Architecture and construction under one roof. Pretoria & Cape Town. Founded in 2017 to close the gap between an architect's drawing and the contractor's interpretation of it.
Makena Building Group was founded in 2017 by Kgothatso Makena, a registered architect, after years of watching other people's drawings get reinterpreted on site. The architect loses authority, the client loses the design, the contractor wins the convenience.
Makena exists to close that gap — the same hand that draws the plan is the one that builds it. Today the firm operates from Pretoria and Cape Town with a small in-house team of four specialists — architect, QS, site foreman, and compliance lead.
We work on residential and small commercial projects, from architectural plans and SANS 10400 plan examination through to fixed-fee new builds and renovations. Every plan is drawn for compliance. Every build matches the plan.
We believe in fixed-fee contracts, zero hidden costs, and treating every client's home as if it were our own. Every build is NHBRC registered and SANS 10400 compliant — because your home is the most important investment you'll ever make.
Transparent pricing, honest timelines, and zero hidden costs. We quote what we charge — no surprises at completion.
Every measurement checked twice. Every material specified in writing. Good builds start with good documentation.
You're involved at every decision point. We remain your partner throughout the build and beyond handover.
All new builds are backed by a decade-long structural guarantee through NHBRC registration.
Founder & Lead Architect
SACAP registered professional architect with 8+ years in residential and commercial design. SANS 10400 certified plan examiner. Leads all architectural design and client strategy.
Kgothatso Makena establishes Makena Building Group as an architectural practice in Silver Lakes, Pretoria. First project: a 180m² residence in Soshanguve.
Company formally registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council. Begins taking on larger residential projects across Gauteng.
Transitions from design-only to full-service construction company. Adds in-house project management and quantity surveying capabilities.
Opens second office in Cape Town to serve Western Cape clients. Reaches 100+ completed projects milestone and establishes a strong reputation for fixed-fee, transparent builds.
Launches custom house plans catalogue and introduces the SANS Plan Examination service for self-build clients.
Let's design before we quote. A plan drawn for compliance is a quote you can trust.