History & Background

The original practice, Engelbrecht & Bester Architects, was established in 1977 by the partners Piet Engelbrecht and André Bester. This practice developed into one of the leading architectural practices in South Africa. This partnership was responsible for and successfully completed several landmark projects. The practice executed over 700 projects and contracts during its lifespan. After the Partnership ended, Ebesa Architects, as it is known today was established in January 2006 and has continued on the path of success by expanding into a variety of additional contracts & project types in South Africa. In December 2016, Ebesa branched into the rest of South Africa by establishing its Johannesburg branch and continuing the story created by its founders.

Financial Stability

Ebesa Architects is financially stable and has been so for over 40 years. Ebesa Architects is covered by a Professional Indemnity policy of R27 Million & this can be increased as per bid/tender requirements. No claims for professional misconduct or negligence have to date been lodged against Ebesa Architects.

Tender Process

Ebesa is fully conversant with any bid / tender documentation applicable for governments and statutory requirements:

• Management of the preparation of procurement documentation in association with the project team.
• Management of the evaluation and adjudication process in association with the project team.
• Management of the execution / construction of works according to preferential procurement practices, policies and documentation, in association with the project team.

Managing Director, Piet Engelbrecht, is responsible for contract administration / inspection and has over 40 years experience in the above disciplines.

Management Control

The Ebesa Management Committee (EMC) is responsible for management decision making, as well as executing the strategic business objectives identified by the Board of Directors. The group has a transparent & equitable decision making process, which enables considered and impactful solutions to modern business challenges. Our Associates & Technical Directors are appointed to specific roles in managing the production output of the company and the production offices, as well as the smooth running of administrative portfolios in the business.

Portfolio Management System

Ebesa Architects is run on a portfolio basis to ensure that the best expertise of the staff component is involved in all projects, thus providing a broader, personalised and effective service delivery on each. The portfolio system ensures exceptional standards in Design, Documentation, and Contract Administration including Project Cost Control. Each Director is chosen to drive an architectural discipline best suited to their abilities & experience and to manage an allocated project successfully with their selected team members. Management strive to maintain a high standard of service for the practice by continuously encouraging staff to attend training courses, workshops, seminars and encouraging skills transfer amongst one another. The practice is well equipped to handle fast track projects and our track record shows this has been done with great success. Quality Management Systems are in place to maintain stringent control in all our systems and Ebesa Architects is ISO: 9001:2015 compliant.

Equity Principles

Ebesa Architects have strong commitments to equity principles and economic empowerment within its staff structures. The practice actively supports students from disadvantaged communities in a consistent manner, affording students chances at previously unattainable goals. We are involved in various community projects and organisational support initiatives to enrich and add value to communities around us. Ebesa Architects (Pty) Ltd is B-BBEE compliant since June 2012. The practice is currently SANAS Accredited with a Level-1 certification for a Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) and for Built-Environment Professionals (BEP) in the Construction Sector.