João Ribeiro
Creative Director, JRD Studio

 João Ribeiro is the founder and creative director of JRD Studio, an interior architecture practice known for its disciplined design approach, considered use of materials, and intuitive understanding of spatial experience.

Spanning over two decades of property development and design, João’s work unites architectural integrity with emotional intelligence, producing spaces that are sophisticated, purposeful, and enduring.

Rooted in a deep appreciation for heritage, João’s early work focused on the restoration and adaptive re-use of historically significant buildings, exposing him directly to the work of acclaimed architects, Robert Howden, Jo Noero and Michael Sutton. During this time he purchased and transformed Johannesburg’s Rosebank Post Office into The Monarch Boutique Hotel. These projects instilled a respect for history and the narratives embedded within existing structures, qualities he now brings to the re-imagining of contemporary interiors that complement and honour their architectural context.

JRD Studio’s portfolio spans high-end residential and hospitality projects to include bespoke furniture design across South Africa and beyond. House Duxberry, a celebrated residential refurbishment received a high commendation at the Scape Design Awards and exemplifies João’s ability to blend architectural clarity with warmth and craft, creating environments that feel both deeply personal and contextually grounded.

Guided by a philosophy of ethical sourcing and responsible design, João prioritises material honesty, longevity, and a dialogue between nature and structure. His past projects both locally and in remote parts of Africa, including Zambia, Angola, Ghana, Mozambique and Mauritius exemplify how design can restore a sense of connection between people and place.

Tori Bain
Designer

Tori is an interior designer with over 10 years experience in the property and renovation industry. Beginning her career as a project manager, she built a strong foundation in overseeing renovations from concept to completion, giving her a holistic perspective that blends creativity with practical construction knowledge.

She now focuses on the design phase, specializing in layouts, moodboards, and space planning tailored to each client’s lifestyle and vision. By combining innovation with functionality, Tori creates interiors that are both beautiful and practical.

Her design philosophy centers on how people truly live and interact with their spaces, resulting in interiors that feel effortless, intentional, and timeless – reflections of each client’s unique identity.

Joyce Naicker
Operations Manager

Joyce has over 25 years experience in accounting and administration with a strong background in financial management and improving operational efficiency.

She is highly skilled in streamlining administrative processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and accurate financial management. She has gained valuable experience across diverse industries where she has effectively managed complex budgets, optimized resource allocation, and contributed to organizational growth. Known for her attention to detail and strategic thinking, she is passionate about developing systems that improve productivity and ensure long-term success.

Her extensive expertise and commitment to high standards, has made her a trusted professional in her field.

Lorike van Zyl
Project Architect

Lorike is a registered professional architect with broad experience across commercial and residential work. She is known for technically resolved, accurately documented design and a clear, disciplined approach to every stage of a project. Over the past several years she has developed a strong and thoughtful architectural voice, shaped by exposure to fast-paced environments and complex project demands.

Her scope includes concept design, design development, council submissions, detailed documentation, tenant fit-outs, project scheduling and on-site coordination. She is proficient across multiple architectural platforms and places particular emphasis on precise digital modelling and clear communication through drawings.

With extensive involvement in projects of varying scale and complexity, Lorike has a solid understanding of regulatory processes, approvals and built-environment requirements in diverse contexts. She is valued for her steady professionalism, collaborative nature and consistent reliability, making her a trusted asset in any design environment.

Noeline Bain
Research & Development

Noeline heads the Research & Development desk, where scientific inquiry meets creative design. With a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Stellenbosch, she explores new materials with both a scientific eye and a designer’s intuition. Through the geophilia initiative, her work focuses on materials that are responsibly sourced, reduce environmental impact, and feel right to use – not only beautiful in form but responsible in origin.

From bio-resins and mineral composites to plant-based textiles, she balances technical knowledge with a practical understanding of how materials look, feel, and perform. Noeline’s work is guided by the belief that design, at its best, creates harmony between people and the natural world.