Derick Henstra Chairman
Renske Haller Managing Director
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
Practice Watch 17