Real spaces: Leon Saven Design

WORDS & PHOTOS: Dylan Culhane

As part of our ongoing series of Real Spaces, we pay a visit to Leon Saven Design, a multi-disciplinary design studio based in De Waterkant, Cape Town. Dylan Culhane speaks to Leon Saven himself:

What is the core business of Leon Saven Design?

Leon Saven Design is a multi-discipline architectural and interior design practice focusing on the holistic design and integration of the environments which we creating, as well as the more detailed aspects which ultimately form an integral part of our projects, i.e. furniture, lighting and interior details.

Do you tend to do more architectural or interior design?

We tend to have a good balance between the two, which we see as inseparable.

How long have you been in business / and in your current studio?
Leon Saven Design has been trading since 1996 and we have been in our current premises for close to ten years now.

Did you design the space yourself?
Yes.

Is there a central design ethos that governs all the work you do, or does each project necessitate unique considerations?
Both are true; while each individual project is informed by the specifics of the brief, the client and context of each project, we at Leon Saven Design have a particular approach to design and to our projects. Very simply our projects follow a value system and the value system of our clients.

In your opinion, what are the key design considerations for an office space or studio?
Clarity, cohesion, communication and functionality. 

And for a home space?
Comfort, flow and the presentation of a collage of values, representing those who live there. 

How would you describe South African design in a sentence?
As a search for our own identity and independence; looking too closely to the rest of the world for answers instead of looking internally where the true answers and clues lie.

Do you think WDC 2014 will have a significant and lasting impact on this country, or is it all much ado about nothing?
If we as a design community can make sense of the opportunities and meaning behind this initiative, we could work cooperatively and collectively towards a clear goal and vision; this would be significant and furthermore this would make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Are there any upcoming projects you can let us know about?
We have some very exciting projects coming up – both residential and commercial. We’ll be sure to keep you posted!

For more information visit leonsavendesign.com