Steyn City On The Power Of Influence In South African Design
Influence in design extends far beyond a social media following. It can shape how we experience spaces, challenge established ideas and inspire new ways of thinking about the places we live. For Steyn City, sponsor of the Influencer of the Year category at the 2026 House & Garden Designer of the Year Awards, influence is closely tied to its own approach to creating people-centred urban environments. As the awards come to Johannesburg for the first time, Steyn City reflects on the value of meaningful influence, the importance of celebrating South African design talent and the ideas it hopes will shape the future of the industry.
What drew you to sponsor this particular category at the House & Garden Designer of the Year Awards, and why does it feel like the right fit for your brand?
We chose to sponsor ‘Influencer of the Year’ category because influence is at the heart of our philosophy and what we have been trying to achieve through Steyn City. We have developed a blueprint for future cities and urban living – one where people, rather than vehicles, are at the forefront of how a city is designed. From pedestrianised spaces and connected promenades to green open spaces and facilities within easy reach, Steyn City has been designed to encourage people to walk, cycle, connect and enjoy their surroundings. It is about creating an environment where the design of the city supports the way people want to live while fostering a strong sense of community.
What qualities do you believe define excellence in this area of design, and looking for in this year’s nominees?
For us, excellence in this category is about influence that has substance. It is about professionals who have a distinctive point of view, challenge conventional thinking and use their influence to shape how we think about design, spaces and the way we live. We will be looking for nominees whose ideas resonate beyond their own platforms, people who inspire others, bring fresh perspectives and demonstrate that good design can influence not only how a space looks, but how people experience it. Ultimately, we believe the most meaningful influence is influence that leaves something behind – an idea, a different perspective, a legacy.
What does supporting and celebrating South African design talent mean to your brand, particularly at a platform as established as House & Garden Designer of the Year?
Supporting South African design talent is about recognising the extraordinary creativity and capability that exists on our own shores. Steyn City itself was born from the vision of a highly successful and passionate South African who, despite achieving international success, wanted to realise an ambitious dream here at home, to create a city unlike any other. That same belief in what is possible in South Africa is why celebrating local design talent matters to us. We have an incredible depth of creative talent, shaped by our unique landscapes, cultures, people and experiences, and there is real value in giving that talent a platform. House & Garden does this beautifully, showcasing the work, ideas and creativity of South African designers month after month. Supporting the Designer of the Year Awards is a natural extension of that celebration – recognising the people who are not only creating exceptional work but helping to define a distinctly South African design story.
Beyond recognising a winning project or designer, what do you hope this category brings to the wider design conversation?
We hope it inspires and encourages the next generation of young South African designers to think boldly, pursue their ideas and unleash their own creativity. Celebrating today’s talent can help open the door for the talent of tomorrow.
What does House & Garden Designer of the Year mean to you, and why do you think awards like these remain important to the design industry?
We are excited to be hosting the House & Garden Designer of the Year Awards as they come to Johannesburg for the first time. It is a wonderful opportunity to partner with a media brand that has such a strong and longstanding commitment to celebrating design and creativity in South Africa. Design is integral to Steyn City. From our homes and architecture to our public spaces, landscaping, facilities and the way the estate is planned around people and community, design shapes the experience of living here. It is part of the vision from the very beginning. We believe awards like these are important because they give exceptional South African talent the recognition and platform it deserves, while inspiring the next generation of designers to push boundaries, think outside the box and challenge what is possible.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of South African design, and what role do you see your brand playing in supporting it?
We’re excited by the depth of creative talent in South Africa and will continue to support and celebrate the ideas and people shaping the future of design.
For Steyn City, the future of South African design lies in the people and ideas willing to think differently about how we live. By supporting the Influencer of the Year category, the brand hopes to recognise designers and creative voices whose influence extends beyond their own work, encouraging conversation, inspiring others and leaving a lasting legacy. As the House & Garden Designer of the Year Awards celebrate another generation of South African talent, the partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of design to shape not only spaces, but the experiences and communities within them.
Credits
Images: Courtesy of Steyn City