Thorsten Deckler has been an architect based in Johannesburg since 2004. He studied architecture at Wits in the ‘90s, worked briefly with Peter Rich, and spent a year at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture in the Netherlands. In 2004, he co-founded 26’10 South with Anne Graupner.

The practice has worked on a wide range of projects, from designing and building over 4,000 RDP houses to urban frameworks, informal settlement upgrading, and exhibitions. Their work has been recognized internationally, including the Backstage Award in Venice (2012) and the Bauwelt Award in Munich, where judges created a new category for their project.

Thorsten has continually reconsiders the role of architecture, questioning its impact and exploring more mindful approaches to design. Drawing by hand remains an essential part of his process—both as a way to work and as a tool for understanding the world.