Studio Profile
Tsai Design Studio is a Cape Town-based multidisciplinary practice working across architecture, interiors, and furniture design. We believe that every project carries within it a hidden idea — a concept waiting to be uncovered, tested, and brought to life with conviction.
Our work is driven by curiosity. We explore materiality, adaptability, and spatial connection not as technical exercises, but as acts of discovery — each one shaping spaces that are deeply experiential and quietly memorable.
Since 2024, we have integrated advanced AI design and visualisation capabilities into our workflow, expanding what is possible in the early stages of design. We work in close collaboration with clients and developers, treating every brief as an invitation to push boundaries and find the unexpected.
Our portfolio spans a diverse range of urban projects — each one distinct, each one a reflection of the city, the people, and the possibilities that inspired it.
Awards and Accolades:
2021
• AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award Commendation for Bridges Academy.
• Loeries Awards finalist for Bridges Academy. (more info)
2019
• CIFA (Cape Institute for Architecture) Award of Architecture for Zip Zap Academy.
• Loeries Awards silver trophy for Zip Zap Academy. (more info)
2016
• “Young Architects in Africa” Award exhibition at the 15th Venice Biennial of Architecture, Shanghai, China.
2014
• 1st Prize for Media24’s Competition for Cape Town’s landmark Naspers Building. (more info)
• Honorable Mention for the international “Young Architects in Africa” competition, France.
2013
• Loeries Awards silver trophy for Visserhok Container School. (more info)
• Top 10 finalists for ‘Fine Brandy By Design’ Bar Competition.
2012
• AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award for Safmarine Sports Center (top 8 finalists).
• Design Indaba ‘Your Street’ competition for Urban Mosaic Project.
2011
• CIFA (Cape Institute for Architecture) Award of Architecture for Safmarine Sports Center.
• 3rd prize, Anglo American Architecture Competition. (more info)
2010
• 2nd prize for ‘Re-Imagine Cape Town’ Competition.
• Top 10 finalists for ‘The Most Beautiful Object in South Africa Award’ for the Ostrich Barstool. (more info)