Design Indaba Emerging Creative: Simphiwe Mlambo

INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr

Durban-based designer Simphiwe Mlambo chats to VISI about being a Design Indaba Emerging Creative, his influences and how his design studio Clan came about.

What was it like being a Design Indaba Emerging Creative?

Being a part of the Emerging Creatives gave me some sort of validation as a young creative with many doubts. It made me realise there is so much opportunity out there and a need for authentic South African design that tells narratives of who we are as young designers living in a growing and diverse country.

Simphiwe Mlambo

How did you get involved in design?

Growing up, I used to sketch a lot of random things – mostly buildings. I’ve always thought I would be an architect, but after dropping out of law school I realised I was more into interior design than architecture, so I enrolled at DUT where I got my Diploma and B-tech degree in Interior Design. I started working for gih studio where I was mentored, making it possible for me to make it to Design Indaba. But all in all, I think my drive for design is influenced by my family. My mother was a furniture sales lady and she had very particular taste, and my dad was builder, so he taught me a few building tricks, which have actually come in handy. Also, my older brother is a fashion designer, so I kind of draw inspiration from them.

Do you have a favourite design piece?

Mmmm, another tough one. At the moment, my favourite design piece, or rather pieces, is the Mvelo Desk by Pinda and Izithebe by Minenhle Dust Ntuli. Actually, Dust is also one of the people that inspire me in the design world. In my collection, my favourite is the Isagila Pendant Light.

Isagila Pendant Light

Who do you admire in South Africa, design-wise?

Tough one. In fashion, I am really big fan of Sipho Mbutho at the moment. I love his contemporary take on various subjects that inspire his work. I really think he is the future. In Interior Design it has to be Tristan [du Plessis]. He is currently doing some amazing work globally. My favourite design firm is Tonic Design. I love the understated sophistication of their interiors – so tasteful. In furniture, it has to be Pinda by Siyanda Mbele, mainly because he set a precedent for most of us young designers coming from Durban. He showed us that it is possible and can be done. Also, his furniture is amazing and he has a strong signature.

How did your brand Clan come about?

Clan started a while back with a few friends of mine at Varsity. We just wanted to start something cool. At first we weren’t really sure how, but as we grew, myself and Minenhle Zazi Cira continued conceptualising and entering different design competitions to try and get our names out there somehow. We wanted to work with mostly collaborative projects but our first breakthrough – even though in was individual work – was Design Indaba. We are working on a more solid structure to produce pieces that we have both worked on together as Clan.

Where do you see design headed for yourself, and in South Africa?

Well, in the near future I’m looking to design more furniture pieces and hopefully start doing my own interior projects. Mostly, I would love to see Clan grow into a fully-fledged studio and design team. I would like to continue telling stories about contemporary Africa through the work that I do. With regards to South Africa I am seeing more designers moving away from the Western narrative and aesthetic. I’m seeing a future where South Africa can really be a capital of design because of the authenticity, talent and truth of both young and established designers.

Follow Simphiwe on Instagram to keep up to date with his latest news.