Ferdi Louw decided to become an interior decorator while studying Fine Art at the Pretoria Technikon. As a student he became interested in the restoration of antique furniture and porcelain, which led to his involvement with the Antique Dealers Society. He also remained an artist, and held a solo exibition at the Beuster-Skolimowski gallery. Today he creates beautiful murals, trompe l'oeil frescoes and other works that adorn many of his clients' homes.

He met his first solo client while working for the well-known Pretoria decorator and antique dealer Pieter Oosthuizen. For five years Ferdi then collaborated closely (as creative concept consultant) with Elize Labuschagne - she is a pioneer of our local interior design. They worked together on several large projects, for instance re-decorating the French Embassy in Pretoria. Other highlights included businessman Martin Jonker's cultural historical home (designed by Sir Herbert Baker) that Ferdi decorated in the High Renaissance style. There were projects for former Miss South Africa Amy Kleinhans, for Balie Swart (a former Springbok rugby player) as well as for diplomats.

Ferdi has spent several months backpacking through Europe, and enjoys making artistic safaris deep into Africa. He will manage your whole project very well, as a sound business sense runs in that family. And lastly, he still considers his high school art teacher Johan Deichmann (whose personal mentors were Alexis Preller and Walter Battiss) to have been a decisive, enduring influence for the better in his life.

 

Jason Axll is both the PULSE office manager and a floral designer. He is well suited to both these aspects, having gained extensive experience (as relief manager) in the retail industry, followed by several years working for one of the top floral designers in the country, Willem Jansen van Vuuren. Willem's shop - First Floor Flowers - also has an interior division; this introduced Jason to the interior decorating environment. During his time at First Floor Flowers the client list included Queen Elizabeth and other members of the British royal family, cabinet ministers, ambassadors, television personalities, and the organisers of many major events. Flowers are an integral and vital part of any home, office or function. Jason's expertise meant that PULSE now offers a speciality service in floral decorating, ranging from corporate and retail contracts to functions (small or medium) as well as weddings. These may have a weekly or bi-weekly rotation delivery. You are likely to meet Jason on the phone as office manager, while Ferdi and Riaan have their hands full of paint.

 

Riaan Smit has been a member of the PULSE team
(and its predecessor, Ferdi Louw Studios) for
  more than 15 years. Riaan met Ferdi while studying Fine Art at the Pretoria Technikon, where he majored in printmaking. Riaan now acts as studio manager and chief field artist, where (together with Ferdi) he is responsible for the paint techniques, murals and other exquisite artistic finishes that have become the PULSE trademark. He also has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, and even tutored creative skills in a nursery school for nine months. Everywhere he collected delightful letters of reference from the most diverse types of employers - all more than happy. A highlight of his career was his restoration and remodelling of an entire, heritage listed Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland - likewise to the complete satisfaction of all concerned.

 

William Aphane has been involved with the PULSE team since 1999. He has five years' experience in the auto-spray industry at Armscor SA. William and his wife have one child, and are staying on the PULSE premises. He is the all-rounder on the team and has become invaluable for his organised and systematic way of doing things. His diplomacy means that he often acts as mediator between the PULSE team and the other contractors, while working on site. His wry sense of humour has given him a reputation as the court jester in the group. This is perhaps the most important: without him, the others soon take themselves too seriously.

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