Architecture Focus | Stephen Hitchcock from Stretch Architects

Stretch Architects is a South African Architecture and Design Studio based in Cape Town and Durban with a mission to create buildings in a natural or urban context that elevate a space.

Alongside David Long, Stephen Hitchcock steers the mighty ship by embodying the company’s core values: curiosity, collaboration, joy, balance, reward, and consistency. Caesarstone caught up with Stephen to learn more about his architecture career, what influenced him growing up, and some of his favourite projects – including one he did for Caesarstone.

Behind the Scenes: Stephen and STRETCH Architects

To differentiate themselves from other firms, Stephen and his team at Stretch Architects aim to create buildings to support the inhabitants’ wellbeing, both now and in the future. Keeping the ‘better buildings = better lives’ motto in mind, Stephen knows that they are amongst great architecture firms in the South African context.

Drawing inspiration from always having a sense of purpose or mission, Stephen reflects on the current state of his firm and acknowledges how fortunate they are to work with clients and projects that excite them every day. “Majority of the projects we have in the studio feel like unreal dream projects. Architecture is an incredible discipline – it still surprises me that this is our job.”

Working with Caesarstone: Decorex

Among the many high-level projects that Stephen has worked on during his career, the Caesarstone 2023 Decorex stand, is the one we were most thrilled to learn more about. Understanding how busy Decorex can get, Stephen knew it was important for the stand to differentiate itself.

To do this, Stephen created three levels of engagement:

The perimeter: Two larger-than-life triangles portrayed a visual message. Each made out of the contrasting Caesarstone colours presented at the event: Darcrest and Riverlet. These structures also provided a functional purpose: store brochures, samples, and edging profiles.
The gallery: To showcase the full Caesarstone colour range, the back-wall gallery resembled a piece of artwork with circular discs of Caesarstone material – designed to engage with people.
The central table: Designed in collaboration with the Caesarstone team, the central kitchen island embodied the perfect harmony between form and function. The main touch points were space to engage with customers individually, space for customers to engage creatively with the brand, and space to showcase samples and relevant touch points.