DESPINA FERREIRA, founder and owner of DSPNA has over 10 years experience in residential architecture and is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Under the guidance of her mentor in the industry Despina Ferreira has successfully completed projects throughout South Africa as well as abroad including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Cameroon.

FAQs

The design process right through to the final working drawings takes on average 4 months but this also depends on the size of the house as well as the client’s response time. Getting the plans approved in council could vary from two weeks to several months depending on the local council. Other factors to consider that could cause delays are estate approvals, building line relaxations, sub-divisions, etc.

Whilst we specialise in residential buildings, we are able and willing to design commercial buildings as well.

Yes, we do additions and alterations as well as new buildings.

We charge a fee per square metre of the designed area. For more information on our fees please contact us.

No we do not offer project management however we can recommend that a quantity surveyor be appointed to handle monthly payments and all the other administration aspects. We encourage site visits every two weeks to monitor the construction and resolve any design issues that may arise, yet the frequency of site meetings depends entirely on the client as these are charged for at an hourly rate.

No we do not offer an interior design service but we can recommend a few companies who we have work closely with.

A site needs to be evaluated on various levels including orientation, zoning, setbacks, deed restrictions, etc. All the things that tell us where we can – and where we can’t, build a house. We also consider any natural features the site might contain – trees and topography for example in order to see what will benefit the design and what will cause a hindrance to the design.

Yes, we like contemporary design because it’s clean, simple and doesn’t date. We like open plan living with an emphasis placed on seamless indoor outdoor transitions.

Yes, we have had the opportunity to work with reliable and competent contractors who we can recommend. We also have worked with other professionals such as Engineer’s, Energy Consultants and Site Surveyors etc. Whilst the client has the final choice on these decisions, it helps to know there is a competent team of professionals we have worked with.

I have over ten years of experience in upper market residential architecture.

The payments will be payable over three stages.
A 30% deposit will be required at the commencement of the project. This is described as stage 1 where sketch plans will be produced. A 50% payment will be due at Stage 2 where the 3d design and a full set of working drawings will be completed. A final amount of 20% will be due upon completion of the drawings and before council submission.

Yes we make use of plan runners within the local councils who assist with the plan approval process. We ensure that your plans will be approved by the council.