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Lights and server by Nando’s HYD 2020 finalist Siviwe Jali of uMugqa Studio. Nokhanya lights are a
collaboration with Ashanti Design and the Ntsimbi server was brought to life with the assistance of
TanDesignSA.
Pattern by Nando’s HYD 2018 finalist Zinhle Sithebe, painted by Ilukuluku Collective.
started studying graphic design and I Stand design and concept by Tracy Lee Lynch of Clout/SA
Photograph by Justin Patrick
saw that I could create a path for myself
in this type of field. When the time came
to choose a career in matric, I wanted to
do psychology. I was short of a few points
for that, but could still apply for design
school. The funny thing is that objects
like furniture affect one’s psychology,
behaviour and health.

Q Where do you find inspiration for
your designs?
A: A lot of places – from personal
experience, observation and a lot
of curiosity about mashing up my
interests. People are also a huge source of
inspiration, as is my culture.

Q Tell us about the projects you’re most
proud of and why.
A: The Kwena Square bench and bin
project I recently did was really good. The
Nokhanya Light with Ashanti is another
special project because I worked on that
design for years, and partnering with
them really took the design to the next
level. And, of course, the Ntsimbi server
because of how quickly it came together. I
had never designed anything like it before.

Q What’s your creative process?
A Lots of research; I am very strict
about doing the best research for a
project. Sometimes I look into data
and research for days before I start to
design. I use quick sketches when I start
to conceptualise, then move into more Q What have you been doing since being A: Learn how to see details: observe
detailed drawings. Then I go on to CAD a finalist in the Hot Young Designer 2020 how people use objects and be obsessed
and quick renders, and if things still don’t competition? with understanding how things are made.
make sense or I need to feel the object, I A: I have been working on my practice, This will lay the foundation. After that,
will create a prototype. None of this is set which is an industrial design consultancy, remember to have child-like wonder and
in stone, sometimes I jump around and and am also developing a range of products. play a lot. Also, try to come up with an
patch things together.
opinion and point of view for life that
Q Do you have some exciting upcoming bleeds into your work. Interesting people
Q What’s your dream design job? projects or collaborations that you would create interesting work.
A: The dream job would be a
social impact project that benefits an like to share? Clout/SA continues to actively market
A: The Nokhanya Lights collab with
underserved community and also results Ashanti Design is something that I am Jali’s pieces on the Nando’s portal to
in some form of profit. That very narrow very excited about. Developing the Cupisa Africa and to other businesses as well
trade-off where capitalism is being used bench with Pedersen + Lennard has been as offering the designer business and
for good!
a masterclass on how to streamline a creative direction as his practise evolves
design for production. Everything else I and grows.
Q What was the best part about the HYD am working on is still in development and See more about the Nando’s Hot
2020 competition? so I have to keep it hush-hush. Young Designer 2020 competition here:
A: The best part about being part of
the competition was the opportunities Q What would your top piece of advice https://clout-sadesign.co.za/nandos-hyd-
announces-2020-finalists/
that came from the experience – I saw be for anyone looking to be a furniture dw
an increase in inquiries and business designer? www.clout-sadesign.co.za
opportunities.

dw • Issue 258 29