Mindful Design

Photo of 26'10 South Architects employees

We help you make better choices when building so that you can realize your dream and avoid the nightmare of becoming part of the 85% of building projects that go out of control.

We use our Mindful Design Approach to guide you through the entire process, helping you win, even if you’re doing it for the first time.

The Problem with the Building Industry

Building is complex and expensive, and a lot can go wrong. Research shows that 85% of all building projects end up over budget. The consequence is poor quality, compromised property values and earnings, lower productivity, and lower levels of physical and mental well-being.

The #1 reason for projects going over budget is poor planning. People rush into the design phase of a project without doing proper research.

A Solution

Our Mindful Design Approach helps you make better decisions. Mindfulness is about paying full attention and being aware. It is the opposite of rushing and multi-tasking.

When you hear the term mindfulness, you might think of meditation and finding stillness in between your chaotic thoughts.

Not exactly. At the beginning of a project we want to hear your chaotic thoughts so we can help you order them. We know the right questions to ask to find out why you want to build, which is very different from knowing what you want to build. A clear “why” provides clarity, and guides the 1000’s of decision that need to be made during the design and building process.

Find out more about why asking yourself “why” is so important.

How we became mindful designers.

Our
Approach

Our Mindful Design Approach always starts with the Needs and Options Review. The Needs and Options Review is a relatively short but intensive phase of work, in which we help you work out your “why”, find out what your project will cost, and confirm whether it is legally and physically possible.

Like a doctor, we do a diagnosis before prescribing a solution. This allows us to consider all major constraints and opportunities, as well as costs, before moving into the design phase.

Help you reach informed decisions.
Save you money in the long run.
Allow you to explore project goals in a structured format.
Provide confidence that we have done our homework and that you won’t get any nasty surprises.

The Needs and Options Review aims to:

Drawing of 26'10 South Architects client

“Every project should start with a Needs and Options review. The review Thorsten prepared gave us clarity on how to turn our new house into an open, minimalist but luxurious space for our family. He also found a unique way to create an atrium (a non-negotiable for us), without having to deal with a lengthy rezoning process. Knowing that the atrium is possible is a huge weight off our shoulders and we now have a solid plan that puts us on track to proceed with the project.”

-KC,

Johannesburg, South Africa