Words: Kit Heathcock | Images: Supplied
Established advertising agency, The Jupiter Drawing Room recently moved offices to the newly refurbished Speakers Corner building in the CBD. MD Michelle Beh tells us more about the business.
How did your business start?
We’re a fully integrated advertising agency that was started over 23 years ago in Cape Town. After opening our doors in 1994 with the three founding members – Kevan Aspoas, Joanne Thomas and Ross Chowles – and one client, we’ve grown to be recognised as one of South Africa’s most awarded agencies. When friends of the agency hear our name, they immediately think of our Chesterfield couch and our open-door policy when it comes to dogs in the office.
Why did you choose this area for your offices?
We wanted to be in an area where we could be in the middle of “things” – to watch what people are eating, buying and doing. There’s always something new to discover and such a great vibe and energy in town.
How did you find your premises?
We did a lot of our own online research, months of research actually. We met with letting agents and saw so many places that didn’t meet all our needs. As soon as we found this office, we knew it was perfect for us.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
There’s a mix of old and new. We’re an agency steeped in heritage, as is the Speakers Corner building. We’ve adapted for a modern time and our clients’ changing needs, much like the building which retains the original architectural character yet incorporates new features and modern amenities. Speakers Corner has adopted the “co-working offices” idea with shared meeting rooms and a library.
Who are your neighbours?
Woolworths head office is around the corner from us, interesting cafes like Kleinsky’s Delicatessen and Bread, Milk & Honey across the road, the Company’s Garden is a short walk away and we look on to Church Square, so visitors and regulars to the square are all our neighbours.
What are the rental prices like in this area?
Our rental is market-related given our position in the CBD and the history of the building, which has recently been refurbished.
How many people visit your business each day?
We don’t rely on daily footprint, but the new office is easy for clients to find, especially with Church Square as a landmark.
Do you have any expansion plans?
We’ve spread ourselves over two offices already, but as we grow, we would love to move into other spaces within the building.
Do you operate online as well?
We have a website, but most of our business comes in thanks to word of mouth from existing clients and people tracking us down based on campaigns we’ve developed for our clients. We showcase our work on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
What’s your most popular service?
As an integrated agency, we offer all spheres of communications – advertising, design, social media, content and public relations. We like to think our work harnesses some sort of emotion – be it laughter or tears. Some of our most popular commercials include Windhoek Beer “Real Men Don’t Drink Pink Drinks”, Burger King “Swhopper” and more recently, Webafrica YouTube “Skip” video.
For more information on The Jupiter Drawing Room, phone 021 442 7000 or visit their website.