(“Text as submitted by architect”)
Stefan Antoni
Stefan completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree at the University of Cape Town in 1985 with a first class pass. In 1987, he set up Stefan Antoni Architects, which today is known as SAOTA (Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects). He’s widely regarded as having contributed to the setting of a new standard of design and professionalism in the top end of the domestic market in South Africa. Stefan is an extremely energetic and dynamic leader, with an extraordinary creative talent and valuable negotiation and management skills. He’s currently a Director of SAOTA, ARRCC and OKHA Interiors.
Philip Olmesdahl
After graduating from the University of Natal in 1995, Philip moved to Cape Town and began working for Stefan Antoni Architects in the same year. His leadership qualities were soon recognized. By 1998 he was made an associate in the practice and he became a partner in May 2002. Philip is undoubtedly one of the most energetic people in the office. His organizational skills, combined with his diligence, exceptional design and management abilities, make him a key role player in the running of SAOTA, contributing greatly to its success. Philip is currently a Director of SAOTA, ARRCC and OKHA Interiors.
Greg Truen
Greg completed a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Natal in 1991. He first practised in Durban, joining Stefan Antoni Architects as a Project Architect in 1995. In 1998, he was made a partner in the firm and has worked on an extensive range of residential, retail, commercial, and educational projects. A natural leader, Greg is versatile, creative and highly organised. His great interest in current affairs ensures that he regularly introduces new concepts and innovations which are eagerly absorbed into the everyday running of the office. He is currently a Director of SAOTA, ARRCC and OKHA Interiors.
Phillippe Fouché
Phillippe completed a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Pretoria in 2001. After gaining extensive experience in institutional, educational, residential and urban design projects, he joined SAOTA as a Project Architect in 2008. Phillippe has a strong interest in vernacular design and sustainability and regularly serves as an external examiner for Masters Design theses. He has a responsive design approach, exploring unique solutions that both meet the client’s requirements and fit into the context. This attribute has been instrumental in his successful delivery of a wide range of projects from villas in Europe to mixed-use, urban design and corporate projects in West Africa, India and Turkey.
Mark Bullivant
Mark completed a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Cape Town in 2006. He immediately joined SAOTA, cutting his teeth overseeing the construction of a number of local projects. Mark quickly established himself within the practice with his all-round ability, work ethic and leadership skills and started climbing the ranks, culminating in promotion to Senior Associate and in 2015 to Director of SAOTA. He is creative, versatile and ambitious. Mark’s interest in the profession and the realisation of unique design solutions are apparent in his projects both locally and abroad.
Practice Ideology
SAOTA, a leading firm of architects is driven by the dynamic combination of Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché and Mark Bullivant who share a potent vision easily distinguished in their design. This, paired with both an innovative and dedicated approach to the design, documentation and execution of projects globally, has seen SAOTA become an internationally sought-after brand. SAOTA has a global footprint with projects on six continents. We have a clear understanding of the place of design in the world and how to deliver architectural projects in diverse markets. This success is driven by a design philosophy that connects function and form, and the pursuit of true architectural design to create appropriate solutions. The focus on achieving maximum value has also led to global invitations to design, build and create highly prestigious projects. The philosophy of practice is embodied in the spirit of enquiry that flourishes amongst its staff. This spirit not only guides the firm, but enables it to maintain its position as definitive designers in a highly competitive and fast-changing industry. Increased exposure to the global marketplace has seen SAOTA flourish as cities and contexts allow for infinite inspiration which can be seen radiating from the approach to design. SAOTA is also focused on using the most current computer technology in its design process, both to understand the design and to communicate the design to our clients. To this end we are world leaders in the use of Revit and have also developed virtual reality tools for use in our process.
