Introduction

AVNA Architects is a boutique architectural practice that is dedicated to quality design and project implementation. The core values of the original founders still hold true today and are applied to all projects to ensure client’s aspirations and dreams are developed. At AVNA we strive for excellence, innovation and craftmanship within the architectural realm.

AVNA has a team of highly qualified staff that are experienced in all aspects of projects, from project inception, through to construction documentation, site monitoring and project handover. Projects large or small are approached with equal drive for quality, leading to an exceptional end product. AVNA Architects prides itself on having a team of architects with experience in most building typologies.

The company is registered with the Green Building Council of South Africa and one of the directors, Francois Nortje, holds a UK based MSc qualification in green building and energy. AVNA is dedicated to equal opportunities for all and prides itself on staff development. The company has a South African BEE Level 2 rating.

BEE Certificate

Green Building Certificate

Albertyn and Viljoen Architects was established in 1988 in Paarl, Western Cape. The practice expanded in 2006 to Albertyn Viljoen Nortjé Architects, to keep up with the demand for its services. The practice has undertaken many commercial and institutional projects, both in South Africa and internationally. When working outside of South Africa , AVNA Architects forms joint ventures with local architects, should it be required.

The practice has been serving a variety of clients over many years, with an impressive project track record. Clients have found AVNA architects to be passionate about their projects and to deliver excellent service. This has led to a longstanding loyal client base which has brought a variety of building typologies to fruition. This has resulted in the diverse project portfolio that AVNA holds. Over the years AVNA’s work has received a series of awards, including those of the South African Institute for Architecture and the CNBC.

EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING TYPOLOGIES

The strength of AVNA lies in the combined experience of the team, with each bringing their expertise. AVNA has experience in a broad range of building typologies:

Mixed-use developments
Residential (bespoke houses / group housing and apartments)
Educational buildings
Retail
Health & Wellness (hospitals / clinics / retirement facilities)
Sport facilities
Tourism & Leisure

Heritage buildings
Industrial buildings

URBAN DESIGN & MASTER PLANNING

AVNA Architects has experience in designing large urban design schemes and masterplans. They have completed large housing estates and designed sports and retail mixed-use precincts. The team also drafts and implements design guidelines for larger developments.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The practice has vast experience in project management and has managed the completion of many buildings from start of construction to completion as principal consultants. AVNA manages the design and documentation stages of a project and acts as principal agent during the construction stage.

BIM (BUILDING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT)

BIM (BUILDING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

AVNA Architects has their own in-house BIM management team. By using BIM and associated common data environments, they remain at the leading edge of computer technology, employing the latest in BIM (Building Information Modelling) software and integral Building Services Co-ordination software. This allows the design team to flag and resolve issues early on in the project, before construction begins.

AVNA are therefore better able to co-ordinate with the rest of the design team, irrespective of software differences, and produce technically accurate, high quality construction drawings. This enables the project manager and the contractors to carry out construction and delivery of the final product efficiently, with risk factors stemming from information flow removed from the project.

INTERIOR DESIGN & DÉCOR

AVNA Architects have an in-house Interior Design & Décor team to assist clients with colour schemes, material pallets, furniture selection and layouts, soft décor and curated artworks. They pride themselves on seeing beautiful buildings completed with holistic interior spaces.

GREEN BUILDING DESIGN

AVNA has experience in Green Building Design and implementing Green principles on both small and larger projects. AVNA Architects is registered with the Green Building Council of South Africa and Francois Nortjé, among others, is an accredited GBCSA service provider.

HERITAGE PROJECTS

AVNA has experience in working on heritage buildings and projects, including adaptive re-use of old heritage structures, writing heritage reports and SAHRA and Heritage Western Cape applications and submissions. They pride themselves on working with the “old” and coming up with “new” and exciting ideas, to breathe life into these historic spaces. They believe in preservation but also contrasting modern interventions against historic backdrops where appropriate.

3D VISUALISATION & MARKETING MATERIAL

Our in-house visualisation team produce high quality 3D renders and video flythroughs to assist our clients to experience the project and make informed decisions. The material also serves for marketing and to present to investors.