At the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, the design community gathered once again to honour creativity, craftsmanship and innovation. Here, we share the stories of this year’s acclaimed winners.
Pan-african designer of the Year
Manthe Ribane x Pantheone Audio
For the artist, musician and creative director, design isn’t just visual — it’s spiritual. ‘Design is the language through which I translate energy into form. It’s how I give shape to emotion, heritage and imagination,’ she says. ‘Design connects nature, rhythm and the human experience into harmony. It’s where intention becomes tangible.’
Manthe believes South Africa is in a moment of reawakening and that artists are designing from a perspective of truth — not for validation, but for liberation. This ethos is evident in the collaborations with her brother, where they merge sound, technology and design into new experiences to define a future-facing African aesthetic. Together, they’re building a shared language of art, performance and spirituality under Dear Ribane — a creative ecosystem grounded in legacy and light.
On winning Pan-African Designer of the Year, Manthe feels that the award validates the power of authenticity. ‘This recognition feels like a mirror, a reflection of purpose, faith and perseverance,’ she says. ‘It’s a celebration not just of an achievement, but of a journey — one guided by love, ancestry and divine timing. We are telling stories rooted in ancestry while imagining new futures. There’s a fearless blending of craft and technology, ritual and innovation.’
@manthe.ribane | pantheoneaudio.com
Product Designer of the Year
Studio KÁJA
As a relatively new design studio, Studio KÁJA has quickly carved a space in South Africa’s creative landscape. Founded by Simoné Lategan, the furniture studio’s ethos is rooted in creating pieces with craftsmanship at its heart, reflecting the growing confidence of South African designers embracing their roots. ‘It’s incredible to see the South African design scene producing work that’s both locally relevant and globally appealing,’ Simoné says.
‘The quality of design and craftsmanship is resonating worldwide, and local production and collaboration are leading this movement.’ Her creative philosophy is action-orientated: Start where you are, even if it seems daunting, and consistently show up every day. ‘Don’t let your lack of knowledge or expertise hold you back,’ she says. ‘See it as an opportunity to learn and do things from a fresh perspective. Treat others with kindness and be open to opportunities — you'll be surprised at how much purpose and potential it will bring to your journey.’
Winning Product Designer of the Year is a gentle confirmation that STUDIO KÁJA’s work is finding its way into the lives of others. ‘Winning this award encourages us to continue creating with intention and purpose,’ Simoné concludes.
Icon Award
Adam Court of OKHA
Often influenced by geographic physicality and a sense of place, Creative Director of Okha Adam Court, has a distinct design language of sculptural, material- led design with cultural and artistic resonance. For Adam, design is a form of personal expression, and winning the Icon Award validates his craft. ‘Winning this award means that you’re moving in the right direction,’ he says. ‘It means approval and affirmation that you’re producing work of a significant, remarkable standard.’
The recognition feels to Adam like reaffirmation of his philosophy that great design begins with curiosity. ‘Hunger, passion for discovery, curiosity — these are the essential elements for holding an “icon” space and operating at that level,’ he says. ‘It’s about never being complacent, an indefatigable hunger for new direction.
The staying power for me is linked to the initial calling, my initial calling to design.’ Adam’s perspective reflects a broader shift in the industry, one that celebrates smaller independent brands and the individuality that distinguishes them from global uniformity. ‘What I’ve felt so much recently is a real sense of community,’ he says, ‘of joy, enthusiasm — a collective sense of prospect.’
Hotel of the Year
Franschhoek House at La Residence
Embraced by mountains and vineyards, this private retreat stands apart in The Royal Portfolio for its blend of seclusion and sophistication. ‘Franschhoek House is unique to La Residence as it’s an exclusive-use villa with complete privacy for multi-generational families or groups of friends,’ says Liz Biden, Founder of The Royal Portfolio. ‘We’ve found that once our guests arrive at Franschhoek House, they don’t want to leave. Everything they need is right here.’
Each suite in Franschhoek House is a different colour, and every detail is carefully thought out. Fabrics, textures and natural lighting are some of the elements that each contribute to a sense of harmony and delight. ‘Minimalism has always been seen as calming, but I’m convinced that colour exudes vibrancy and joy,’ Liz says. ‘Design evokes a feeling and everyone perceives it differently. I love using colour to bring out emotions.’
On receiving the award for Hotel of the Year, she says, ‘It’s such an honour for us to be recognised as the Hotel of the Year alongside some prestigious designers. I didn’t study design, so it’s always an honour when people recognise my designs and properties and love them just as much as I do.’
Interior Designer of the Year
Tristan du Plessis
Each of Tristan’s designs are deeply rooted in a narrative. There is a multi- layered story told through design, always centred around the guest’s experience. His instantly recognisable style and narrative-driven approach have established him as a creative force with significant commercial and critical success globally.
Winning the Interior Designer of the Year Award feels like a full-circle moment for him, he explains, ‘It’s incredibly meaningful to be recognised by the very publication that first featured my work. It feels a reflection on how far the journey has come since those early days. To receive such positive acknowledgement from within the local industry makes it even more special, as it reinforces that the work continues to resonate with the community that shaped me.’
Tristan is excited to witness South African designers discovering their own voices and create work that reflects a contemporary South African design language. ‘Rather than a few dominant global trends, we’re now seeing more personal and authentic micro-movements emerging, which is exciting,’ he says. ‘This year has also felt like a turning point with South African design increasingly being executed and celebrated at an international level.’
Home of the Year
Wave Villa by ARRCC
Designed by acclaimed interior design and decor studio ARRCC, this villa is centred around the traditional values of a home. From spatial flow to materiality, every detail was carefully considered to support the nuances of daily life. The sculptural form, especially the roof line, gives the building its distinct presence. But its soul lies in how it’s felt, used and enjoyed. ‘From the outset, the brief centred on creating aspace that would continue to embrace the family’s lifestyle and preserve its character while elevating its design,’ says Jon Case, ARRCC Principal. ‘Our design philosophy is rooted in intention. Here, that meant embracing the sweeping views and crafting interiors that welcomed quiet moments and vibrant gatherings.’
Every ARRCC project is a collaboration driven by their team’s passion, precision and purposeful design. They approach each brief with a sense of responsibility to their clients, the context and the craft. Wave Villa epitomises their ethos: ‘Our work is shaped by our commitment to creating spaces that are both meaningful and responsive to its environment,’ adds Jon. ‘Each new recognition, such as Home Of The Year, reaffirms our belief that great design is never just about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that enrich lives.’
Architect of the Year
Nicholas Plewman
As an architect, Nicholas’ design approach is a collaborative pursuit anchored by curiosity and a deep respect for place. In his work, he epitomises South Africa’s growing architectural voice and willingness to experiment, while staying grounded in culture and resourcefulness. ‘It is exciting to see South Africa bringing its voice to architecture on a global scale, while being truly authentic to us,’ he says. ‘Architecture is a long game. It rewards patience, humility and collaboration. Success isn't so much about awards and fame but about feeling like you have been able to create something true to your values.’
Nicholas sees winning Architect of the Year as a reflection of the people he has been fortunate to work with — those who share the same belief in what good design can do. It’s also a reminder of how much the profession has evolved and how each project is an opportunity to keep learning. ‘The best projects are less about grand statements and more about spaces that create connection and curiosity about the landscape and community that the guests have come to see,’ he says.
Landscape Designer of the Year
Danie Steenkamp
The leader of DDS Projects, landscaping for Danie is not about ripping up existing gardens and starting from scratch. Instead, it’s working with the spirit of the place, looking for cues and then building on them to respond to the context. ‘The landscape is slowly becoming less about the look and more about the philosophy,’ he says. ‘Our job is to work within these principles to create beautiful spaces and gardens that are uplifting and directional while also promoting biodiversity.’
Danie’s approach is rooted in observation and restraint. Rather than imposing an aesthetic, he listens to what the land is asking for — allowing each garden to emerge as an extension of its environment. ‘As we carve up, draw lines and extract more from our natural world, space has to become increasingly rationalised and economically productive,’ he says. ‘Nature and gentler wilder spaces have become the ultimate luxury.’ It’s this philosophy, equal parts ecological and emotional, serves as a reminder in his work: the best gardens collaborate with nature instead of competing against it.
Artist of the Year
Dada Khanyisa
When Dada speaks about their practice, there’s a sense that the work exists somewhere between design and the freedom of art. ‘Design offers the formal qualities that are dismantled through the process of art making,’ they say. ‘I think about design as art’s stricter sibling. Although related, design is read with a stricter eye, while art has a looser reputation. I do think that the recognition of some design principles makes a better artist.’
It’s a statement that encapsulates why Dada’s win as Artist of the Year feels so fitting. Their practice has long blurred the boundaries between different artistic mediums and experimentation to capture the nuances of contemporary South African life. Reflecting on their journey, Dada acknowledges how far they’ve come. ‘What would surprise me ten years ago about myself now?’ they say, ‘It’s all I have experienced as a person and as an art practitioner. There are places, spaces and people that I thought were out of reach 10 years ago. Throughout this time, I have consistently appreciated the support for the arts. People really show up in whatever capacity.
@dadakhanyisa
Influencer of the Year
Veerta Motiani
For Veerta, to influence is to inspire. It’s to make someone feel something — whether that’s the motivation to create, to improve or maybe even pick up and move to a new country. Ten years ago, Veerta was living in Los Angeles, newly dating her now husband and planning their move to New York. But things quickly changed: ‘I could never have imagined that we’d one day pack up our lives and move across the world to South Africa, without knowing a soul, and not only build a life here, but truly fall in love with it all,’ she says. ‘South Africa deeply understands and appreciates antiques and craftsmanship. There’s a real passion here for pieces with history, among both collectors and sellers. That aligns beautifully with my own sensibility, especially given our home’s heritage.’
Celebrating imperfection, the handmade, and the storied, Veerta felt at home in South Africa. She also thinks that authenticity and comfort will be something to look back on this year. ‘This year we began craving spaces that nurture us, not just impress us,’ she says. ‘We came back to the classics, to homes that feel lived in rather than perfect; layered rather than polished.’
@veertamotiani
Sustainable Designer of the Year
BYLD
Rooted in conscious design, BYLD champions sustainability through material innovation, ethical practices and a vision that proves beauty and responsibility can go hand in hand. They are inspired by South Africa’s extraordinary natural beauty, which amplifies their commitment to make places more accessible in a responsible and sensitive manner. This ensures they remain preserved for future generations.
For the founders — Nael Jaber, Aref Dogmoch and Raoul Skrein — winning Sustainable Designer of the Year recognises their efforts over the last few years. ‘Winning this award celebrates three years of dedication to low-carbon, low-impact construction and the incredible effort of everyone who helped bring this vision to life,’ they say. ‘Looking ahead, our mission is to expand responsible eco- tourism across Africa, with Johannesburg and Cape Town as hubs for sustainable innovation and development.’
Sustainability guides how BYLD uses resources, in proportion to a project’s lifespan. Each structure is an experiment in material, form and function, and is refined through iteration to be responsive and precise. They are true leaders, both locally and globally.
Credits
Text by Shai Rama
Images: Rageinc Productions, Supplied
This article was originally published in the House & Garden SA December/January 2026 issue.
