WORDS Amelia Brown
Leaders of South African design were honoured at the fifth annual Design Foundation Awards held in Cape Town.
The 2017 awards signal a fresh approach by the Design Foundation, formerly known as the Southern Guild Design Foundation. “With our independent think-tank board representing diverse industries, our aim is to have a foundation that supports the design industry at large – from grassroots and educational levels to manufacture, retail and export,” explains board member Trevyn McGowan.
Krone is the sponsor of the prestigious Icon Award, won by Gregor Jenkin, who was also the inaugural recipient of this award in 2012. The recently-opened tasting room at Twee Jonge Gezellen (go on a tour of it with VISI here) is furnished exclusively with South African furniture and fittings and is testament to Krone’s support of local entrepreneurs in design and manufacturing.
The awards were judged by a Design Foundation board sub-committee, after nominations were received from past winners and an external jury of industry insiders that included our very own Sumien Brink and Annemarie Meinjies, Cathy O’Clery of Platform Creative Agency, curator and interior designer Tracy Lynch (responsible for Twee Jonge Gezellen’s interiors), Tiaan Nagel of House and Leisure, and Leigh Robertson and Ntombenhle Shezi of ELLE Decoration, as well as nominations from tertiary institutions for the Apprentice Award.
“We believe [design] has the ability to change South Africa, and by supporting local design we’re investing in a positive future,” said Abigail Rands, Marketing Director of Krone.
Icon Award
Image credit: Pieter Maltbie
Winner: Gregor Jenkin
Sponsor: Krone
Awarded in recognition of work produced in the last 12 months, acknowledging outstanding achievement, innovation and career advancement.
Object That Moves Award
Winner: willowlamp
Sponsor: 100% Design South Africa
Celebrates an original product that has experienced great commercial success – aspirational and top-end, yet commercially viable to sell in multiples.
Maker to Market Award
Winner: Robin Sprong Wallpaper
Sponsor: M&C Saatchi Abel
Awarding a design company that understands the value of marketing, consumer interaction, packaging and delivery.
Manufacture Award
Winner: Ngwenya Glass (Chas and Cathy Prettejohn)
Sponsor: Bronze Age
Recognising a manufacturer who has gone beyond expectation to aid designers in realising their products.
Future Found Award
Winner: Thabisa Mjo (Mash.T Design Studio)
Sponsor: Von Seidels
Celebrating a young designer who has already achieved excellence with limited resources.
Apprentice Award
Winner: Keitumetse Maake (University of Johannesburg)
Sponsor: David Krynauw
Awarding the winner a 12-month internship to work alongside this designer, craftsman and manufacturer.
Design With Purpose Award
Winner: SolarTurtle (James van der Walt, Lungelwa Tyali and Charlene Barnes)
Sponsor: AfriSign
Recognising socially responsible work done by a company, within the South African landscape, with a focus on design aspects, that makes a difference in the lives of communities.
