Architecture + Design Team

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Architect Team

The longevity and success of Studio D’Arc is exemplified by our team members, each with their unique approach to clients and projects but unified in their dedication to quality and a sense of place-making.

With over fifty years of company history and a collective expertise of more than a century among our current seasoned team members, entrusting your project to us ensures peace of mind.

Years (Since the 1 April 1972)

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Years Collective Experience

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International Projects

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Johann Staats

Professional Architect

Johann Staats

Professional Architect (SACAP Pr Arch 5633)
Studio D'Arc DIrector: 2000 - present

Johann joined SHW Architects immediately after graduating from the University of Port Elizabeth (now the Nelson Mandela University) in 1994. He became a partner in 1998 resulting in the firms name change to SWS Architects which later became Studio D’Arc in 2000 when Paul joined the firm. Johann served as a Councilor of the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority of the Eastern Cape as well as an External Examiner for the School of Architecture at NMU and served on the Mandela Bay Heritage Trust. Johann was elected President of the South African Institute of Architects Eastern Cape in 2006. He is a Green Building Council of South Africa accredited professional and holds a diploma in Architectural Lighting Design. He believes that understanding the generators that inform design is vital in bringing client expectations in line with an appropriate architectural response, all while having fun and making friends in the process.

Paul Schmidt

Professional Architect

Paul Schmidt

Professional Architect (SACAP Pr Arch 6227)
Studio D'Arc DIrector: 2000 - present

Paul joined the firm in 1997 after graduating from the University of Port Elizabeth (now Nelson Mandela University). He spent his in-training years at SWS Architects, Welman Architects in the US and at SHW Architects, after which he joined Studio D’Arc Architects in 2000 as a director. He is a registered professional architect and a Green Building Council of South Africa accredited professional. Paul has extensive experience in all project typologies focussing the past decade more on specialised industrial and commercial projects ranging in size from R20m to R11bn. Paul's passion and dedication to innovation, technology, and sustainable construction practices led to the inception of BouNou in 2021, a design and implementation firm where he plays an active role today.

Craig Billson

Professional Architect

Craig Billson

Professional Architect (SACAP Pr Arch 6936)
Studio D'Arc DIrector: 2003 - present

Craig joined SDA as a director in 2003 after a number of years of working in private practice and lecturing at the University of Port Elizabeth (now Nelson Mandela University) from where he graduated. He is a registered professional who has specialised in the health-care realm with a focus on contextual sensitivity and sustainability. His hedonistic passion finds itself in combining the art of form & space with materials and environment.

Graham Eshmade

Senior Architectural Technologist

Graham Eshmade

Pr SArchT (SACAP - 1231)
Studio D'Arc DIrector: 2018 - present

Graham joined the Studio D'Arc team in 2018 for a high-profile R11bn automotive manufacturing project in the Coega IDZ. His role highlighted his exceptional leadership skills and construction expertise, earning him a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of construction processes. Graham ensures all projects meet industry standards and statutory requirements, with a strong emphasis on constructability and quality. His dedicated work ethic is mirrored in his passion for running.