Anton Mandelstam | Construction Expertise Behind Gallery Group Properties

Every Gallery Group residence is underpinned by a level of construction discipline that is rarely visible but always felt. At the centre of that discipline is Anton Mandelstam, Managing Director of R+N Master Builders. His role within Gallery Group is pivotal. To ensure that what is envisioned can be executed. And that what is delivered performs for decades.

Anton’s path into property was not driven by finance or development. It was forged through building. Through sites, teams, materials, and the daily realities of construction. That grounding shapes how Gallery Group operates today.

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“My roots are in building. Property development is a newer chapter for me. Gallery Group allows construction experience to sit at the centre of development, where execution truly matters.”

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From Site to Leadership

Anton entered the industry through a practical route. After qualifying in building science, he joined what would later become R+N Master Builders as a student and worked his way up through the business. Rather than starting from scratch, he chose to acquire and grow an established construction company, LA Developments, which became known for high end residential work along the Atlantic Seaboard.

Over nearly two decades, Anton led projects that earned industry recognition, including multiple Homebuilder of the Year awards. Seven years ago, LA Developments merged back into R+N Master Builders, bringing Anton full circle. Today, he leads one of the most respected construction firms operating in Cape Town’s luxury residential market.

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Legacy Beyond the Buildings

For Anton, legacy is not defined only by completed structures. It is also defined by people. R+N Master Builders supports a large direct and indirect workforce. Anton speaks candidly about the responsibility that comes with that scale and the long term impact it has on families and communities.

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“When I think about legacy, it is twofold. It is the impact you leave on people, and the impact you leave on the environment.”

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At the same time, Anton is acutely aware of the physical imprint construction leaves behind. From early work on the Castle of Good Hope to landmark developments such as Station House, Dolce Vita, and Mont Reve, his career is marked by buildings that have become reference points within their neighbourhoods.

Why Gallery Group Works Differently

Anton has worked with many developers over the course of his career. What distinguishes Gallery Group, in his view, is the integration of development and construction expertise from the outset. Within Gallery Group, Berman Brothers Group brings decades of development experience. R+N Master Builders brings deep construction knowledge. Together, the two legacy brands represent over a hundred years of combined experience. This structure allows decisions to be made with full understanding of feasibility, sequencing, and consequence. For buyers, this removes layers of uncertainty that often exist in luxury property development.

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“You have the best minds in the built environment around the table. Planning meticulously and executing every project, from the smallest architectural detail through to final delivery.”

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Craftsmanship as a System

Anton is outspoken about the challenges facing the construction industry, particularly around skills shortages and inadequate training. His response has been to invest heavily in mentoring and structured development within R+N Master Builders.

By ensuring that teams understand how buildings are assembled from first principles, quality becomes repeatable rather than dependent on chance. Craftsmanship, in this context, is not a feature. It is a system.

Hands On Accountability

Despite his role as Managing Director of R+N Master Builders, Anton remains personally involved in every Gallery Group project. He views this involvement as non negotiable. Homes are delivered with continuity from design through to handover. Accountability does not end at completion. This hands on approach is fundamental to the Gallery Group promise.

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“Being managing director does not mean being removed. Every project is treated as if I were going to live in it myself.”

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