On 30 September 2026, the South African design community came together at Steyn City for the House & Garden South Africa Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards. Bringing together leading architects, interior designers, artists, makers and hospitality figures, the evening was a celebration not only of exceptional creative work, but also of the people, relationships and shared ideas that keep the country’s design industry moving forward.
There is something special about seeing so many people from across the creative world gathered in one place. From established names to emerging talent, the awards offered an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet fellow creatives and celebrate the achievements of an industry built on collaboration, curiosity and an appreciation for considered design. Beyond the trophies, it was a reminder of the community behind the spaces, objects and experiences that inspire us every day.
With Steyn City providing the setting, the evening brought together different disciplines and perspectives under one roof. Conversations around architecture, interiors, landscape, art and hospitality reflected the breadth of South African design today, while the awards gave the community a collective moment to recognise the people making a meaningful contribution to it.
Celebrating the People Behind the Work
At the heart of the evening was the announcement of the 2026 DOTY winners, whose work reflects the originality, craftsmanship and creative ambition of South Africa’s design industry.
Patrick Watson was named Landscape Designer of the Year, recognising a practice shaped by an understanding of indigenous planting, ecological systems and the relationship between people and their environments. Hutch Custom received Product Designer of the Year, celebrating its commitment to handcrafted furniture, material integrity and considered making.
Other recognised names included interior designer Marie-Louise Koen, artist Mmangaliso Nzuza, Pan-African design studio Locha Design and influencer Misha Levin. Nine Lives at Hyde and Tamodi Polo Estate were among the hospitality names associated with this year’s winning projects, while Sumari Krige received the Icon Award in recognition of her contribution to the industry.
Each award offered a moment to celebrate a different aspect of creative practice, from the careful decisions behind a beautifully designed object to the vision required to shape an entire space. Taken together, the winners reflected the range of talent working across South Africa and the importance of giving that work the recognition it deserves.
But the significance of the evening extended beyond individual achievements. By bringing these designers and creatives together, DOTY created space for the wider industry to celebrate one another, exchange ideas and acknowledge the collective effort that goes into building a vibrant design culture.
Partners Who Champion Creativity
The evening was made possible with the support of partners who share an interest in the role design plays in shaping our surroundings and experiences.
Steyn City hosted the awards, providing a fitting setting for a gathering centred on architecture, landscape and lifestyle. Oggie Flooring supported the architecture, interior design and Home of the Year categories, celebrating the role of natural materials and craftsmanship in creating enduring spaces.
Woodford Reserve partnered with the awards as a supporter of South African design, sponsoring the Restaurant/Bar of the Year category. Flush Bathrooms supported Hotel of the Year, highlighting the importance of considered bathroom design in creating memorable hospitality experiences.
These partnerships helped bring different corners of the design world into the conversation, reflecting the connections between products, spaces, brands and the people who bring them to life.
More Than an Awards Ceremony
Ultimately, DOTY 2026 was about more than recognising individual winners. It was about celebrating a creative community, its shared achievements and the energy that comes from bringing people together around a common passion for design.
For House & Garden South Africa, the awards remain an opportunity to shine a light on the people shaping the country’s creative landscape. The evening at Steyn City was a reminder that while great design is often experienced through a finished building, beautifully crafted object or thoughtfully designed interior, it is the people behind the work who make the industry what it is.
As the 2026 winners take their recognition forward, the night leaves behind something just as valuable: a renewed appreciation for the talent, collaboration and community that make South African design worth celebrating.
Credits
Images: Courtesy of House & Garden SA
