Our Studio
OPEN CITY is an award-winning architectural practice based in Cape Town. Established in 2011, we specialise in high-end residential architecture, mixed-use urban developments, and the restoration and redevelopment of heritage buildings and precincts.
OPEN CITY is committed to creating bespoke designs that sensitively integrate with their surroundings. We believe that every project requires critical analysis and research in order to inform its unique design. We seek simple solutions to intricate problems and listen carefully to the aspirations and requirements of our clients. This is reflected in our varied project portfolio.
Our Team
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT: BETTINA WOODWARD
Bettina has a masters degree in architecture from the University of the Witwatersrand (2007), and a masters degree in city design and social science from the London School of Economics and Political Science (with distinction, 2011). She won numerous awards during her studies, including the best student over the final two years of study and the LSE Cities prize for academic excellence. She worked both locally and internationally at leading design firms including, 26’10 South, AREP, SAOTA and VDMMA before founding Open City in 2011. Bettina is fluent in English, Afrikaans and German.
ASSOCIATE: LENTE CONRADIE
Lente is a professional architect who graduated with a masters degree from the University of the Freestate in 2015. She has a wide range of international and local experience in single and multi-residential, cultural and hospitality design. After working at SAOTA as Supervisory Architect, where she managed a team of junior architects, Lente joined the Open City team in 2022 and is responsible for overseeing projects from concept design to completion. Lente is passionate about the social and environmental sustainability of the built environment and the enduring qualities of the buildings we make.
ASSOCIATE: SEBASTIAN WATERS
Sebastian graduated with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture and Landscape Design from the Politecnico di Milano (with distinction, 2015). He completed his undergraduate degree in Architectural Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where he also completed a year studying Natural Science. Sebastian‘s interests in the architectural field are diverse; from residential and commercial architecture to urban and landscape design.
CANDIDATE ARCHITECT: WIAN JORDAAN
Wian obtained his master’s degree in architecture from the University of Pretoria. He was awarded the best student in all five years of his studies. At the end of his third year, he competed and won the national PPC Imaginarium architecture competition. During his internship, Wian gained valuable experience in both residential and commercial projects at StudioMAS in Johannesburg. Wian was awarded the regional Corobrik student award and the national Corobrik award for the best use of clay brick. After taking some time to travel abroad, Wian moved to Cape Town and joined Open City in 2022.
CANDIDATE ARCHITECT: ABIGAIL PERUMAL
Abigail graduated with her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Pretoria in 2023. She also gained valuable work experience in Durban while working for renowned designworkshopSA before and after completing her studies.
PREVIOUS TEAM MEMBERS
AYLA ASAD, ALEX BECKER , BONGANI PUZA, ILAENA NAPIER, CALLAN AUSTIN MARTIN, HANO VENTER, JHONO BENNETT, JAN-HENDRIK WENTZEL, KARIEN TRENGOVE, KATIE STRACHAN, KURVIN VIRAHSAWMY, NICOLA NOLAN, NIKKI ONDERSTALL (ASSOCIATE), MARINE LEBLOND, MAYA SAREMBOCK, MAYANKH RAMASAR, PATRICK SCHUSTER, SHANNON TRIBE, VALERIE LEHABE, VUYO MUKOSA.