What do we do?

We draw houses.

But first, we look and listen,
imagining the life that will take
place in this building.


Then we make some ‘napkin sketches’
– rough ideas for feedback.
We refine these with you, dreaming aloud,
and willing this space into existence.

Once you’re happy, we submit the finished drawings for approval.
And with everything ready,
we call our builder friends...

Then, after what feels like a frightfully long, terribly expensive time...

you move in to your brand new space for life.

Person standing on a patio overlooking the ocean with greenery in the foreground, wearing a polka dot shirt and blue pants, with windblown hair.

We look + listen, imagining
the life that'll take place in this building.

We dream aloud, willing this space into existence.

Woman with pink hair sitting on a ledge in an outdoor backyard with a hot tub, wooden pergola, and mountain view in the background.

Then, you move into your brand new space for life.

Modern bathroom with white countertops, two vessel sinks, large mirror, plants, teal tile walls, and a bathtub with a shower. There are towels, soap, and a decorative rug on the floor.
Green tiled bathroom wall with a mounted silver showerhead and a flexible hose. Green plants in ceramic and plastic pots sit on a white sink in the foreground. A white soap dispenser is partially visible on the right.
Helen Counihan-Greene and Victoria de la Cour join forces to collaborate on the female led, cape town artchitectural firm. Here they stand infront of the new build in Ronderbosch, southern Suburbs, Cape Town
Helen Counihan-Greene and Victoria de la Cour join forces to collaborate on the female led, cape town artchitectural firm. Here they stand infront of the new build in Ronderbosch, southern Suburbs, Cape Town

About us

Our intention is to design homes that are deeply personal,
spaces that reflect your life, your routines and your values.

We work in close collaboration with you, tailoring each detail to consider your functional needs, as well as your most whimsical dreams for the space in which your life will unfold.

Achieving this high level of resolution requires a responsive, hands-on approach. That’s why we’re involved in every step from initial concept to completion.

Our work, whether a compact renovation or a full-scale new build, is grounded in sensitivity to context – drawing on the language of existing structures, the history of a place, and the inherent opportunities within each site.

We have a particular interest in designing seamless additions that enter into dialogue with the existing built form, and we also welcome the creative possibilities of the blank slate –balancing form, function and constraint to shape brand new spaces with clarity and purpose.

BArch (Wits)

SACAP PR ARCH 7423

SAIA 8145

MArch (Wits)

SACAP PR ARCH 21259

We both have over 20 years of experience.

Before teaming up,
we worked at firms in London, Amsterdam,
Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Helen Counihan-Greene

Victoria de la Cour

A dog with a merle coat lying on a concrete patio under a wooden pergola. There is a large window and potted plants on the patio, with mountains visible in the background.
Interior view through a large, oval wooden-framed window looking out onto a balcony with a scenic landscape and water in the distance; part of a house interior with plants and decorative items.