"Selling your business is our business"
"Selling your business is our business"
Fully describe the business's activities?
This well-established architectural firm based in a well-known Boland town, Western Cape, South Africa was founded over 50 years ago by the Owner.
He is currently still the Principal Architect and has built a strong reputation for delivering comprehensive architectural services across a wide range of project types.
How the Business Operates
They offer a spectrum of architectural services, including:
Design and technical drawings for residential buildings (flats, high-rise, low-rise)
Industrial buildings
Guesthouses, holiday resorts, strip malls, and shopping centres
New township design and drafting of architectural guidelines for developers
West Coast-style architecture, with notable projects in well known West Coast Towns.
Project Management The firm often acts as the Principal Agent on construction sites, ensuring quality control and adherence to design specifications.
Control/Review Architect Roles Due to their trusted reputation, they have been appointed as control/review architects in several estates:
Design Philosophy Their approach emphasizes:
Respect for client aspirations and heritage
Integration of innovative technologies
Environmentally appropriate and context-sensitive design
A celebration of local climate, space, and skills
How long has the business been established?
Over 50 Years
How are the clients attracted to the business?
Their reputation has reached beyond the Boland area.
Apart from word of mouth they also have a website and continuously market online.
What Advertising/Marketing is carried out?
Online, printed media and relationships
Does the business have any contract work?
Yes - they are the preferred architect on various Estate Developments.
What competition exists?
Various architects is around but not a lot of them have been going for so long and the goodwill has been created over time.
A lot of their work also happens on the West Coast.
Is the business VAT Registered?
No
Are there up-to-date Management Accounts available?
Financials is available.
Is Seller finance available and for what amount?
The Owner is looking for someone to whom he can hand over the reigns.
He is willing to stay onboard on some consultancy capacity until he cannot anymore.
He does have one Senior Technologist / Architect that works mostly from his home that will continue with the business.
Method of Purchse
The ideal would be that someone buys the shares from the owner.
Hence all his credibility, registrations at various institutions stay in tact and the name will be the same name in the marketplace.
What is the total staff complement?
The owner
3 Junior and 1 Senior Technologist ( 6 years )
Office Manager ( 10 years )
Do any receive special perks or incentives?
Yes. The Senior technologist receives 6 % of turnover as Bonus
When does the current lease end?
The Current lease expires in June 2026 and can be renewed for another 12 months.
What is the square meters of the business?
150 sqm
Do you require a licence?
Yes - registration at SACAP
What are the main assets of the business?
The business are sold with all assets and computers.
All furniture included.
How have they been valued ?
Fairmarket Second hand value
Strengths?
Established Reputation: Over 50 years of experience with a strong brand in the Western Cape, especially in Boland and the West Coast.
Diverse Portfolio: Projects range from residential and industrial buildings to resorts, estates, and township planning.
Trusted Roles: Appointed as control/review architect for multiple estates, indicating high trust and credibility.
Design Philosophy: Emphasis on heritage, sustainability, and local context aligns with modern architectural values.
Client Relationships: Long-standing relationships with developers and municipalities.
Weaknesses?
Limited Digital Presence: The firmâs online footprint is modest, which may limit reach to younger, tech-savvy clients.
Traditional Operations: Potential reliance on older systems and workflows that may not be optimized for modern architectural software or remote collaboration.
Founder Dependency: The brand is closely tied to the owner himself, which could pose challenges during a transition.
Opportunities?
Modernization: A younger architect could introduce BIM, VR walkthroughs, and digital marketing to attract new clients.
Expansion: Opportunity to grow into urban centers or diversify into green architecture and smart buildings.
Brand Leverage: Use the existing reputation to secure larger or more innovative projects.
Mentorship & Legacy: Potential for knowledge transfer from the owner, preserving legacy while evolving the practice.
Threats?
Market Competition: Increasing competition from newer firms with strong digital strategies.
Economic Fluctuations: Construction and development are sensitive to economic downturns.
Client Retention: Risk of losing long-term clients during ownership transition if not managed carefully.
What is the reason for the sale?
The owner is over 80 and wants to retire
Why is this a good business?
Why a Younger Architect Should Consider Purchasing the Business
Instant Credibility: Acquiring a firm with a respected name and history provides immediate legitimacy in the industry.
Established Client Base: You inherit relationships, contracts, and trust that would take years to build from scratch.
Mentorship Opportunity: Learning directly from the owner could be invaluable for refining your architectural and business skills.
Platform for Innovation: You can modernize operations, expand services, and introduce new technologies while maintaining the firmâs core values.
Strategic Location: Boland and the West Coast are growing regions with ongoing development opportunities.
Control Architect Roles: These are hard to secure independently and offer consistent work and influence in estate development.
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