Debby Searle Architect
Contact Me Call 083 260 2205
Interior of the Atholl living pavilion — brick fireplace, open truss and folding doors to the garden

Architect & perspective artist

About Debby Searle

I specialise in residential architecture, both new and alterations and additions, and in architectural presentation. I am passionate about making people's spaces work for them.

Debby Searle, architect and perspective artist, in her Johannesburg studio
In the studio, Johannesburg

Twenty-five years of making people's spaces work for them.

With over 25 years of experience as a professional architect, I have worked all over South Africa as well as in neighbouring countries. My designs include residential, commercial, retail, educational and sports facilities, with a particular focus on alterations to many heritage homes across Johannesburg. I regularly attend continued professional development events, as required by SACAP, to stay current with new developments in both building and architecture.

I recently completed my Master's in Heritage Studies — a natural extension of the heritage-alterations work that has formed such a large part of my practice.

Registration

Verifiable with SACAP and SAIA
SACAP Reg. No.6782

Registered Professional Architect with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession.

SAIA Membership No.8191

Member of the South African Institute of Architects.

PrArch. MIArch.B.Arch (Wits)

Bachelor of Architecture, University of the Witwatersrand. Master's in Heritage Studies.

“My lines and forms are simple, with an emphasis on axes, symmetry and geometry. My focus is on light and spaciousness, nature and its elements, in an attempt to bring architecture and nature into a unified whole.”
Debby Searle — on design

How I work

Four stages · one point of contact

  1. Brief

    We walk through the house or the stand together. I listen to how you live, what isn't working, and what you dream of.

  2. Concept

    Sketch plans — and, where it helps you see it, a hand-drawn artist's impression — until the design is right on paper.

  3. Council & heritage approval

    I prepare and submit the municipal plans and, for houses older than sixty years, the heritage application — and deal with both authorities on your behalf.

  4. Construction

    Working drawings, help appointing a builder, and regular site visits to see that what was drawn is what gets built.

“Debby, thank you so much for your invaluable help with council, and for everything that you have done for us on this renovation. We couldn't have asked for more.”
Graham and Shannon

Archive

Looking for work from 2015 and before?

Visit my previous website

Start a conversation

Have a house in mind?

Tell me about the house, the stand or the drawing you need. I reply to every enquiry personally.

083 260 2205 Contact Me