The Creative Axis Architects

General information

The Brand

NAREN MISTRY ARCHITECTS, established in 1985, had been executing various small projects primarily in Gauteng and Kwa Zulu Natal. The firm was founded on strong principles that set the path for growth and commitment to the industry.

Initially the work executed, consisted primarily of residential, public and religious projects as were available to the firm. The firm survived the storms of recession and continued to strive for excellence. Initially, the practice was managed by Mr Naren Mistry who had the vision to expand the business, in creating meaningful architecture. Over time, the practice started establishing an identity in the industry and various relationships with clients and consultants developed. This focused approach, brought about rapid growth of the firm, ultimately establishing a national presence.

“The Creative Axis” has been adopted as the new brand for the firm in order to communicate our attributes and attitude in accordance with the following objectives:

The Members of the organization firmly believe in the vision of the firm and extend their skills beyond expectations.

To position the firm as a leader in Architecture. To execute work beyond the geographical location of Southern Africa.

To strive for improved service delivery.

To realize the aspirations of our clients.

To develop and create a brand identity for our clients. To implemen Green Building Code guidelines.

The above attributes have been defined and will be developed in consultation with our clients. Constant review and appraisal is carried out in order to create an identity with which clients are proud to be associated.

Professional Excellence

The transformation of Naren Mistry Architects into 'The Creative Axis' Architects brings together a wealth of creative and commercial talent in a union that is rare in the architectural design profession, creating a leading African design consultancy that is amongst the top fully empowered practices in South Africa. The practice has a track record of over 24 years of experience.

In South Africa, the practice has its headquarters in Johannesburg, Gauteng, with regional offices in Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. The Creative Axis has an international office primarily focusing on projects in Africa, UK, Middle East and Asia. We would compete with International Practices on high profile projects.

It is common for the character or spirit of an architectural practice to be distinguished by the style of its buildings. At The Creative Axis, we strive to create contemporary buildings that support both client and the environment, meeting commercial and functional targets whilst contributing to local quality. We have no preconceptions in term of design, but respond overall to our client's brief and to the social, physical and historical context in order to determine the appropriate design solution.

In recent years, attitudes to architecture have matured amongst the public at large and especially amongst major clients for significant buildings. A deeper understanding of the elements that make good architecture prevails. Economy, efficiency and sensitivity to the wider issues of urban design, together with a growing awareness of environmental and conservationist concerns have become key issues in the commissioning of architecture. In short, while clients recognize as never before, that a commercially successful building needs to be architecturally successful, the comprehension of this success has become more sophisticated. Creating a brand through the built environment is seen as being critical.

The architectural values of The Creative Axis have remained consistently strong. We have always believed that the best solution is the most appropriate to the context of time and place, to client needs, to durability of aesthetics and build quality, to budget and programme, and above all, to sustainability. The Creative Axis stands for elegant, contemporary, contextual architecture, and we expect to see our future successes based on that foundation as firmly as the successes of the past.

Dynamic Resources

Our profound understanding of the business imperative, coupled with our own implementation controls, does not outweigh professional creativity. In fact, it is precisely these stringent internal systems that allow The Creative Axis to offer clients the benefit of our most important resource our people. The practice has always placed particular emphasis on nurturing and encouraging its younger talent, giving bright and ambitious architects the responsibility that will enhance their skills. The Creative Axis does not promote the name and reputation of individuals, for the very reason that high profile for one, means lost opportunities for others.

The Company's essential strengths are the qualifications and experience of the Directors and the professional and technical staff.

The company has a number of wholly owned subsidiaries as well as joint venture and associated offices. The Company also forms links with other consultancies with complementary expertise for undertaking joint commissions for individual projects.

BEE

BEE Rating & Skills development polocies

The Creative Axis is a 100% Black owned firm with a Level 1 BEE Status and 168.75% BEE Recognition. Being a previously marginalised practice, The Creative Axis demonstrates its social responsibility to local marginalised communities by providing them with professional service and advice for either no remuneration or at cost. The Firm's current recruitment and development policy are outlined below:

TRAINING is the top priority in order to eliminate the chronic shortage of trained and qualified professionals from the marginalised groups. The Creative Axis will therefore continue its commitment to provide in-house training for its own staff and those of other organizations.

RECRUITMENT of new staff is aimed at ensuring that the current staff composition in all The Creative Axis offices is representative of the overall communities in which they operate. Specific measures are in place to afford applicants from previously marginalised communities a better than equal chance of employment and advancement.

ADVANCEMENT of staff from previously marginalised communities is a priority, driven by management. Training programmes ensure the on-going professional and personal development of all individuals within the Firm.

ASSOCIATION with marginalised firms will be continued and promoted to build their capacities and enhance the transfer of skills and technology.

TARGETS have been set in The Creative Axis with respect to the employment and advancement of individuals from previously marginalised communities, and progress is monitored regularly to ensure that the programme is successful.

COMMUNICATION with existing members of staff ensures their support of the policy and provides advice and suggestions where appropriate.

Awards & Achievments

1994 Merit Award For New PFG Building (In Association with C. Docrat Architects) - Midrand

1995 Award of Excellence - Corobrik 1995 Editors Award Building Magazine – Shiraz Auto (In Association with C. Docrat Architects)

1996 Award of Excellence - Concrete Manufacturers Association

1997 Editors Award Building Magazine – Joint Operations Centre – Jhb International Airport(In Association with C. Docrat Architects)

2003 Winning Design Competition Entry – Innovation Hub – Enterprise Building 1 (Joint Venture with M-Architects)

2003 Winning Design Competition Entry – Metro Traders Market – Hillbrow

2004 Winners of Tender – Mogali City Projects

2004 Winning Design Competition Entry – Mogalekwena Council Chambers

2007 Winning Tender Submission – Loftus Versfeld

2010 Stadium Upgrade (Consortium – Ingplan)

2008 Winning Tender Submission – Tigane Library – Klerksdorp, North West.

2009 Preferred Bidder – Metro Traders Market – Johannesburg CBD.

2009 Preferred Bidder – South African Post Office Parking Extension – Tshwane.

2009 Winners of Tender – Innovation Hub – Enterprise Building 2(Joint Venture with M-Architects)

Sustainability

Building on two decades of hands-on experience and skills in sustainability, we are committed to creating both short and long term value for our clients through innovative and environmentally responsible design.

We work as part of Integrated Design Teams to raise the standards of the architectural and construction industry and help play our part in preserving our environment for the future generations.

The Creative Axis actively strives to achieve sustainable solutions to meet our client's cultural and organizational needs. We investigate ways of helping the environment of our clients and partners adapt to the changing world climate.

Design and construction must promote sustainable development, i.e. development that meets the needs and aspirations of our present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable Aspirations

The Creative Axis have always been guided by a single focussed mission: to improve, enrich and empower peoples lives through innovative, appropriate and responsible design. We believe great architecture will conserve the Earth's resources, help shape the human experience and improve the quality of the built environment for the present and for future generations.

We have an active presence in South Africa and are now developing into Africa, with a team of nationally and internationally experienced Architects, designers, project managers and sustainability Architects that embrace emerging trends such as sustainable design and (BIM) Building Information Modelling.