Rising Star: Walter Train

One of our Cape Town Furniture Week x VISI Design Prize finalists, Walter Train is a multitalented young interior and furniture designer creating contemporary minimalist pieces with a distinctive African edge.

WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Hannah St Clair

There are many reasons to celebrate the emergence of South African interior design on the global design radar, and one of them is the range of aesthetics our creatives have embraced. Diversity is our country’s strength, and it shines through in the furniture, lighting, ceramics and interiors they’re making. Leading the charge for a more pared-back and elegant Afro-minimalist approach is Walter Train, a talented young interior and furniture designer living in Paarl.

From a young age, Walter was drawn to the world of art, fashion, product design and architecture, and he describes his career journey up to now as an exciting one. After studying architecture and interior design at university, he spent eight years gaining industry experience before taking the leap to start his own venture called White Sheep Studio – a luxury furniture brand that produces bespoke, playful, collectable furniture pieces. “This step was both daunting and rewarding, pushing me to refine my vision and embrace my own design voice,” he says.

“Good design is a balance of functionality, aesthetics and emotion. It should be visually striking, but it should also serve a clear purpose and evoke a meaningful response. Additionally, great design is honest and true to itself, reflecting authenticity in concept and execution. It requires bravery to push boundaries, explore new ideas and challenge convention while maintaining a sense of integrity and purpose. The key principles I like to focus on are balance and harmony, storytelling, materiality, and craftsmanship.”

“My aesthetic is modern, bold and unconventional. It blends clean lines with striking forms and unexpected details. I gravitate towards designs that make a statement through unique materiality, sculptural silhouettes, or a daring use of colour and texture.”

“I draw inspiration from human emotion, storytelling and the world around me. I use design to challenge perceptions and create meaningful experiences. Influenced by society, architecture, art and fashion, I blend structural precision with expressive details, balancing minimalism with bold, statement-making elements. My work is about changing narratives, pushing boundaries, embracing the unexpected, and crafting designs that serve a purpose and tell a compelling story.”

“My design process begins with research to understand the context, trends and user needs. I then move on to sketching to explore form and proportion, followed by 3D modelling to refine scale and functionality. After that, I carefully select materials to enhance the design, before creating a prototype to test and refine the concept, ensuring it is both visually striking and functional.”

“One of my favourite pieces is The God’s Iris table. What makes it special to me is the deep, meaningful story behind it. It’s not just a piece of furniture but a true art piece, blending craftsmanship with storytelling. The design pushed boundaries, both in terms of the manufacturing and the narrative it tells. The level of detail and the bold use of materials really challenged traditional expectations of what furniture can be. It represents the intersection of design, craftsmanship and meaning, making it a standout piece in my body of work.”

“My local design influences include Tristan du Plessis’s contemporary approach, Bryce Henderson’s balance of innovation and timeless elegance, and one of my favourite collaborators, Tracy Lee Lynch of Clout/SA. Her visionary approach, rooted in storytelling and the inclusivity of local designer-makers, has deeply influenced my own perspective. In furniture design, I draw inspiration from the distinctive, fun style of Dokter and Misses; and from Laurie Wiid, who sets the benchmark for craftsmanship. Porky Hefer’s organic, playful designs captivate me, while OKHA’s Adam Court impresses me with his minimalist blend of functionality and artistry.”

“My typical working day combines creativity with practical co-ordination. I usually start by reviewing my current projects, whether it’s sketching ideas for new furniture or refining an interior layout. I check in with clients, contractors and suppliers to make sure all is on track. “When working on furniture design, I spend time sketching and creating 3D models, experimenting with materials, and sometimes visiting craftsmen or fabricators to see prototypes come to life. It’s a hands-on process in which every detail matters, and I love seeing a concept evolve into a tangible piece.

“For interior design, I typically spend time on site, assessing spaces, taking measurements and fine-tuning plans. I work closely with contractors and suppliers, selecting materials, finishes and furniture that will bring the vision to life. The most rewarding part is seeing a space transform, whether it’s a home or a commercial project. Everything is a balance between creative thinking and logistical execution, always with one eye on the big picture and the other on the details. By the end of the day, I’m reviewing what’s been done and what comes next, ensuring the design vision and timeline stay in sync.”

“I have some exciting projects on the go. For White Sheep, we’re developing a Collectables Collection, which is all about unique statement pieces that are a blend of art and furniture. The collection focuses on sculptural designs that push boundaries, combining bold materials and forms to create something truly distinctive. “On the design studio side, we’re about to break ground on a luxury villa project in Mauritius. The development is centred around the concept of wellbeing, offering clients a resort-style experience that combines the best of luxury with complete tranquillity. Every element of the design is focused on creating a sanctuary – an environment that promotes relaxation, connection to nature and ultimate comfort.” whitesheep.studio | walter_train

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