaces.

It’s all in the detail and it’s the small things that make a big difference.

“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future” Robert L. Peters

senior architectural technologist & interior designer

With 28 years of experience in both the Architecture and Interior Design disciplines. Greg joined Design lab in 2004, after working for dhk Architects for several years, to establish an Interior design division. He is integral as a design principal within the practice.

Greg brings his experience in conceptual design through to detail design development to all aspects of the practice and works on both Architecture and Interior Design Projects.

His design philosophy stems from simplicity – de-cluttering of spaces and balancing personal surroundings to suit needs – Functional yet practical with an edginess to question reason.

In his down time Greg enjoys Adventure Motorcycle Riding and Kite-surfing.

“The art of design, is to make complicated things, simple.” – Tim Parsey

professional architect

After spending 2 years on an internship in London at Leslie Jones Architects, Gavin returned to Cape Town to complete his degree in Architecture at the University of Cape Town.

In 1990 he joined dhk Architects and became a partner in 1994.

In 2000 he left dhk Architects to venture out as a sole practitioner and founded Design Lab.

Gavin’s view was and is, to have a practice that does not bear an individual’s name but rather to grow a brand that stands for quality, design & innovation.

He is interested in listening and educating our clients, exposing them to new ideas and concepts that enable them to see their spaces and places in a new light; without destroying the way they want to live.

His philosophy is, that it is imperative that we as Architects not try to dictate the way people live, but rather to enhance the way they live.

“I am proud that over the last 17 years we have grown as individuals, yet we remain one family with one goal, to enhance our clients lives – to give them spaces / places in which to fulfill their dreams”.