Designers We Love: Siphesihle Lwazi Mshibe

WORDS Cheri Morris

Siphesihle Lwazi Mshibe has caught our attention with his flat-pack office furniture under the brand Songa.

His brand Songa started off as a failed competition entry, says Lwazi. The brief was to design innovative multifunctional office furniture. He may not have been recognised in the competition, but for the same design he was selected to take part in the Emerging Creatives programme at Design Indaba 2017.

Where does your interest in interior design come from?

I discovered my interest in it at a young age through interior design television shows, coupled with an awareness of my own creative abilities. I always knew I would be an architect or interior designer.

Tell us about your artistic process.

I draw inspiration from biophilic and sustainable design theories. I am always thinking up ways to solve problems through innovative design. I combine African-inspired concepts with modern day technology, and then I produce design solutions like the flat-pack Songa Office Set.

What can we expect from Songa?

I am working on creating a website where young people starting their independent lives, moving house and travelling often can buy easy-to-use flat-pack furniture solutions that are cheaper and more convenient than traditional options.

View more of Siphesihle’s work at behance.net/lwazimshibe.