HD Projects’ architectural skills turns dreams into a reality

Having been born in Pretoria and grown up in Durban, Clayton Human owner of HD Projects, an architectural, landscaping and interior design company, is bringing his professional architectural skills to the South Coast.

Having spent most of his childhood on the South Coast, his return has certainly played a part in shaping who he is as a person, and how he has structured his business.

HD Projects’ core focus is new builds and developments, using state-of-the-art three dimensional designs for homes and commercial buildings, from conception to completion.

Clayton has a passion for architecture having studied five years part-time at the Durban University of Technology while working full time, fuelling his passion.

“From a young age I had a passion and a dream to make a difference in people’s lives by starting an empire, and to leave a legacy for my family and future generations to come. Architecture has certainly helped me fulfil that dream.

“Cliché, I know, but if there is ever a statement that rings more true and is something I most certainly live by is ‘choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. Waking up everyday to the new and endless possibilities of making someone’s dream come true is what I live for.”

Clayton said strangely enough he started his business during the Covid-19 pandemic and celebrating two years in business, HD Projects was announced as the runner-up in the Best of Ballito Readers’ Choice Awards 2022.

”I saw an opportunity, when people were being retrenched, businesses being forced to close down, we were faced with so many uncertainties, I saw this as an opportunity and took a leap of faith to build a brand that would emerge from the ashes.

We use state-of-the art 3D design and animation software that allows us to showcase the finished product before construction even begins. This is what helps us bring our clients’ visions to life. As one will know, colour trends are always changing, so finding a timeless colour palette that can outlast the trends is the core focus of our interior design teams.

HD Projects has a lot to offer its clients, especially with its team of experts.

“Our clients are not just a number to us. We form personal relationships with them, as we get to know them while walking their journey with them, and turning their dream homes into a reality.

“We assist our clients from conception to completion, ensuring that they have peace of mind knowing that we are with them every step of the way, that’s what sets us apart from the rest,” he added.

With a full team of professionals – architects, engineers, landscapers, interior designers and project managers, HD Projects offers its clients a full turnkey solution with a personal touch.

Previously, architects also assisted with engineering, interior design and project management tasks. Today, these tasks are outsourced to various companies. That is where HD Projects differs. We bring these aspects together under one roof to bring your vision to life.

Going ‘green’ is most certainly the way of the future and it can be as simple as starting with the sourcing of local materials, however it really comes down to the way a building is designed and how it responds to its surroundings, to lower its carbon footprint.

“My favourite part of a project is when a building has been completed and a project has come to an end, there is something spectacular about seeing your drawings brought to life, it’s a constant reminder of realising your dreams have become a reality,” said Clayton.

Architectural services offered

HD Projects offers a range of residential and commercial architectural services in the province, from new builds to alterations and submissions.

Their team of professionals are always available and glad to assist with whatever the client requires, relating to their home or office space.

They offer three dimensional realistic visuals, catering for the clients’ needs; as building drawings which give the client an opportunity to make alterations, update plans and make additions.

Their new build gives the clients an opportunity to build their dream, within their budget and make it a reality.

They provide the required energy efficiency, which may be requested by the municipality in order to issue a certificate of occupancy, especially because all building work plans need to be approved by the municipality before construction commences.

The process is simple:

Step 1:
Inception– The clients gives a brief of what they want, their budget, meet with consultants and view the project programme.

Step 2:
Concept and viability – The initial design is prepared, viewing of the proposed site and space, proposed materials and intended building services and overview of the technical and functional characteristics of the redesign; reviewing of anticipated costs and project programme.

Step 3:
Design development – Confirm the scope and complexity of the design; review of the design and consulting with local and statutory authorities; developing of the design, construction systems, materials and components, coordination of services and works with consults and another reviewing of the design, costing and programme with consultants.

Step 4.1:
Documentation and procurement – This entails preparation of documents required by the local authority and requires coordination of technical documentation with the consultants; preparations of specifications for work; reviewing the costing and programme with consultants and obtaining the clients authority and submission of documents for approval.

4.2: Once completed with documentation, tenders are invited to bid; the client gives authority to prepare documents for procuring offers for the execution of work, offers are evaluated and the building contract is awarded. Once that has been done a contract for building is prepared and signed before construction starts.

Step 5:
Construction – The building contract is administered. The contractor is given possession of the site. Sub-contract design and documentation are checked. Inspection of works for conformity to the contract documentation is done to check whether the quality is acceptable as in terms of the industry standards; duties and obligations are administered as assigned by the principal agent as per the terms of JBCC building contract; the certificate of practical completion is issued and HD Projects assists the client in obtaining the occupation certificate.

Step 6:
Close Out – HD Projects facilitates the close-out of the project, preparing all the necessary documentation and handover of the project.

They also provide the client with the as built drawings and relevant technical and contractual undertakings by the contractor and subcontractors.

A passion for interior design

HD Projects has a passion for interior design and believes that a house becomes a home when it reflects the owner personality and works with their lifestyle.

The talented team of designers boasts 10 years of experience and focuses on a client’s personal style.

“We break down the wall that has been preventing the open concept of your living space, making sure that it’s beautifully reinvented and is functional, just the way you want it.

“We provide onsite consultations, do surveys and project analysis, creating the best possible solutions and see if there may be any limitations that may impact the design,” he added.

HD Projects also assists in finding new ways to repurpose existing furniture, to create perfect balance and harmony.

“Our design concepts are developed as a guideline to create a cohesive design and we discuss and source the most suitable materials and finishes to perfectly complement the interior.

“Our professional team does the purchasing of all required products, making sure they are delivered to the location safe and secure for installation with ease and efficiency, also coordinating the project from start to finish, with all our designs tailormade to meet the client’s budget,” Clayton said.

HD Projects specialises in hardwood furnishing, from flooring to walls and has worked with many reputable clients.

HD Projects also excels in supporting their clients ability to directly impact the province; to vividly becoming more eco-friendly and indigenous.

Their landscaping services include; lawn maintenance, outdoor lighting, koi ponds, water features, landscape designing, decking, paving, tree felling, alien plant removal, eco-belt rehabilitation, indigenous garden conversions and more.

Testimonials

Great work quality and dedication for the team.
Fortune

The most amazing service ever !! HD PROJECTS really went over and above I could not be more happier . My journey with the municipality’s has not been easy but that was the least of my worries Clayton has dealt with them from day one and has been so consistent. He has designed my home so beautifully it’s actually a show stopper when all the cars drive past , I actually have people stopping to ask who did my plans ?? Thank you so much HD PROJECTS … your work and service is definitely 10/10
Sian

HD Projects are amazing, they drew up and submitted my building plans to council very fast and without any issues. They came to site and measured before hand and even came to site during the building process to make sure everything is to their architects and engineers specification. I will definitely be using them in the future for all my architectural and engineering needs.
Zane

For all your professional architectural design services needs, contact HD Projects on 071 495 0058 or email: hello@hdprojectssa.co.za. Follow them on Instagram and on Facebook

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