The practice was established in 1995 as a multi-disciplinary practice with a primary focus to deliver both innovative and contemporary design within the sustainability paradigm.
We seek to answer questions within cultural differences and around sustainable practices of architecture, seeking human dignity within the built environment. LEAF pays particular attention to design detail, delivering projects in time and on budget for its respective clients.
The practice brings together essential conceptual design skills as well as technical expertise needed in addressing small, medium and large-scale architectural and urban design projects.
Our projects are located in diverse geographical, social and economic scenarios. We are equally ‘at home’ in the inner-city, the suburb, informal settlements and the open landscape. By incorporating critical inquiry and research into the design process, each site, client and budget is carefully considered. Constraints are thus treated as design generators. The diverse skills within the practice ensure that architectural and urban design projects can be conceived at a large and small scale simultaneously.
Founder member: DANIEL VAN DER MERWE
SACAP Registration No: PrArch 4831
Daniel van der Merwe graduated in Architecture at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1989. Besides a practicing architect, he also became a senior lecturer at the then Technikon of Witwatersrand and continued at the University of Johannesburg. He co-initiated the AZA (architectureZA platform), and participated as Convener for the AZA2010, AZA2012, AZA2013, AZA2015 and AZA2018 national architectural conferences. He served on the SAIA (South African Institute of Architects) Board and its Mancom, and as past President for GIfA (Gauteng Institute for Architecture). He is considered a specialist in Architectural Concrete having written, lectured and researched this speciality field extensively.
Member: DAVID GRAY
SACAP Registration No: SAT 20699
David Gray graduated from the University of Johannesburg with a B.tech in architecture in 2006 and joined Leaf Architects and Landscapers in 2008. In 2009 he spent a year at TUKS doing his Honours. He has spent 3 years (2013-2015) working in the Maboneng precinct, Jeppestown, on the vibrant gentrification of the Johannesburg inner city. He is also the founder and director of 2 new business under the Leaf umbrella. The first being Flat Pack Studio, a small furniture design and manufacturing business and the second being Leaf Construction, a small construction company specialising in residential developments, alterations and additions and renovations.