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.
DIRECTOR: LENTE WHITAKER
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: WIAN JORDAAN
Wian is a professional architect who 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.
PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT: JAKES VAN DER WATT
Jakes graduated Cum Laude with a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of the Free State in 2020. He gained three years of experience at Gallagher Lourens Architects in Cape Town, followed by two years as a professional architect at SAOTA, where he contributed to complex international projects across a range of scales and contexts. For Jakes, architecture is an opportunity to meaningfully connect people to their environment and to better understand the way they live through thoughtful, functional problem-solving. He is particularly interested in placemaking and its ability to tell a story, shaped by history, emotion, and the surrounding context.
CANDIDATE ARCHITECT: ABIGAIL PERUMAL
Abigail holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Pretoria (2023). She gained professional experience in Durban at the renowned firm designworkshopSA, working both before and after completing her studies. During this time, she contributed to a diverse range of projects, from high-end residential homes to high-density apartment developments, in both local and South American contexts. Outside of architecture, Abigail has a passion for film photography and the experience of beautiful spaces. She is fascinated by how architecture, much like photography, can frame fleeting moments and influence the way people experience and connect with their surroundings in meaningful and memorable ways.
CANDIDATE ARCHITECT: SHIVEER RAMPHAL
Shiveer is a candidate architect who obtained his master’s degree in architecture from the University of Pretoria in 2025. He completed his internship at MiMo Architects in Johannesburg. Here, he was exposed to a wide variety of projects, including high-end residential, schools, public buildings, and multifamily, affordable housing. He is passionate about adaptive reuse projects and working with existing buildings, particularly reinterpreting them in contemporary contexts. Shiveer believes architecture should connect with both people and context. He now looks to grow his professional experience at Open City as he works towards professional registration.
INTERN: MARIETJIE DE WAAL
Marietjie is a Candidate Architectural Technologist at Open City and holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) from the University of Cape Town. She has a strong interest in thoughtful and pragmatic design, approaching her work with attention to detail and a logical, problem-solving mindset. Driven by curiosity, she is committed to continuous learning and the ongoing development of her professional skills.
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, MILA MATTHEWS, PATRICK SCHUSTER, SHANNON TRIBE, SEBASTIAN WATERS (ASSOCIATE), SAFFRON MYRDAL-WARD, RUVIMBO CHARAKUPA, VALERIE LEHABE & VUYO MUKOSA.