About Us:
Archaus Architects is a proudly South African architectural firm with a legacy of excellence spanning over three decades. Founded by Charl Papendorf in 1997, the practice has become synonymous with visionary design, technical precision, and client-focused delivery.
With offices in Nelspruit and a newly established branch in Cape Town, Archaus Architects brings national reach and local insight to each project. We specialize in residential, commercial, industrial, and public-sector developments, consistently delivering functional, sustainable, and aesthetically aligned spaces.
Who We Are
Led by Principal Architect Charl Papendorf, a registered professional with over 35 years of experience, our team consists of talented architects, in-house consultants, and trusted engineering professionals. Charl holds a B.Arch degree from the University of the Orange Free State, and is a registered member of:
SACAP (South African Council for the Architectural Profession – No. 6150)
SAIA (South African Institute of Architects – No. 6912)
Mpumalanga Institute of Architects
What We Stand For
At Archaus, architecture is more than design—it’s a responsibility. Our work is guided by values of integrity, collaboration, and social impact. We:
Develop energy-efficient, functional, and timeless designs
Foster long-term partnerships with clients and consultants
Prioritize community upliftment and sustainable development
Approach each project with professionalism, independence of judgement, and environmental awareness
Our Approach
From conceptual design to project execution, we maintain a hands-on leadership style, collaborating with structural, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers. On larger projects, we integrate interior and landscape designers to bring a cohesive vision to life.
We believe that each space has a purpose—and it’s our role to bring that purpose to life through architecture that inspires, performs, and endures.
The Team:
CHARL PAPENDORF
(B Arch, SACAP, SAIA, SAIAMP)
Professional Architect: ARCHAUS ARCHITECTS
Charl Papendorf is a registered professional architect, with more than 30 years post-graduate experience in South Africa. Principal Architect of ARCHAUS ARCHITECTS since 1997.
Primary office in Mbombela, specialising in upmarket dwellings, commercial centres, housing schemes, blocks of flats and light industrial projects
QUALIFICATIONS
1990 B.Arch.(UOFS)
Obtain a Professional Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
SACAP registration: Professional Architect – SACAP No 6150
SAIA registration: Enrolment No 6912
SAIAMp Voluntary association, full member and portfolio Member for the last 15 Years, serving under Benefits Portfolio.
HIGHEST VALUE OF PROJECTS
•125 million (e’Mhluzi Mall)
•93 million (Department of Public Works, Gert Sibande District)
•70 million Huson Development project – Industrial Retail
•50 million Pedra Grande Project Cahora Bassa
•35 million Blocks of flats – Paarl / Gordons Bay
•30 million Cashbuild / Boxer Projects
•16 – 20million House Wagner / Ratshitanga / Wood / Ngluvo
KEY SKILLS
Practice Principal, Conceptual Architectural Design & Master planning, Consultant & Client co-ordination. Technical drawing & detailing Control Overseer.
WORK EXPERIENCE
1997-2019 – Current ARCHAUS ARCHITECTS – Principal
We focus on commercial centres, housing schemes, high end residential, blocks of flats and light industrial projects.
1994 – 1997 Cedric Hannay Architects
Architect
1992 – 1994 Theunissen Jankowitz
Senior Architect
1990 – 1992 Koper Levine George (Cape Town)
Junior Architect
WOUTER BRINK
(SACAP – PrArchTech – T0620)
Senior Technologist : ARCHAUS ARCHITECTS
Wouter Brink is a registered professional technologist, with more than 20 years post-graduate experience in South Africa. Partner in ARCHAUS ARCHITECTS since 2024.
Primary office in Western Cape, specialising in dwellings, flats, commercial and industrial building projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
National Diploma in Architecture at The Western Cape University of Technology 1994 – 1998. Registered as a professional Architect Technologist with South African Council for the Architectura Profession
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
SACAP registration: Pr Arch Tech – SACAP No T0620
HIGHEST VALUE OF PROJECTS
• 125 million (e’Mhluzi Mall)
• 93 million (Department of Public Works, Gert Sibande District)
• 70 million Huson Development project – Industrial Retail
• 14 million House Stadler
• Combined 135 million Blocks of flats – Paarl / Gordons Bay / Cape Town / Durbanville
• Combined 120 million Boxer Projects – Boxer Kanyamazane / Eersterivier / Vredenburg
• 16 – 20million House Wagner / Ratshitanga / Wood / Ngluvo
KEY SKILLS
Practice Technical Principal, Conceptual Architectural Design & Master planning, Consultant & Client co-ordination. Technical drawing & Detailing Control.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2024 – Current ARCHAUS ARCHITECTS – Technical Principal
We focus on housing schemes, residential architecture and light industrial projects currently.
2019 – 2024 Self / Studio Archiworx
2014 – 2019 Archaus Architects
Senior Technologist
1999 – 2014 Robert Pretorius Architect
Junior Technologist
NICOLENE BOTHA
Apprentice Architectural Draughtsperson
Nicolene Botha is a registered candidate draughts person, with 5 years’ experience.
Apprentice Architectural Draughtsperson at Archaus.
Operating from our office in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, we have built a diverse portfolio of projects spanning luxury residential developments, industrial workshops, educational facilities, and places of
worship.
QUALIFICATIONS
2019 NQF 5 AIE – Academic Institute of Excellence Midrand
2020 NQF 6 AIE – Academic Institute of Excellence Midrand
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
SACAP registration: Apprentice Architectural Draughtsperson – APP 70614280
PROJECTS RESENTLY WORKED ON
• Office and Workshop Spaces
• Residential Housing
• Classrooms & Training centres
KEY SKILLS
Proficient in AutoCAD and Revit, with strong capabilities in producing detailed working drawings and high-quality 3D modelling and visual renderings.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2022 – Current Archaus Middelburg
Apprentice Architectural Draughtsperson
2019 – 2020 Domus Architectural
Design & Working Drawings
YVONNE SWANEPOEL
Professional Architect
Yvonne Swanepoel is a registered professional architect, with more than 16 years post-graduate experience. Architect at ARCHAUS since 2010.
Operating from our office in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, we have built a diverse portfolio of projects spanning luxury residential developments, industrial workshops, multi-unit housing, educational
facilities, places of worship, retail centers, and large-scale recreational developments.
QUALIFICATIONS
2008 University of the Free State – M.Arch.(Prof)
Obtain a Professional Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
SACAP registration: Professional Architect – Pr Arch 24750020
SAIA registration: Enrolment No 8661
SAIAMp Voluntary association
HIGHEST VALUE PROJECTS
• 125 million (e’Mhluzi Mall)
• 100 million Kathu housing development
• 60 million Mini factory and industrial workshop developments
• 22 million Heritage Square shopping complex
• 18 million Mgobodzi Community Hall
• 12 million JS Moroko Community Hall
• 12 million Queenswood Housing Development
• 8 million Samora Machel Offices
KEY SKILLS
Proficient in AutoCAD and competent in Revit for building design and 3D modelling, with experience in construction supervision and regulatory compliance. Skilled in sustainable design and effective collaboration with engineers, contractors, and clients.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2017 – 2026 : Current Archaus Middelburg
Senior Architect
2010 – 2017 : Archaus Architects
Junior Architect
2009 – 2010 : Crown Hill Properties & Rencor Civil Construction
Design and construction drawings
2005 – 2006 : Polokwane Plans (Part