MARISE POTGIETER B Arch Stud B Arch (UOVS) MCPUD (UCT) Pr. Arch MIA
Marise is a director and founding partner of dhk Urban Concepts. She has a specific interest in intervention in existing urban environments, and the insertion of contemporary urban development into historic settings in an appropriate and sensitive manner. As an architect and urban designer her specialty is in bridging from the larger scale urban work to architectural design. She is involved with a number of teaching institutions, and regularly examines architecture and urban design students. Marise is a strong designer, with a passion for contemporary development appropriate to its physical and historic context.
GERHARD VAN DER MERWE BAS (UCT) MCPUD (UCT)
Gerhard is a director and partner of dhk Urban Concepts. He specializes in the planning and urban design of large scale green-fields sites, and is specifically interested in the creation of new urban centres in support of existing urban systems. He is passionate about the interface of the built environment with the natural environment, and believes that finding the balance between these two systems is one of the core responsibilities of urban design. Gerhard brings a strong technical understanding to his projects, ranging from transport to agriculture to the functioning of natural systems.
LAUREN SNYMAN BAS (UCT) B Arch (Dist) (UCT)
Since graduating with a Bachelor in Architecture (with distinction), Lauren has held both Urban Design and Architectural roles within public, private and N.G.O. sectors. Working in Ireland, Britain, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa has enabled her to gain a wide spectrum of experience, with projects covering large scale re-zoning applications and urban regeneration frameworks, through to strategic development visions and conceptual architectural design.
JOHNNY WILKEN B Arch (Stud) BAS (Hons) M Arch (Prof) (UFS)
Johnny recently obtained his degree in Architecture at the University of the Free State. He joined dhk Urban Concepts during his architectural studies and gained experience in both architecture and urban design. His thesis focused on an investigation into the symbiotic relationship between buildings and the extended context, and its contribution to meaningful place making. Johnny is currently working on architectural and urban design projects.
HELEN MAY
Helen is involved in the management of the office, and administers various design projects within dhk Urban Concepts. She completed a course in Architectural & Urban Conservation at the University of Cape Townand is actively involved in Heritage-related research. The heritage work supports the company’s urban design and architectural projects within a historical context, and gives dhk the opportunity to be involved in the assessment of the impact of projects on the historical environment.
DERICK HENSTRA B Arch (UCT) Pr. Arch MIA
Derick Henstra is a founding partner of dhk Urban Concepts and is head of the dhk group. He together with Peter Fehrsen, are the design principals active in all the dhk group companies. Being the group chairmen, he is largely involved in the procurement of work for the dhk group. His passion for urban design and the recognition of its importance as an essential component in the resolution for good architecture is the reason why the establishment of dhk Urban Concepts was such a natural extension to the architectural practice, dhk Architects. He leads the group with great energy, passion and enthusiasm.
PAUL KRYNAUW B Bdg B Arch (UPE) Pr. Arch MIA
Paul Krynauw is a director and founding partner of dhk Urban Concepts and a Group director in dhk Architects and dhk Thinkspace Interior Design. As architect, his specific field of expertise is in design development, contract management and general construction co-ordination. His urban design thesis (final year of architectural studies) dealt with upgrade and management of historically sensitive areas, including the appropriate application of contemporary architecture and materials in such environments. As an administrator he brings management, financial and contractual skills to the urban design practice.
PETER FEHRSEN BAS B Arch (UCT) Pr. Arch MIA
Peter Fehrsen is a director and founding partner of dhk Urban Concepts. As one of the two design principals together with Derick Henstra, he is involved in all design aspects within the dhk group of companies. Peter brings his experience in conceptual design and master planning through to detailed design development to most of the dhk projects. He has been active in many significant urban renewal and intervention projects both in South Africa and abroad, where he represents the groups’ interests in Italy. Whilst also acting as Project architect on numerous projects, he is involved in all aspects of the architectural practice.