26’10 south
was named after the latitude of Johannesburg, and was founded by Anne Graupner and Thorsten Deckler in 2004. Using their combined skill set they worked on a variety of projects, ranging from publications and exhibitions to large-scale urban developments, educational spaces, and custom homes.
Since 2020, Thorsten Deckler is heading up the practice on his own, after re-launching it as the first Mindful Design Consultancy in Africa.
About Thorsten
Co-founder & Director of 26’10 south Architects
Growing up in the Namibian desert, I learned from people who built, repaired, and crafted much of what they needed. Moving to Johannesburg offered a very different set of lessons. Studying architecture in the 1990s, during South Africa’s transition to democracy, revealed the power and unpredictability of change. A year in the Netherlands at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture further broadened my perspective on projects across Europe and Asia. Returning to South Africa, I worked on rural development projects with Peter Rich Architects before founding 26’10 South.
Experiencing all these diverse cultures, climates, and ways of building has made me wary of dogma or ready-made solutions, as they can obscure meaningful insight into the unique magic of a place or situation. Drawing by hand, alongside technology, allows ideas to emerge that neither tool can produce alone. The result isn’t just a building, it’s something that fits its place in a way that feels obvious in hindsight, even if no one could have predicted it at the start.
To see more of Thorsten's unique perspective, follow him on Instagram @thethinking_hand
Meet The Team:
Candidate Architect
Gabriella is a candidate architect at 26'10, with a deep love for Joburg - where she grew up, and where she's now based (studies took her to Cape Town and back). She's passionate about adding value to existing buildings and materials, and circular approaches to architecture and cities. With 5 years of experience spanning design, documentation, and project management, she's currently leading a residential project in Higgovale, Cape Town.
Candidate Architectural Technologist
Abdulssalam (Abdul) is a candidate architectural technologist (intern) at 26’10 South Architects. As a Libyan, he enjoys exploring the southern part of the African continent. He has a great ambition towards space making and the role of architecture in shaping societies and creating spatial justice. Since he started his internship with us, he has enjoyed the sense of community the firm provides, not only within the office but also in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Candidate Architect
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Mia is a candidate architect on a journey of learning how to sculpt the earth around her. In the last 3 years she has been a master’s graduate, Corobrik finalist, traveller, co-founder, director, freelancer and now employee at 26'10, and she would recommend them all. She is passionate about detail in design and is experienced in project management, visual communication and documentation.
Office Manager
Nandipha Ndlebe is an Office Administrative Assistant Manager at 26’ 10 South Architects. She has a background in Urban Design and Business Administration. She brings creativity, organisation, and problem-solving skills to support efficient operations and meaningful collaboration. And fun fact about her is that her laugh is contagious and love beautiful spaces.
29 Chiswick Street
Brixton
Johannesburg
SOUTH AFRICA
2019
Hours
Monday – Friday
08:30 - 16:30
Contact
info@2610south.co.za
(011) 830-0220