Francois Steyn and fellow director Lisa Bridgeford were instrumental in establishing dhk Interior Design (dhki) as an interior design firm within the dhk Architects group. The studio’s portfolio spans projects across the hospitality, commercial, education and residential sectors. Though he typically prefers to remain behind the scenes, Francois recently shared insights into his professional journey and role at dhki.
Francois has been in the interior design industry since 1996, building an impressive track record over nearly three decades. He has been involved in multiple large-scale fit-out projects within the retail, residential, commercial and hospitality sectors where he has primarily been responsible for managing staff and allocating resources. But where did it all start?
Laying a solid foundation
Before transitioning to interior design, Francois was focused on a career in architecture. He completed his architectural studies at Cape Technikon (now Cape Peninsula University of Technology) in 1993, and cut his teeth at various architectural studios in South Africa and Ireland. Those roles laid the foundation for his career as an interior designer. His experience also includes a unique chapter of managing a fruit farm in Ceres, Western Cape, while pursuing his studies.
Francois honed his architectural skills during a five-year tenure at Stefan Antoni Architects before moving to Michele Sandilands Architects, where he contributed to notable projects including Reddam House in Newlands. His career took a turn when he was headhunted by Thinkspace, an interior design company in Cape Town. He later moved abroad to join an architectural studio in Ireland.
He rejoined Thinkspace shortly after coming back to South Africa. This was a defining period in his life. It was at Thinkspace where he found his passion for interior design and project management. In another serendipitous twist of fate, it was also at Thinkspace where he met Lisa – the start of a professional relationship that remains solidly in place, 15 years later.
Multi-functional spaces at Pier Place for Aria Property Group.
Finding his niche
Francois found that interior design better aligned with his systems-driven personality and fast-paced working style. “I remember while still in architecture, we were working on one of the biggest houses in South Africa, in Fresnaye, in Cape Town. It took about two years before we saw it become real,” he explains.
The shorter timescales in turnkey projects hold more appeal for him: “What I like about designing and building bespoke turnkey fitout services for commercial office environments is that it’s quick. Once you win a project, you’re on site within a month. In some cases, you only have about a month to complete the work because the client is moving from their current offices to the new office. Everything has to be delivered with a quick turnaround.”
Francois leads the project management for dhki. He also oversees the technical elements of each project, from on-site implementation and budget management to contractor coordination and quality control.
He explains: “For me it’s important to make sure the interior design vision is implemented on site without deviation. Client service is equally important, ensuring we stay within budget and within the timeline allocated to us. The key difference between us and the architects is that the architects draw up the plans and the client appoints the builders. At dhki, we appoint the builders, contractors, electricians and others on behalf of the client. So, I manage the implementation of that vision at every level, from laying the carpet to installing the furniture, as well as fitting TVs, aircons, fire detectors, sprinklers, access control and everything else. We also coordinate the tenant’s move.”
This holistic service extends to the smallest details of client transitions, says Francois. “For example, if a company needs to move to a new space on a Monday, we prepare the week before. We bring boxes for the tenant to pack up their existing office and label all the furniture. On the Friday, we get the movers in and move all furniture across into the new office. On Monday, when they come in, all the tenant needs to do is unpack their boxes and start work. There are a lot of moving parts for us, but it helps streamline the whole door-to-door experience for the tenants” he says.
Recent dhki projects include the refurbishment of a new campus for Good Hope Studies.
Growth and Recent Success
Today, dhki is making strong inroads as a leading interior design studio. They’ve worked for several blue-chip clients including Growthpoint, Sun International, Spear REIT, and leading financial services corporates. As noted in a recent Asset Magazine article, “while dhki may be a relative newcomer as a company, its founders have sound and established reputations in South Africa’s design industry, augmented by their close associations with dhk Architects.” They’re also supported by a strong board and team.
The team is growing steadily in terms of projects and personnel. At the start of February, Interior Architect Marni van der Hoven and Interior Designer Ian Jacobs joined the studio. In March, Senior Interior Designer Kobus Knoetze also joined the team. This follows the addition of Senior Interior Designer Kgalalelo Mosime and Interior Design Intern Lungelo Soko in 2024, whom Francois identifies as a rising star. Francois is also proud of how the team is working well together, including with dhki Installations Manager Zandi Ngoma who is based in East London.
Recent dhki projects include the refurbishment of a new campus for Good Hope Studies, an internationally accredited English language school located in the Cape Town city centre. This was completed in October 2024 and was the third educational-focused project for dhki. They have also completed the executive office for a financial services corporate, and guest suites and the presidential suite in a five-star hotel. The team has previously designed the award-winning MySpace residences in Stellenbosch and a new academic learning centre for Bishops Diocesan College in Rondebosch.
As of the end of February 2025, Francois and the team were preparing to hand over three projects. “Two of these were for returning clients,” Francois notes with pride. “In general, we have a lot of return business which we value, and I think that says a lot about us and the trust we’ve built with our clients.”
This foundation of trust and commitment to excellence positions dhki for continued growth and success within South Africa’s design industry.
