Concept Architects | Interior Architects & Designers | Spatial Designers | Bespoke Detailing Specialists

Your Vision,
Our Expertise, Experience,
Unforgettable Results

Mokuti Etosha Lodge

CONCEPT ARCHITECT | DESIGN PRINCIPAL | INTERIOR ARCHITECT & DESIGNER

Midgard Country Estate

DESIGN PRINCIPAL | INTERIOR ARCHITECT & DESIGNER

Mokuti Etosha Lodge

CONCEPT ARCHITECT | DESIGN PRINCIPAL | INTERIOR ARCHITECT & DESIGNER

Chobe Water Villas

CONCEPT ARCHITECT | DESIGN PRINCIPAL | INTERIOR ARCHITECT & DESIGNER

Mokuti Etosha Lodge

CONCEPT ARCHITECT | DESIGN PRINCIPAL | INTERIOR ARCHITECT & DESIGNER

A full-service, solution-driven,
Cape Town-based,
Interior Architecture & Spatial Design Consultancy,
specialising in
HOSPITALITY, LEISURE & WELLNESS

Clients

98+

Projects

156+

countries

11+

Happy Clients

100%
Ayla Bawadi Suite Al Ain UAE

Ayla Bawadi Hotel (4-star) - AL AIN - UAE
DESIGN UNION - Design Principal | Interior Architects

MENA award finalist, Jan Lewis form Design Union
Design Union logo
OUR PROCESS

FULL SERVICE

From concept to completion, we oversee every aspect of your project to seamlessly blend architecture, interiors, and landscapes, customized to meet your preferences and requirements.

ESSENTIAL SERVICE

From crafting buffet and bar counter designs, to optimizing lighting and addressing acoustic challenges, we provide cost-effective solutions for all your interior design essentials.

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01 - BRIEF

Discover

During the discovery phase, we engage in close collaboration with our clients to understand their needs, desires, goals, and objectives—ranging from theoretical concepts to practical considerations. In refurbishments, I perform thorough site inspections to pinpoint effective and inspirational design solutions, ensuring optimal results for both guests and staff.
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02 - CONCEPT

Imagine

This marks the intersection where creativity, functionality, and aesthetics seamlessly converge, guided by a pragmatic and logical understanding of design. Every element is orchestrated to conceptually solidify the outcomes of the 'discovery' process.
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03 - SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Illustrate

In this stage, we intricately describe the overall layout and key features of the design in a three-dimensional representation. Using colour images, detailed furniture layouts, sketches, and specialized detailing, we present proposed furniture, fabrics, and finishes. The information provided is comprehensive enough for a Quantity Surveyor (QS) or contractor to confidently establish a high-level budget.
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04 - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Develop

Every intricate detail of each aspect of the project, encompassing layouts, details, finishes, furnishings, and equipment, is established, documented, and incorporated into the designs. Simultaneously, coordination with other project consultants is initiated to ensure smooth integration and synergy.
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05 - DOCUMENTATION & TENDER

DOCS

We prepare comprehensive documentation for both tender and construction phases, covering blockwork, furniture, ceiling, floor finishes, lighting, and electrical layouts. This includes detailed elevations, specifications, and schedules for finishes, sanware, ironmongery, and doors. My specifications extend to artwork, accessories, and tabletop selections, and I offer guidelines on uniforms and brand collateral.
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06 - CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION

BUILD

We actively supervise the construction and installation process in collaboration with the project manager and main contractor. I maintain close coordination with subcontractors, suppliers, and procurement agents, ensuring the realization of the overall design intent.

Interior Design Services

Design Union offers an extensive range of interior design services customised to fit any budget, project timeline, or logistical challenge, all while maximising existing resources.

We firmly believe that each thoughtful investment yields substantial returns.

Our services encompass the following:
Chobe Water Villas Guestroom
Chobe Water Villas - NAMIBIA
DESIGN UNION - Concept Architects | Design Principal | Interior Architects

Design Union Showcase
&
collaborative projects throughout
Jan Lewis's career

Mokuti Etosha Lodge - NAMIBIA

Midgard Country Estate - NAMIBIA

Ayla Grand Hotel & Apartments - UAE

White Lily Manor & Spa - NAMIBIA

Chobe Water Villas - NAMIBIA

Ayla Bawadi Hotel - UAE

Oaks Liwa Executive Suites - UAE

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri - UAE

Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel - UAE

Royal Livingstone - ZAMBIA

Royal Mirage - One & Only - UAE

Le Telfair - MAURITIUS

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort - UAE

O.R Tambo Intercontinental - JHB

Table Bay Hotel - CAPE TOWN

Palace of the lost city - RUSTENBERG

Holiday Inn - MOZAMBIQUE

about

Solve spatial design challenges with an experienced interior architect's multidisciplinary approach.

"Transforming Spaces, Elevating Experiences, Driving Profitability within the Hospitality, Leisure & Wellness Sectors.

How can I assist  . . .
Jan Lewis Founder of Design Union
Established in 2008 by Jan Lewis, Design Union delivers specialised consulting and design services to the Hospitality, Leisure, and Wellness sectors. Jan Lewis brings a wealth of expertise to every project, having laid the foundation for Design Union during an illustrious eight-year tenure as design principal at Wilson & Associates (USA), South African office — one of the world's leading interior architectural giants.

As an interior architect with a background in fine arts, Jan has left an indelible mark on the interiors of renowned international hotels, resorts, casinos, spas, and restaurants. His extensive experience has been honed in environments where luxury is not just a concept but is meticulously crafted and transformed into a monetized reality.

What sets Jan's designs apart is their unwavering commitment to honouring the complete human experience. From the fundamental need to feel valued, acknowledged, and esteemed, to the intricate fulfilment of both conscious and unconscious needs, the spaces crafted by Jan Lewis exemplify a harmonious balance of artistry and functionality.



"Architecture is really about well-being. I think people want to feel good in a space" Zaha Hadid
Jan Lewis Design Union receive MENA awardMENA award finalist, Jan Lewis form Design Union