Few architectural practices can demonstrate the combination of sustained growth, measurable urban impact, technical innovation, continental influence and international reach achieved by dhk Architects.
Established in Cape Town in 1998, dhk has evolved into one of Africa’s most influential architectural studios, with more than 150 people across two offices. The practice works across architecture, urban design and interior design, delivering projects in the residential, hospitality, commercial and mixed-use sectors.
More than 160 projects are currently underway at various design stages across 18 African countries and the Middle East. Over nearly three decades, dhk has built its growth through effective project delivery, long-term client relationships and investment in people. Sound financial governance has supported the studio’s resilience and sustainability, while its team doubled in size during the five years to 2025. Over the past year, dhk has delivered completed projects with a combined construction value of nearly R15 billion and grown its team by 36%.
In March 2026, dhk joined 10N, the global collective of urbanism, architecture and related design experts brought together by Egis Group. The move reflects years of investment in leadership, technical capability and project delivery. “This acquisition reflects Egis’ vision of building a truly global design network. dhk’s reputation for excellence will reinforce our ability to deliver world-class projects while nurturing local talent,” says Laurent Germain, CEO of Egis.
Design-led city-making dhk joins five other international studios within 10N: WW+P Architects, 10 Design, Fenwick Iribarren Architects, U+A and Omrania. Egis identified dhk’s design-led creative expertise, organisational structure, technical systems and extensive portfolio as assets to the broader collective. The move strengthens dhk’s ability to compete internationally while remaining connected to the cities and continent that shaped the practice. It also provides opportunities for its team and increases the visibility of African architecture within a global network. dhk has established a reputation for urban-scale vision, large-project delivery and a design approach that prioritises context and the spatial experience of users. Its designers work across all project stages, from stages 1 to 6, maintaining design integrity through to delivery.
The practice’s approach seeks to balance commercial viability with contemporary design while considering the relationship between each project and its surroundings. This is expressed through public-realm activation, pedestrian permeability, carefully considered interiors and buildings designed to create long-term social, aesthetic and functional value. dhk also has particular expertise in adaptive reuse, repurposing existing assets as part of a more sustainable development approach.
The practice’s three core disciplines – architecture, urban design and interior design – can work collaboratively to create a cohesive spatial narrative at urban, building and interior scales. High-rise projects in the Cape Town CBD, including 35 Lower Long, Portside, The Rubik, City Park, The Paradigm and The Madison, demonstrate dhk’s ability to translate high-density commercial briefs into distinctive urban landmarks. Other award-winning projects include Battery Park, Longkloof Precinct and Conradie Park in Cape Town, as well as Oxford Parks and Ellipse in Johannesburg.
Colin Hutchison, CEO of 10N Collective, says dhk’s “commitment to superb built quality in architecture and public realm” and its track record in historical building retrofit and interior design bring significant expertise to the collective. He adds that dhk is well positioned to contribute to 10N’s vision for designing and delivering future cities.
digital transformation and technical delivery
A key differentiator for dhk is its investment in digital transformation. During the integration process, the studio’s business governance and technical leadership were recognised as particularly advanced within the 10N network. dhk brings expertise in digital transformation, computational design, environmental analysis and AI-assisted workflows, supported by BIM capability, centralised knowledge management and established financial systems. The practice regularly collaborates on large-scale projects across Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East using Revit-based BIM models within common data environments. These systems enable real-time clash detection, improved coordination and digital lifecycle data integration. ISO 19650-aligned BIM workflows, early-stage 3D visualisation and digital coordination help reduce project risk and improve alignment between client aspirations and the built outcome.
Computational design tools are also linked to environmental and sustainability objectives. Parametric workflows and digital tools are used for environmental analysis, including daylight studies, glare analysis and urban heat-island assessments. Advanced real-time rendering and computational visualisation platforms, including Twinmotion and Lumion, are complemented by emerging AI-assisted workflows to test design options and develop coordinated, data-backed models. dhk’s knowledge-management and design hub, Blackbox, is now being rolled out across the 10N studios, reflecting its value as a business resource. The practice is also developing its architectural branding capability, supporting clients with cohesive development identities, graphic systems and marketing material.
industry leadership and mentorship
Transformation and professional development form an important part of dhk’s culture. Nearly half of its staff are women and 62% of the dhk Group’s employees are people of colour. The practice has a Level 1 B-BBEE rating, while nearly half of the management team are women.
dhk staff contribute to the wider profession through awards judging, university design reviews, conferences, lectures and industry events. The practice also maintains an active presence in professional organisations, with senior team members holding positions in organisations including the Gauteng Institute for Architecture, the Urban Design Institute of South Africa and the South African Institute of Architects.
Mentorship extends to the Go For Gold programme, a construction industry initiative providing opportunities for aspiring architects from previously disadvantaged communities. Participants spend a year in the studio after matric, gaining exposure to architecture, urban design and interior design while preparing for further study. dhk provides financial support from first year through to postgraduate study and has sponsored nearly 60 bursaries over the past decade. The practice also offers graduate internships. Leadership development is similarly embedded within the business, with a focus on identifying future leaders and creating opportunities for progression. This has supported dhk’s expansion into new regions and sectors while maintaining continuity, culture and design quality.
Local impact, international reach dhk’s combination of international delivery capability, BIM and digital collaboration systems, and a long track record in urban regeneration, mixed-use development, adaptive reuse and citymaking provides a distinctive platform for its continued growth.
Derick Henstra, Chairman of dhk Architects, says the decision to join the Egis Group provides an opportunity to bring the practice’s experience and talent into a global network. “The agreement represents decades of hard work, diligence and dedication by our teams whose collective talents have helped dhk to become the design force it is today,” he says.
As the only African member of the 10N collective, dhk now operates across a broader international platform while continuing to contribute to the evolution of South African cities through projects that shape precincts, streets and public spaces.
people at the heart of the practice
While technology, international expansion and project delivery have driven dhk’s growth, investment in people remains central to the practice. Professional development, mentorship and training are integrated into its working environment, while an open-studio layout encourages collaboration and gives team members access to leadership and input into design decisions. Social activities, including a futsal league, running club, hiking groups, building tours and design dialogues, complement the professional environment and help strengthen connections within the studio.
“Ultimately, the integration enables us to harness shared resources, reinforce our operational and production strengths, and to boost opportunities for greater innovation, research and development,” says Renske Haller, Managing Director of dhk Architects. “We have always focused on evolving and improving as a practice. This is a natural next step for us. We remain rooted in South Africa and focused on creating buildings and spaces that improve quality of life.”
dhk’s development from a Cape Town practice established in 1998 into an internationally connected studio demonstrates how sustained investment in people, leadership, technical capability and long-term client relationships can support growth without losing sight of local context. Its integration into 10N extends that platform while maintaining the practice’s focus on architecture, urbanism and sustainable city-making.
Photography by Sean Gibson
This article was first published in the Q3 September Issue of Architect and Builder magazine.
