WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Inge Prins

At Cape Town Furniture Week 2026, South African design maverick Haldane Martin gave us a sneak peek of the new Haldane outdoor collections, including SuperRational – a range of modular sofas with a hint of ’80s charm.

The inspiration for SuperRational stems from a very specific memory. “As a design student, I was intrigued by an image of the Memphis boxing ring sofa. Its proper name is Tawaraya designed by Masanori Umeda. The photograph showed the whole Memphis group gathered on it, headed by Ettore Sottsass. It was described as a space for intellectual sparring. But, it looked like the beginning of something far more intimate,” explains Haldane.

With its striking open wire-grid frames, the new outdoor collection tips its hat to the maximalist graphics that characterised the Memphis movement, but in more wearable finishes: light, open and geometric stainless-steel frames playfully contrast with weighty, textured upholstery and retro piping.

Comprising one-seater units, an ottoman plus a sofa clip table, the SuperRational collection offers infinite possibilities with a modular seating system that can be repeated and arranged to form multiple compositions for every outdoor space. | haldane.co.za

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post Square by Square appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Gina Dionisio; Cape Town Furniture Week / Hannah St Clair 

A totemic field is not merely a collection of objects but a charged system organised around symbols that carry presence and gravity. Meaning emerges through proximity, repetition, and exchange. In The Totemic Field – a collaborative exhibition by Joburg-based furniture designers Mash.T Design Studio, TheUrbanative, and multidisciplinary design studio Hoven – these ideas found compelling material expression.

Curated by Nisha van Hoven, the showcase was an artful exploration of the contemporary totemic – where waste, error, and experimentation are not by-products of design but generative forces, producing functional forms that quietly hold collective meaning. “They are definitely not static objects, they are very much adaptive systems. So you will see part lamp, part structure, part object. They refuse fixed identities,” says Nisha.

Featuring new pieces and prototypes, the exhibition positioned modularity not only as a functional strategy but also as a philosophy grounded in circularity, collaboration, and expressive African design. Each piece became a vessel of memory and intention, shaped by material, labour, and the many hands involved in its making.

For Thabisa Mjo of Mash.T Design Studio, the showcase highlighted the brand’s continued journey of generational artisanship, collaboration, and learning. “This story revolves around our metal spinner, Grandpa Jackson. We asked him to teach one of our young artists how to spin. And so this is the result of a year-long apprenticeship,” she says, pointing to the prototypes.

As the apprentice worked towards mastering the spinning process – a technique that resulted in the new Axis Collection – many components naturally didn’t make the cut. These were assembled into imperfect prototypes, such as the Mad Hatter, a standing lamp that embraces the imperfections of its materials, revealing a new aesthetic in which waste tells a story.

Mpho Vackier, founder and designer of TheUrbanative, presented new and reimagined pieces from the African Crowns, Homecoming, and Ndebele collections. “We wanted to push the materials and push ourselves,” she says. Among the pieces on display was the Fula Chair, upholstered in Mungo double-cloth fabric with a blue-stained natural ash seat – a progression from the Fulani Chair. “This chair has lived many, many lives. I think there are five versions. It was first made in steel, then charred red oak, and now we’ve revisited it in colour,” explains Mpho.

Crafted from solid kiaat and stained a deep rosewood, the Phondo Mirror is another addition to the 2018 African Crowns Collection. “This piece is exciting for us because we are known for working in steel, not timber,” says Mpho. “As novices in timber work, we wanted to push ourselves to see if we could integrate the things that we’ve learned from metalworking into working in timber.”

Each piece on display in The Totemic Field reflected the fluid and negotiated nature of contemporary making and collective life. Through time, labour, and exchange, the exhibition revealed the totemic field not as a fixed object to be observed, but as a living practice shaped collectively. mashtdesignstudio.com | theurbanative.com | hoven.co.za

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post The Totemic Field Brings Collective Design to Life appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio

The 2026 edition of Cape Town Furniture Week unfolded as a dynamic, citywide celebration of contemporary design, bringing together a diverse network of emerging talents and established studios across showrooms, galleries and creative hubs. From new collection launches and site-specific installations to collaborative pop-ups and open studios, the programme reflected the depth and diversity of Cape Town’s design landscape.

Below are a few of our highlights (of which there were many) from the four-day design showcase – exhibitions, installations, collabs and new pieces that caught our eye.

CTFW x VISI Design Prize exhibition

This year’s Cape Town Furniture Week Festival Hub, hosted in the old Africa Bank Building at 81 St George’s Mall, featured more than 40 exhibitors. The ground floor housed the CTFW x VISI Design Prize exhibition, while the second and third floors came alive with pop-up installations and displays.

Established in 2025, the Design Prize recognises new design objects that contribute to the advancement of South African design. This year, 12 designs were shortlisted, with outstanding pieces from Wiid Design, MŪVEK x Spectrum Mirror, DEFT Studios, Rasengani Atelier, TheUrbanative (in collaboration with Grey Room and Weluka), Alkaline, Woodbender, LIM (in collaboration with Lise van Schoor), NØDE, Hoi P’loy, Stripped Studio with Tom Lead, and Arkivio.

Italian Design Day

Established as an initiative to promote Italian creativity and innovation, Italian Design Day takes place around the world and, in South Africa, was scheduled to align with Cape Town Furniture Week. For this year’s edition, interdisciplinary designer Francesca Lanzavecchia took part in various events across the city, bringing her insights on Italian design.

This year’s programme featured the participation of a number of standout Italian design spaces, aligning with the annual Italian Design Day initiative. Brands including Officine Gullo, Poliform, Valcucine, Eurocasa, INOVA Concept Store and CRÉMA all hosted open showrooms, walkabouts and talks.

Totem by TheUrbanative and Mash.T, curated by Hoven

Legendary Johannesburg-based creatives Mpho Vackier of TheUrbanative and Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio, joined forces to present The Totemic Field at Sisonke Gallery. Their living, shape-shifting installation explored the contemporary totemic – how waste, error and experimentation are not by-products of design, but generative forces producing functional forms that quietly hold collective meaning.

HALDANE ‘Site Meeting’

HALDANE unveiled its new outdoor collections inspired by construction, with an interactive showroom launch aptly titled Site Meeting – there were hard hats, high-vis vests, and a brick-and-mortar-inspired cake to celebrate. Highlighted pieces included the Scaffold New Brute occasional tables and the Super Rational modular sofa system.

Mungo x James Mudge Furniture Studio

Led by longevity and material respect, the Mungo x James Mudge Furniture Studio collaboration saw the Harrington and Nordwood chairs upholstered in Mungo’s new Miro Cloth. The bespoke natural-fibre textile brings softness and depth to the chairs’ considered forms.

J O H N | Chair by NISH

Tanisha Neill, founder and designer of N I S H, launched the new J O H N | Chair at a pop-up at Sindiso Khumalo’s flagship store. The new chair, featuring stainless-steel elements, emphasises the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and highlights the interplay between material precision and natural imperfection.

What the HEX

Furniture and interior specialists Tonic unveiled their new collection, HEX – a trio of hard-edged, geometrically profiled tables crafted from solid French oak. The series is defined by its bold, architectural forms, set in striking contrast to the softness and natural grain of the timber..

Coffee and Craft

Acre, hoop, Kino and Platō Coffee collaborated on an immersive, multi-sensory experience hosted at Acre and hoop’s new work-in-progress studio space. The event celebrated design not only as a finished product but also as a process – inviting visitors behind the scenes of making and material exploration.

Acre presented the various stages of its manufacturing journey, offering insight into the evolution of its pieces from raw material to refined form, while hoop highlighted its own production processes alongside a striking kitchen installation. Upstairs, Kino debuted its new Café Tables, while Platō Coffee guided visitors through a hands-on drip coffee experience.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post Four Days, Fresh Ideas: CTFW26 Highlights appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio

Participating designers and brands are invited to submit one project, released with the past year, from which 12 shortlisted designs are selected. Those shortlisted entries were exhibited together at the Festival Hub for Cape Town Furniture Week, where they were reviewed by an independent jury based on three criteria: Authenticity, Design and Advancement.

This year’s judging panel included VISI editor-in-chief Steve Smith, Lebo Kekana, Roddy Clarke, Sindiso Khumalo and Chiara Piperni with the winners of the Design Prize announced at a private awards event for the industry.

The CTFW x VISI Design Prize 2026 Shortlist

Massa Forma Square Table – Wiid Design

The Massa Forma Collection is a new, evolving series of tables which have been constructed around a recycled cork composite mass, paired with a removable glazed ceramic tile surface, creating a tactile surface that reads as a resolved tactile object.

MŪ202 Ametrine Mirror – MŪVEK x Spectrum Mirror

MŪVEK and Spectrum come together in a new collaboration that introduces a highly customisable mirror design, merging rigorous geometry with expressive surface treatments.

Checkmate – DEFT Studios

CHECKMATE is the ‘Deftest’ piece of furniture DEFT Studios have ever made (and the most difficult). It features exaggerated, sculptural form, playful curves, and complex techniques.

Held Smoke – Rasengani Atelier

Held Smoke is an authentic extension of Resengani Atelier’s material-led practice, rooted in ritual, slowness and the quiet choreography of everyday objects.

Wadi Panel Screen – TheUrbanative (in collaboration with Grey Room and Weluka)

The Wadi Screen is a freestanding spacial divider that explores landscape, material memory and contemporary African design through structure and textile.

WAYST 01 | Pendant – Alkaline

The WAYST collection is an ongoing exploration of storytelling through waste material. Each object in WAYST begins with what is often discarded: rubble from demolition, fragments from renovations, and offcuts from industrial processes.

The Scoop 33 Chair – Woodbender

For decades, Woodbender has honed the art of steam bending – a discipline shaped by precision, patience, and a deep respect for natural materials.

The Reader Lamp – LIM (in collaboration with Lise van Schoor)

With its quirky curved lines and statement colourways, the Reader Lamp is equal parts sculpture, lamp, and side table. Designed with a light footprint, it slips easily into even the tightest spaces, while adding a generous dose of character.

Meridian Tables – NØDE

Meridian draws subtle reference from navigation and alignment, offering a quiet nod to the marine origins of its extruded uprights, above which sits a circular aluminium plane, creating a presence that feels balanced and deliberate.

Di Ponti Touch Light – Hoi P‘loy

The Di Ponti Touch Light pays homage to Luigi Di Ponti’s iconic design (the Moka Pot), by echoing the faceted cylinder we’ve all come to know as the universal symbol of coffee, while drawing on the signature sharp angles found in the Hoi P‘loy logo.

Koppie – Stripped Studio x Tom Lead

Koppie is a contemporary dining chair informed by African vernacular typologies and modern production processes. The design references the stance and proportional logic of the traditional African tripod stool, reinterpreted through a restrained contemporary language that remains grounded and deliberate.

Woven Linear Light – Arkivio

The Woven Light was inspired from a process of material experimentation. The design originated in the workshop while exploring the properties of wet centre cane.

2026 Award Winners

CTFW x VISI Design Prize 2026

• CTFW x VISI Design Prize 2026 Winner – Koppie Chair by Stripped Studio x Tom Lead
• CTFW x VISI Design Prize: Authenticity category award – Held Smoke by Rasengani Atelier
• CTFW x VISI Design Prize: Advancement category award – Massa Forma Square Table by Wiid Design
• CTFW x VISI Design Prize: Design category award – Checkmate by DEFT Studios

Cape Town Furniture Week Award Winners

• Contemporary Craft award – African Jaquard
• Best Collaboration – MŪVEK x Spectrum Mirror
• Best Display – Haldane
• Best in Show (voted by the public) – Ananta Design Studio

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post The CTFW x VISI Design Prize 2026 appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Making its debut at Cape Town Furniture Week 2026, the LES AMIS coffee table exemplifies both OKHA’s architectural design language and creative director Adam Court’s exploration of the relationship between form and materiality.

The name LES AMIS – ‘friends’ in French – captures the essence of the design: two presences held in calibrated alignment, animated by closeness. “I was interested in how two forms could remain distinct, yet only make sense through their relationship. The table is resolved through proximity, balance and reliance rather than through a single dominant gesture,” explains Adam.

The juxtaposition of stainless steel and titanium granite amplifies an energetic exchange that runs through the design’s material narrative. “One reflects and sharpens light, the other absorbs weight and time. Placing them together creates tension and clarity at the same time,” says Adam. Together, the materials hold past, present and future within a single form. “Cool materials are central to how we design at OKHA. Stone and metal carry weight, temperature and memory. They register physically. LES AMIS is an expression of that material intelligence, where restraint and precision allow the object to hold presence without excess.”

Proportion and geometry also play a vital role in anchoring the design within a living space. Low and architectural, the measured interval between the table’s volumes creates depth. “The relationship between the two volumes generates three horizontal planes, which gives the piece function without disrupting the clarity of the geometry. The leg detail lifts the stainless element just enough to introduce lightness,” says Adam. | okha.com

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post In Close Company appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Drawing on its Victorian-era origins, ONEHUNDREDONM by Blok brings together Sea Point’s historic character and modern living through a carefully considered mix of residential and retail spaces. This human-centred reimagining of the historic for contemporary urban living fosters a sense of belonging that extends beyond residents and into the wider community.

Located at 100 Main Road, ONEHUNDREDONM features a ground-floor arcade with eateries, gift and beauty stores; a rooftop pool with incredible views – somewhere to relax and unwind; and 93 thoughtfully designed urban living apartments with space-saving joinery and modern finishes.

Considered Interiors

Inside, each apartment is defined by sleek, minimalist design. Thoughtfully planned layouts feature innovative, space-saving joinery and integrated appliances to enhance openness and keep rooms uncluttered. From compact micro-units to spacious three-bedroom apartments – and three penthouse suites – every home is designed to maximise usable space and offer flexible living. Modern, understated finishes complement neutral palettes and clean lines, creating interiors that feel bright, serene and effortlessly stylish.

Say hello to the neighbours

The ground-floor retail spaces have been specifically designed to inspire human connection and provide opportunities for people to meet, mingle and make memories. The community-forward retailers, fondly referred to as the ‘Neighbourhood Heroes’, include:

• Fabulous Flowers – a charming floral boutique offering bespoke bouquets, fresh seasonal blooms, and special gifts.
• The Laser Lab – top-rated hair removal and skin aesthetics clinic.
• MIA Africa – Made in Africa – is a proudly South African lifestyle and interior decor brand from the well-established and much-loved Mia Mélange.
• Moro Gelato – an authentic Italian gelateria – think rich flavours, high-quality ingredients, and creamy scoops that turn ordinary moments into sweet ones.
• Stellski Café – Inspired by an energetic staffy, Stella, Stellski is a Cape Town favourite, offering a fast, friendly neighbourhood café with heart and purpose.
• Breathe Barre – offers a specialised Barre, Pilates, and Reformer experience.

Community-centric services

Fluent – Blok’s short‑term rental‑management partner – is inspired by the vibrant rhythm and culture of Sea Point and the city beyond. For resident homeowners, Fluent’s on‑site management team provides peace of mind. Available exclusively to assist owners and their short‑term guests, the team delivers a serviced living experience within the building and the neighbourhood. | blok.co.za

Celebrating good design

Blok and VISI are proud partners of Cape Town Furniture Week. Join us at the CTFW26 Design Professionals Programme as we champion beautiful spaces and bold ideas. We’re celebrating good design – and giving you and a friend the chance to win:

• Two-night stay in a luxury apartment at ONEHUNDREDONM.
• Plus, a R2500 voucher to spend at the ground floor retail stores.
• One-year VISI magazine subscription.
• Limited-edition Cape Town Furniture Week tote bag.

To enter, follow @blokliving, @visi_mag and @furnitureweek.capetown, and tag a friend in the comments.

Head to Blok’s Instagram for the competition details and T&Cs.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post Connected by Design appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Courtesy of Cape Town Furniture Week

Returning for its fourth edition, Cape Town Furniture Week (CTFW) once again takes centre stage as South Africa’s pre-eminent showcase of contemporary furniture, lighting and homeware. The 2026 festival theme, ‘Contemporary Craft’, is an invitation to engage with design, making and materiality through the lens of craftsmanship: the timelessness of things that take time; the great potential in combining old crafts with new technologies; and a celebration of making – in all its forms – as the thing that makes us human.

Anchored around the central Festival Hub, hosted at the old Africa Bank Building at 81 St George’s Mall, this year’s curated programme will feature close to 80 South African brands and designers, as well as open showrooms, pop-ups, launches, talks, tours and exhibitions.

Since the first CTFW in 2023, VISI has been the official media partner of the event. This year, we return as co-facilitator of the CTFW x VISI Design Prize and exhibition, with the finalists’ designs on display at the Festival Hub.

The free, four-day design event is open to the public and takes place across more than 45 venues in design districts including the Central City, De Waterkant, East City, Lower Gardens and Kloof Street, with additional spaces in Observatory, Salt River, Woodstock and Paarden Eiland. Attendees are invited to walk between showrooms and events in each district. Some events require an RSVP, so check the official programme.

Complementing the participation of South African brands and designers is a curated Italian Design programme, in partnership with the Consulate of Italy in Cape Town. This programme will feature the Cape Town showrooms of Officine Gullo, Poliform and Valcucine, including a conversation with Italian designer Francesca Lanzavecchia, who will be attending Cape Town Furniture Week in her capacity as Italian Design Ambassador to South Africa for 2026.

Our Cape Town Furniture Week Highlights

We highlight VISI’s standout exhibitions and events, collaborations, pop-ups, launches and other activities taking place around the City Bowl.

1. CTFW Festival Hub

18-21 Feb | 81 St George’s Mall

The Festival Hub serves as a central point of convergence within the wider city-based programme, hosting exhibitions of new products and displays by more than 40 exhibitors, including special installations and the CTFW x VISI Design Prize exhibition. The Festival Hub for 2026 is the old Africa Bank Building at 81 St George’s Mall (corner of Shortmarket Street).

This year’s exhibitors at the Festival Hub include Acre Studio, Ananta Design Studio, Ben Kennedy Design, Bronze Age / NØDE, Damascus, David Krynauw Design, Ex Hotel, Frystark, Green Brother, Hanneke Lourens, Hoi P’loy, Hope Garden Furniture, Hutch Custom, Jacobs Collection, Kora Collection, Kramer Design, Leighton Kalder Furniture, Locha Design Studio, Modern Gesture, Oliver Whyte, Studio Dilli, Studio Kalki, TENT, Thomas & Verburg, Vitalli, Vorster & Braye Ceramic Design and White Sheep Studio.

• Registered Design Professionals are invited for a welcome drink and an exclusive preview of the Festival Hub exhibitions at 3 pm on Wednesday, 18 February. RSVP here.
• Opening Night at the Festival Hub, the official opening of CTFW, kicks off at 5 pm. Entrance is free, but registration is required. Register here.

2. CTFW x VISI Design Prize

18-21 Feb | 81 St George’s Mall

The CTFW x VISI Design Prize acknowledges and celebrates new designs that advance the contemporary furniture and homeware industries in South Africa. A shortlist of twelve finalist designs will feature in the exhibition, with an independent jury selecting the winning entries. There are awards in three categories – Design, Authenticity and Advancement – plus an overall winner of the CTFW x VISI Design Prize.

3. Opening Night

18 Feb | From 4-8 pm across all design districts

Opening Night is a festive kick-off to Cape Town Furniture Week, with most participating venues open after hours and many events scheduled. It’s an opportunity to explore the city on foot – akin to Cape Town’s popular First Thursdays – to get a first glimpse of the designs, exhibitions and displays, and meet the designers and entrepreneurs behind the exhibiting brands.

4. Design Talks

Breakfast Talk: Morten Larsen (HAY) and Steve Smith (VISI) at INOVA Concept Store

Join INOVA Concept Store for a breakfast talk with Steve Smith and Morten Larsen of HAY, plus get an exclusive look at the new HAY outdoor range.

20 Feb | 7:30 am | INOVA Concept Store, 76 Harrington Street

COST: Free

REGISTER: via luma.com

Panel Discussion: Design for Public Life, with Amy Thompson, Anees Arnold & Luke Pedersen

A conversation on public furniture, urban design, and making a more walkable, welcoming and wonderful Cape Town, presented by Mission for Inner City Cape Town.

20 Feb | 9 am | Gorgeous George Hotel, 118 St George’s Mall

COST: Free

REGISTER: via luma.com

Panel Discussion: Models, Tests, Prototypes with Rory Bester at Wunders

A panel discussion led by Rory Bester about the current exhibition at Wunders. We’ll be talking about the importance of the creative process and the role that models, tests and prototypes play in this process. Panellists include Ronel Jordaan, the MAAK architects, Amy Rusch, Luca Evans, Francesco Nassimbeni, Ralph Borland and Heath Nash.

20 Feb | 4 pm | Wunders, 32 Napier Street

COST: Free

REGISTER: via luma.com

5. Cool collaborations

• N I S H pop-up at Sindiso Khumalo – View the new JOHN | chair at the brand’s pop-up for CTFW, while browsing the incredible fashion designs at Sindiso Khumalo’s new store.
• NOSE exhibition at HAN Studio – A collaboration centred on the NOSE as a vessel for memory. Featuring ceramic sculptures and objet by HAN, a window display and installation by Jana Wasserman, and a photobook by Aftersune.
• ‘The Totemic Field’ – A collaborative launch at Sisonke Gallery featuring new prototypes by Mash.T and TheUrbanative. Curated with Hoven, each piece stands as a vessel of memory and intention, shaped by material, labour, and the many hands involved in its making.

6. Tours, Walkabouts and Experiences

• Workshop Tour: Designing the Di Ponti Touch Light at Hoi P’loy – ​Join Hoi P’loy for an immersive workshop walkabout exploring the design and making of their latest lamp. Responding to the theme of Contemporary Craft, the walkabout traces the journey from concept to object, unpacking the design process, material decisions, and hands-on problem-solving behind the final piece.
• PEDERSEN + LENNARD: A Morning of Craft, Play, and Confections – ​Join Pedersen + Lennard for a morning workshop of play where line, shape, and colour capture the memory of Cape Town Furniture Week 2026.
• ​Studio Tour: Laurie Wiid van Heerden at Wiid Design – Join Laurie Wiid van Heerden for an inside look at the studio’s factory and showroom spaces, plus get an exclusive look at the new Massa Collection.
• Live Activation: Popstrukt x FOM x LaraMakesStuff – Popstrukt collaborates with Freedom of Movement and LaraMakesStuff on a live, street-front activation celebrating craft, collaboration, and creativity in motion.
• Workshop Tour: Behind-the-scenes at Willowlamp with Adam Hoets – Join Founder of Willowlamp, Adam Hoets, as he shows you a new range of finishes and patinas they are introducing and launching for their collections, as well as custom bespoke design projects.

For more exhibitors, locations and events taking place during Cape Town Furniture Week, visit capetownfurnitureweek.co.za.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post Contemporary Craft Takes the City appeared first on Visi.

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

Read more stories in our Rising Star series. Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post Rising Star: Walter Train appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

African Jacquard, known for its distinctive jacquard-woven home textiles, has ventured into the outdoor space with the launch of their Outdoor Kuba Collection, inspired by the rich geometric patterns of traditional Kuba cloth from the Congo.

At this year’s CTFW, the brand showcased the new collection in collaboration with HALDANE‘s Polka and Hula outdoor furniture collections, by developing a curated colour palette that seamlessly complemented the designer’s distinctive pieces.

The Outdoor Kuba Collection features UV-resistant, water-repellent upholstery fabric, available by the metre, making it ideal for outdoor furniture, parasol umbrellas, floating pool loungers, and so much more.

“We are excited to bring African Jacquard outdoors,” says Donna Allin, MD of African Jacquard. This boutique collection is our first step into growing our outdoor offering, and we look forward to seeing how it transforms spaces where people gather, unwind, and connect.”

To complement the launch of the new fabric, African Jacquard has introduced outdoor scatter cushions, designed with a textured wale weave, available in four curated colours (Mist, Plum, Terracotta and Evergreen) and offered in both ready-made and custom sizes. | africanjacquard.com

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post African Jacquard’s Outdoor Kuba Collection Makes a Bold Outdoor Statement appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Slater Studio; Photography by Robynne

The KAAPENHAGEN Design Challenge brought together 10 of Cape Town’s most innovative creatives and designers to reimagine HAY‘s iconic About A Chair AAC 222.

“We’re putting Cape Town’s unique creative pulse at the heart of this challenge,” said Brent Weldon, Director of INOVA Concept Store. “KAAPENHAGEN isn’t just about reimagining a chair – it’s about showcasing how our city’s designers can take a global design icon and transform it through their distinctive creative lens. When we say we’re putting the ‘KAAP’ in KAAPENHAGEN, we’re celebrating the intersection of two design powerhouses: Danish precision and Cape Town’s creative energy.”

Each participant was tasked with pushing their creative boundaries to transform this masterpiece of Danish design, originally created by Hee Welling, into a unique interpretation that bridges Scandinavian heritage with contemporary design sensibilities from Cape Town.

The result? 10 Unique pieces ranging from functional updates to purely conceptual art pieces.

The reimagined chairs were unveiled at INOVA Concept Store on the opening night of Cape Town Furniture Week. The exhibition space was transformed into an immersive design experience, where visitors were encouraged to engage with the works and participate in the public vote. The “people’s choice” winner was announced at the CTFW x VISI Design Prize evening, with Paragon ultimately receiving the honour.

‘You Are Cape Town’

PARAGON

PARAGON transformed the iconic chair into a sculptural expression (and reflection) of the relationship between the city’s landscape and its people. Covered in a mirrored surface, the artwork blurred the boundaries between the self and the surroundings. The base of the piece represented the contours of Table Mountain, anchoring it in the natural world.

Turning the Furniture Industry on Its Head and ‘Shining a Light’ on South African Design

Studio Goodd

Studio Goodd’s installation reimagined transformation, sustainability, and the relationship between nature and the home. Inspired by the question, “What if a chair no longer needed to be a chair?” the studio reinterpreted the design of the HAY AAC 22 chair – quite literally turning it on its head. Transformed into a sculptural floor lamp, its shade encased an exposed halogen bulb, evoking the image of filament-like pollen. The organic, curving frame reflected nature’s aversion to straight lines, while the original chair legs were repurposed into a functional side table, ensuring that nothing went to waste.

Echoes of Cape Town – A Chair of Community

Inhouse Design Studio

Inhouse Design Studio‘s reinterpretation of the iconic HAY design honoured the unity and heritage of Cape Town. Each of the four legs symbolised a chapter in the city’s history, encompassing its ancestral roots, colonial influence, the struggle for liberation, and the vibrant modern spirit that defines Cape Town today.

Amaranthus

Myuzu

Myuzu incorporated two varieties of hanging Amaranthus – Coral Fountain and Green – to transform the chair into a biomorphic-inspired piece. By following the natural curves of the Amaranthus stems, Myuzu seamlessly mirrored the chair’s organic form.

Klopse Blomme

Ananta Design Studio

Inspired by the iconic Kaapse Klopse, Ananta Design Studio reimagined the chair to capture the festival’s dazzling explosion of colour, music, and energy – a vibrant celebration of heritage, resilience, and freedom.

PATCHWORK PROTEA

ATTIK Design

Much like the Mother City, nestled between mountain and sea, ATTIK Design‘s piece embraced the organic, the imperfect, and the interconnected. Inspired by the concept of patchwork, it wove together the layered histories, stories, and textures that define Cape Town.

‘R100 for Everything’ – What if play was the most valuable resource we had? 

The MAAK

The MAAK challenged themselves with a R100 budget and materials salvaged from the local dump. R100 for Everything transformed a single HAY AAC 222 chair into a series of playful objects: a swing, a seesaw, a go-kart, a slide, a noughts-and-crosses board, and a toy push car.

Bursting Ruffles

Sindiso Khumalo

Designer Sindiso Khumalo’s reinterpretation of the chair was a celebration of femininity. Staying true to the sustainability ethos central to the Sindiso Khumalo brand, all the fabric was reimagined from waste materials sourced from their production and transformed into elegant ruffles.

The Thinking Chair

The Detail Smith

The Detail Smith embraced the idea of creating a ‘thinking chair’ – a sculptural, flower-like structure which unfolded, allowing the brain to do its thing.

Akho Bantu 

Lebo Kekana – Artist, curator and director of FEDE Arthouse

Lebo Kekana’s transformed chair embodied a desire to break free from Western hegemony, as reflected in the city’s urban planning. This planning often embraced Modernist aesthetic values, which overlooked the cultural identity of the Abantu people.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.

The post KAAPENHAGEN Design Challenge: Reimagining a Modern HAY Classic appeared first on Visi.