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The studio

Designing with purpose — The Isago Architecture studio — SACAP-registered architects and architectural technologists, Johannesburg and Mafikeng

01Who we are

Isago means the future in Setswana — and that is what we design for. Founded in 2007, we are an architectural design and consulting firm with offices in Johannesburg and Mafikeng, working across the built environment — from private homes to schools and clinics serving whole communities.

Our managing members have shared a dynamic working relationship since the practice was founded in 2007, with experience spanning community, commercial and residential projects. We strive to create real, functional architectural environments; we are dedicated to — and proud of — our service offering; and we work to improve the public's appreciation of architecture and design.

Our mission is simple: strive for excellence, provide an individualistic service, and develop long-term relationships.

Natalie Gettliffe — Managing Member, Professional Architect

Managing member

Natalie Gettliffe

Managing Member · Professional Architect

Professional Architect registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession, combining architectural practice with formal business management training.

  • PrArch — Professional ArchitectRegistered with SACAP
  • PDM — Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Business Administration)Wits Business School
  • BArch — Bachelor of ArchitectureUniversity of the Witwatersrand
  • BAS — Bachelor of Architectural StudiesUniversity of the Witwatersrand

About me

  • Driven by a commitment to excellence in both design and project delivery.
  • Multi-sector experience with a wide variety of clients — every project is unique, with its own challenges and lessons.
  • An advocate of thoughtful design: responsive to the environment and to the physical, social and emotional needs of end users, the community and the surrounding landscape.
  • Passionate about sustainable, locally procured, minimally invasive and eco-conscious design.

Beyond the studio

Wildlife conservation · Running & exercise · Design & the arts · Good food & travel

"Architecture combines art and science to create the physical world we interact with — and gives us the ability to better our environments, thoughtfully and sustainably."
Work with us

02Managing members

Kopano Moleko

Managing Member · Senior Architectural Technologist & Marketing Manager

  • PrSArchT — Professional Senior Architectural TechnologistRegistered with SACAP
  • BTech — Architectural ManagementUniversity of Johannesburg
  • National Diploma — Architectural TechnologyPeninsula Technikon

About me

  • Focused, driven and committed on every project he leads.
  • Led the Investec Phase 2 office development — a key commercial commission for the studio.
  • Delivered the new Mazista Primary School for the North West IDT, creating new learning facilities for the community.
  • Led the new North West Disaster Management Centre, a major provincial public-infrastructure project.
  • Completed the new Heuningvlei Clinic for the Northern Cape IDT, bringing healthcare facilities closer to the community it serves.

Beyond the studio

Quad biking · Ancient history · Space exploration

"I'm passionate about buildings — and the powerful role they play in human emotion."
Kopano Moleko — Managing Member, Senior Professional Architectural Technologist

03The team

Thabo Dube — Professional Senior Architectural Technologist

Thabo Dube

Professional Senior Architectural Technologist SACAP — PrSArchT

Education

  • BTech — Architectural TechnologyNelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  • NDip — Architectural TechnologyNelson Mandela Metropolitan University

About me

  • A strong appreciation for precision and close attention to detail.
  • Takes pride in being actively involved and supporting the wider team wherever he can.
  • A designer from the start — co-designed his primary school's logo at 12, then designed his secondary school's logo at 14.

Beyond the studio

Graphic design · Fine art · Music & sound engineering

"I value exposure to all six stages of architecture — especially project management, which sharpens my practical understanding and on-site experience."
Lunghile Mhlongo — Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist

Lunghile Mhlongo

Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist SACAP — Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist

Education

  • Advanced Diploma — Architectural TechnologyNelson Mandela University
  • National Diploma — Architectural TechnologyNelson Mandela University
  • N4 + N5 — Multi-Disciplinary Drawing-Office PracticeAcademy of Advanced Technology

About me

  • Experience across residential, commercial, educational and industrial developments throughout South Africa.
  • Enjoys coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver well-integrated project outcomes.
  • Passionate about practical, sustainable and well-detailed architectural solutions.
  • Sees every project as another chapter in a pursuit of excellence — on the path to Project Architect and, ultimately, Project Manager.
  • Finds his deepest reward in watching his children learn, grow and become themselves.

Beyond the studio

Architectural art & interior design trends · Recreational sports · Exploring new places & food spots

"Architecture is more than designing buildings — it's about shaping spaces that enrich the way people live, work and connect."
Msizi Jili — Professional Senior Architectural Technologist

Msizi Jili

Professional Senior Architectural Technologist SACAP — PrSArchT

Education

  • BTech — Architectural TechnologyDurban University of Technology
  • NDip — Architectural TechnologyDurban University of Technology

About me

  • Involved in the design and construction of the uMhlathuze Sport Complex in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Designed and prepared construction drawings for multi-purpose sport facilities and community halls for various municipalities.
  • Produced the 3D presentation and construction drawings for the Traditional Leaders' Chambers project.
  • Designed medium- to long-term residential apartments and prepared the drawings for municipal approval.
  • Designed the master plan and construction drawings for additional classrooms and a student centre at Ikhala TVET College, Queenstown.

Beyond the studio

Football · National Geographic · Modern home design

"I am passionate about architecture — I always strive to do my best and to be futuristic in designing buildings and spaces."

04Internship

Isago Architecture believes it is our responsibility to assist and mentor up-and-coming youth within the architectural industry.

As such, we ensure that we provide internship opportunities within our practice to selected youth that fit within our organisational structure. Our interns are actively involved in our team and get hands-on experience in all aspects of our projects.

Shantel Mutenje — Architectural Intern, Candidate Architectural Technologist

Shantel Mutenje

Architectural Intern · Candidate Architectural Technologist SACAP — Candidate Architectural Technologist

Education

  • BAS — Bachelor of Architectural StudiesUniversity of the Witwatersrand
  • Certificate in AI FundamentalsALX Africa

About me

  • Enjoys designing spaces that are functional, sustainable and centred on people's needs.
  • Has contributed to residential, educational and commercial projects from concept through technical documentation.
  • Uses AI and digital technologies to improve architectural workflows and productivity.
  • Co-founded Rapid Cool, a start-up empowering youth and women through sustainable mobility solutions.
  • Believes the best design solutions come from collaborating with diverse teams — listening and learning from others.

Beyond the studio

AI & emerging technologies · Mentoring & youth development · Sketching, travel & discovering new architecture

"Great architecture is about more than buildings — it's about creating spaces that improve lives, foster connection and leave a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve."

05Design philosophy

Responsive

Responsive to people and to environmental context — architecture that belongs to its place and the community it serves.

Innovative

Innovative and sensible in our design approach — creative solutions that remain practical, buildable and enduring.

Unique

We design unique solutions — individualistic responses to every brief, never off-the-shelf answers.

Isago — the future

Let's build what comes next

Contact the studio