Building Dreams, One Design at a Time
We are a design-led architecture studio. Our focus is on creating functional, well-considered spaces that respond to both client needs and their surrounding context. We take a hands-on, collaborative approach, translating vision into clear, buildable solutions.
We Design Unique Places That Tell A Story
CBD Architects is a boutique design studio founded in 2021 by Christopher Branfield, a registered professional architect who views architecture as a form of artistic expression. Based in South Africa, we craft highly personalized, visually compelling spaces that harmonize with their surroundings and elevate the everyday.
We believe architecture should move people. Our design language merges sculptural simplicity with warm, sustainable materials to create spaces that are deeply livable and undeniably unique. With each project, we seek to reflect the spirit of the site, the vision of the client, and the values we hold dear: creativity, clarity, and craftsmanship.
Our Services
Residential Architecture
At CBD Architects, we design homes that go beyond shelter, we create spaces of meaning, memory, and identity. Each residence is envisioned as a personal sanctuary, shaped by the lives that will unfold within it. Our approach is intimate and collaborative, guiding clients from inspiration to execution with creativity, care, and technical precision.
Whether it’s a serene coastal retreat or a bold urban residence, we balance context, climate, and character to craft homes that feel grounded and expressive. Our work embraces clean lines, natural materials, and spatial flow, resulting in dwellings that are as practical as they are poetic.
Industrial Architecture
Function doesn’t have to come at the expense of form. At CBD Architects, we bring clarity and craft to industrial design, delivering structures that are robust, efficient, and visually coherent. Our work supports operational excellence while maintaining design integrity, whether we’re developing logistics hubs, storage facilities, or manufacturing spaces.
Every industrial project is approached with the same level of intention as our homes, understanding the workflow, environment, and long-term performance needs. We prioritize simplicity, buildability, and adaptability, resulting in spaces that work as hard as the people who use them.
Institutional & Civic Design
Great public spaces should do more than serve, they should inspire and unite. Our institutional designs are rooted in community, designed to reflect collective values and elevate shared experiences. From educational campuses to cultural venues, we create architecture that fosters connection, pride, and long-term impact.
By integrating thoughtful circulation, natural light, and locally relevant materials, we design civic buildings that feel open, accessible, and enduring. These are spaces that invite learning, gathering, and belonging, shaped by both purpose and possibility.
PORTFOLIO
Meet the Team
Christopher Branfield is the founder and creative force behind CBD Architects, a boutique studio redefining what it means to build in South Africa. A registered professional architect (Pr.Arch) with both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Nelson Mandela University, Christopher brings a unique perspective to the built environment: one where architecture is not only technical, but also deeply artistic.
With experience across residential, institutional, and industrial projects, Christopher’s design approach marries minimalist beauty with sustainable precision. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that every space should evoke a response, emotional, tactile, and timeless. From tranquil coastal homes to civic landmarks, he treats each project as a narrative, shaped through dialogue with his clients and the landscapes they inhabit.
Christopher is dedicated to building a studio that collaborates with visionaries, creatives, and communities. He is driven by the idea that architecture can be both functional and poetic, a personal, living artwork that enhances life and leaves a meaningful legacy.
Eldon Quirk is an accomplished management professional known for his strategic vision and operational excellence. With extensive experience directing complex projects and overseeing comprehensive business processes, Eldon consistently demonstrates his ability to lead teams effectively and deliver results that enhance organizational efficiency and profitability.
His skill set includes strategic planning, client relationship management, resource allocation, and financial oversight, enabling him to drive successful outcomes in dynamic business environments. Eldon's management approach is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, proactive communication, and an unwavering commitment to meeting and exceeding client expectations, making him a valuable asset to CBD Architects leadership team.