STUDIO

WHO WE ARE

Urban Design Lab started as an in-house design practice for Urban International, a developer of unique hotels and other commercial real estate. Urban International principals had a strong bias for design and vast experience in brand building.

Eventually, the team decided to offer its services outside the core business. Now, we work with hotels brands, asset managers, owners, developers, property funds and partners to conceptualize projects of distinction and soul.

APPROACH

As a developer of brands and commercial real estate, we take a holistic approach to design and concept creation. Our conceptualisation begins with the name, mark, fonts, palette, tone and, finally, interior and exterior architecture.

The result is a fully realized concept and brand. We take an interest in the smallest details to the largest.

Working with clients and partners, we deliver a fully realised concept from branding, corporate ID, interior and exterior architecture, costings, business case and project financials. With this in hand, the project is ready to get funded and realised.

TEAM

Christopher Jannou - Founder

Managing Partner

Manhattanite Christopher Jannou is a developer, investor and brand builder. A former architecture student, he is best known as the founder/managing partner of The Urban Hotel Group and Urban Africa Capital, a real estate private equity firm. Jannou's love of design and brand-building is evident in the group's many projects and distinctive design approach.

Philip Tyers - Design Principal

Interior Architecture

Philip Tyers is a designer born and living in Cape Town. For over 25 years Philip has worked with clients who include leading hotels, restaurants, corporate spaces and luxury residential. His creative studio opened in 1998 offering various disciplines within the world of interior, art and interior design.

Ryan Ansel - Design Principal

Senior Urban Planner

Ryan is a trained Urban Planner who studied at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is responsible for creative direction, initiating and developing design and documentation for all phases of a project; and actively manages project scheduling, documentation, and project team assignments.

Simone Nordquist - Interior Designer

Studio Manager

Simone is a senior Studio Leader, responsible for the full project lifecycle—from briefing to design through to documentation and contract management. His expertise spans multiple typologies, including hospitality, multifamily residential, custom homes, resort villas, commercial, and industrial buildings.

TEAM

Christopher Jannou - Founder

Managing Partner

Manhattanite Christopher Jannou is a developer, investor and brand builder. A former architecture student, he is best known as the founder/managing partner of The Urban Hotel Group and Urban Africa Capital, a real estate private equity firm. Jannou's love of design and brand-building is evident in the group's many projects and distinctive design approach.

Philip Tyers - Design Principal

Interior Architecture

Philip Tyers is a designer born and living in Cape Town. For over 25 years Philip has worked with clients who include leading hotels, restaurants, corporate spaces and luxury residential. His creative studio opened in 1998 offering various disciplines within the world of interior, art and interior design.

Ryan Ansel - Design Principal

Senior Urban Planner

Ryan is a trained Urban Planner who studied at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is responsible for creative direction, initiating and developing design and documentation for all phases of a project; and actively manages project scheduling, documentation, and project team assignments.

Simone Nordquist - Interior Designer

Studio Manager

Simone is a senior Studio Leader, responsible for the full project lifecycle—from briefing to design through to documentation and contract management. His expertise spans multiple typologies, including hospitality, multifamily residential, custom homes, resort villas, commercial, and industrial buildings.

TEAM

Christopher Jannou

Creative Director - Founder

New Yorker Christopher Jannou

has been living and working in Africa for over a decade. Based in Cape Town, he is an investor, hotelier, developer, author, and founder of The Urban Hotel Group, The Royal Bohemian Collection, and Maison d'Afrique, a portfolio of experiential 5-star luxury tented and urban hotels across Africa. At the group's core is Urban International Capital, a global real estate private equity practice and fund manager. Jannou's projects are distinguished by a progressive design sense and appreciation for beautiful built environments.

Philip Tyers

Creative Director - Fine Art / Furniture

Philip Tyers is a Cape Town-based designer with over 25 years of experience working with leading hotels, restaurants, corporate spaces, and luxury residences. Since opening his creative studio in 1998, he has offered expertise in interior, art, and interior design. With 20 years in furniture manufacturing, Philip possesses extensive technical knowledge and excels in creating unique, sophisticated pieces. His ability to blend creativity with technical precision makes him a standout in bespoke furniture design.

Kara Furter

Creative Director + Sr Designer

Kara Furter, the innovative Founder and Creative Director of Happy Go Lucky Creative Agency, is a dynamic force in Hospitality, Interior Design, and Experience Design. Renowned for her innate talent in crafting enchanting spaces, Kara has worked on several award-winning hotels, including the Gorgeous George in Cape Town and Habitas franchises in Alula, Saudi Arabia, Namibia, and Morocco. Under her leadership, Happy Go Lucky has transformed both international and local brands through unmatched and immersive experiences.

Wessel Botes

Concept Strategist + Business Dev.

Wessel Botes brings extensive expertise in property development, encompassing conceptualization to execution. His notable projects include the acclaimed Gorgeous George Hotel in Cape Town and the Cape Town Bath House, a design-driven wellness members club. Renowned for his exceptional market analysis and strategy implementation skills, Wessel's diverse background and proven track record make him an invaluable team asset. He consistently drives excellence and innovation in every project he undertakes.

JOBS

Urban Dsgn Lab fuses cutting-edge AI with exceptional design to redefine commercial spaces. We seek highly skilled professionals with a flair for design and a passion for AI-enhanced tools to join our innovative team. If you're ready to push boundaries and create extraordinary spaces, you're probably our people and we want to know you.

Studio Manager

Job Title: Studio Manager for AI-Powered Design Firm

Location: Anywhere with Wi-Fi (preferably Earth)

About Us: Welcome to Urban Dsgn Lab, where we blend the marvels of artificial intelligence with cutting-edge design to create jaw-dropping commercial interior and exterior architecture. We’re the wizards behind the curtain for concept development and branding that makes international clients, B2B brands, and individual owners shout, "Take my money!"

The Role: We’re on the hunt for a Studio Manager who’s got the brains to match the brawn, steering our quirky, creative ship through the uncharted waters of design excellence. You’ll be the captain of our creative crew, ensuring the studio runs smoother than a freshly waxed surfboard.

Key Responsibilities:

Studio Operations: Keep the studio running like clockwork. Organize, prioritize, and multitask like a boss.
Team Coordination: Be the glue that holds our eclectic team of designers, architects, and tech nerds together.
Project Management: Oversee projects from concept to completion, ensuring deadlines are met, and clients are dazzled.
Client Relations: Be the charming face of our firm, managing client communications and ensuring their visions are realized.
Financial Management: Keep an eagle eye on budgets, invoices, and financial reports. Numbers are your besties.
Resource Management: Ensure our tools and resources are cutting-edge and our coffee is always strong.

Required Skills:

Leadership: You’ve got the charisma of a TED speaker and the organizational skills of Marie Kondo.
Project Management: PMP, PRINCE2, or just naturally brilliant at keeping all the plates spinning.
Communication: Stellar written and verbal skills – you can schmooze clients and rally the troops with equal finesse.
Technical Savvy: Comfortable with design software (think AutoCAD, SketchUp) and AI tools. If you know what GPT-4 is, we’re already impressed.
Problem-Solving: Quick on your feet and sharp as a tack. You thrive under pressure and can turn chaos into order.
Creativity: A flair for design and a love for aesthetics. You can tell the difference between taupe and beige in a heartbeat.
Financial Acumen: You’re as comfortable with a spreadsheet as you are with a sketchpad.

Perks:

Work with an international team of absolute legends.
Flexibility to work remotely or in our state-of-the-art studio.
Endless opportunities for professional growth and creative expression.
A vibrant, inclusive culture where your ideas actually matter.
Did we mention the coffee?

How to Apply: Send us your resume, a cover letter that shows off your personality, and a portfolio if you’ve got one. Impress us with your creativity, wit, and why you’re the perfect fit for Urban Dsgn Lab.

Technical Designer

Job Title: Technical Designer for AI-Powered Design Firm

Location: Wherever your creative mind thrives (remote-friendly)

About Us: Welcome to Urban Dsgn Lab, the playground where artificial intelligence meets awe-inspiring design. We specialize in commercial interior and exterior architecture, concept development, and branding that makes our international clients (B2B brands and individual owners) swoon. Our work is as diverse as our team, and we’re looking for a Technical Designer who can keep up with our ever-evolving, boundary-pushing projects.

The Role: We’re on the prowl for a Technical Designer with a knack for turning wild ideas into stunning realities using cutting-edge AI tools. You’ll work your magic on everything from skyscraper blueprints to brand-new office interiors, making sure every detail is pixel-perfect.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Development: Collaborate with our creative team to develop and refine design concepts, ensuring they’re as functional as they are fabulous.
Technical Drawings: Create detailed technical drawings and specifications that our architects and builders can follow to the letter.
AI Tool Mastery: Leverage AI tools like Varys.ai, XKool.ai, Architechtures, Finch3D, Midjourney, Chatmind, Adobe Sensei, TestFit, and RoomGPT to streamline and enhance the design process.
Project Coordination: Work closely with project managers to ensure designs are executed flawlessly, on time, and within budget.
Quality Control: Ensure all designs meet our high standards of excellence and comply with relevant codes and regulations.
Client Interaction: Present technical aspects of designs to clients, explaining the “how” behind the “wow.”

Required Skills:

Technical Proficiency: Pro wizard with design software and AI tools (Varys.ai, XKool.ai, Architechtures, TestFit, and RoomGPT are our faves).
Design Expertise: Strong understanding of architecture, interior design, and the nuances of commercial projects.
Detail-Oriented: Sharp eye for detail and a passion for precision. You notice when a line is off by a millimeter.
Problem-Solving: Ability to think on your feet and troubleshoot design challenges with ease.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills. You can explain complex technical details to both clients and teammates.
Collaboration: Team player who thrives in a dynamic, creative environment. Ego-free zone!
Creativity: A flair for innovative design solutions that push the envelope.

Perks:

Collaborate with a global team of trailblazers and innovators.
Flexible work environment – your office can be wherever you are.
Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
A culture that celebrates creativity, diversity, and your unique talents.
Access to the latest AI tools and technologies.

How to Apply: Ready to take your technical design skills to the next level? Send us your resume, a cover letter that showcases your personality and passion, and a portfolio that highlights your best work. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for Urban Dsgn Lab.