South Africa influenced by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer，Always at the forefront of African architecture.However, referring to South African design,SAOTA has’nt jumped out of the topic circle.

Rare mansion is rare. SAOTA is Highly praised for its unique mansion works. SAOTA’S founders : Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl and Greg Truen who are considered to be one of the most interesting architects of the new generation of African architects. It has a high reputation at the forefront of architecture. In the role-playing of architects in modern African society, SAOTA has positioned itself : transcend boundaries, break itself at the edge of capabilities, and become a World-renowned design company in Africa. Explore the source of history, Tribute to classics. SAOTA has opened up an international design route for the practice of luxury houses in the 21st century.

Interview guest:Greg True (Director of SAOTA, ARRCC)

Greg completed a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Natal in 1991. He first practised in Durban, joining Stefan Antoni Architects as a Project Architect in 1995. In 1998, he was made a partner in the firm and has worked on an extensive range of residential, retail, commercial, and educational projects. A natural leader, Greg is versatile, creative and highly organised. His great interest in current affairs ensures that he regularly introduces new concepts and innovations which are eagerly absorbed into the everyday running of the office. He is currently a Director of SAOTA, ARRCC and OKHA Interiors.

Yinjispace：SAOTA's luxury house design is very popular in China. How do you define SAOTA's design style? If you use a few words to describe the style of SAOTA, which words would you think of?

Greg：Contemporary,contextual, sensitive, poetic and especially highly liveable. SAOTA’s designs are confident and strong without being alienating, they connect indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly and capture light to make the interior spaces glow. We strive to create work that is not fussy but still has a certain magic and mystery to it. We try to create simple layered spaces that engage with their environments and celebrate human life.

Yinjispace：For the first time we know SAOTA, we think it is a very good architectural office. After seeing a lot of your luxury works, we saw the interior charm of good architects. How do you do that? Can you share some SAOTA stories with our Chinese readers?

Greg：We work on six continents and 86 countries around the world and good design is all about leveraging the climate you’re working in, the topography and the landscapes to create confident buildings that connect indoor-outdoor living. The light produced by the architectural design plays a role in creating interior spaces that captivate and move.We work closely with ARRCC, our interior design studio on most projects and this gives us some control over what happens inside our buildings, it also allows for us to influence how people use and live in them. We don’t separate architecture and interiors, they’re part of one thing.Our greatest success has been to build an extraordinary team. We’re a very positive group of people working together.

Yinjispace：How do you define a luxury home? What are the requirements for an excellent mansion design?

Greg：The word luxury means space, authenticity, comfort, quality, efficiency and delight.An excellent mansion design requires great space, simplicity and the least fuss to make a great and powerful statement even if it is an understated one. People have started to realize that traditional styles of architecture create homes that are inconsistent with the way the people live today. Contemporary architecture allows much more meaningful connections with the views, external spaces and garden. It also allows for more dynamic use of space.

Yinjispace：SAOTA's next design work can be disclosed? What is your plan for 2020?

Greg：We are currently doing several projects - from luxury hotels to high-end apartment buildings and private houses across the globe - with work in places like the United States, Canada, Nigeria, Brazil, France and Aspen. In 2020 we are also focussing on our digital media strategies to further build brand awareness internationally.We are also spearheading exciting projects in Los Angeles, Miami, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Sydney and China amongst others.

Yinjispace：SAOTA designs a lot of luxury projects. What do you think about luxury design in China?

Greg：It has been extremely exciting to be able to travel to and work in China. Chinese design – whether fashion, art or architecture - exhibits sophistication. For buildings, the use of materials and precise attention to detail is inspiring. Spaces are edgy, authentic, memorable and of quality.