Urban Creative Studio is a registered architectural practice based in Johannesburg, founded in 2014 by husband and wife architect team, Miguel and Sonia Pinto. We adopt the ethos of a ‘studio’ or ‘atelier’ and we are dedicated to creating architecture that result from ideas, not forms.
Our holistic approach to design is honest, functional and beautiful. Our projects take site-specific conditions, climate, and environmental factors into account, and are custom designed and detailed to suit each client’s needs. Every project, every client is unique – no matter the scale, budget or typology. Our services are professional and personal, and specifically tailored to meet the brief and budget requirements.
With over 20 years’ combined experience in the building industry, our team draws its knowledge from a range of projects in South Africa and Britain, including commercial, retail and residential designs at various scales and budgets.
Having been born and raised in Johannesburg, and having lived and travelled throughout Europe, our team is passionate about cities and urban environments. This urban condition continually informs and inspires us, and has become the canvas on which we practice architecture.
Our Process
Starting an architectural project can be daunting. At Urban Creative Studio, our goal is to make this process simple and uncomplicated for our clients. By actively engaging with them through each stage of the project, we collaborate and work together to create solutions that are unique to their needs and specific location. Our refined approach to design, creates an architecture that is subtle, yet powerful – architecture of substance.
Services
We offer a range of bespoke services that can be tailored to suit each client’s requirements and budget, including:
- As-built Drawings
- 3D Rendering and Visualisation
- Conceptual Design and Feasibility Studies
- Council Submission Drawings and Documentation
- Construction and Technical Documentation
- Onsite Management
”“Everyone deserves shelter for the soul.”
Samuel Mockbee,Rural Studio
Miguel Pinto is a qualified architect (MTech Architecture – University of Johannesburg) with experience working for various sized firms, on various sized projects in South Africa and England. With a desire to forge his own path, Miguel founded Urban Creative Studio in 2014 with his wife Sonia. Miguel is passionate about design and architecture with an eye for detail and the ability to look at the bigger picture, which gives Urban Creative Studio a unique perspective.
Hardus is an architectural draughtsperson and designer. Believing in innovative and pragmatic design solutions derived from the use of sustainable, site-appropriate materials. His passion lies in designing and physically handcrafting furniture, to architecture, and everything in between, weaving technology, craftsmanship and research through design.