South Africa’s design scene is thriving, with a new generation of creators pushing boundaries across furniture, lighting, and objects. The 2026 House & Garden Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards highlight five product designers whose work reflects a unique blend of local identity and global appeal. This year’s nominees showcase a diverse range of approaches, from handcrafted intimacy to technological experimentation, all while maintaining a deep connection to South Africa’s cultural and natural heritage.
From California to Corrugated Iron: Hanneke Lourens
Hanneke Lourens, a South African native now based in Northern California, brings a unique perspective to furniture design. Her Corrugated Collection transforms the familiar corrugated iron of South Africa’s urban environment into elegant white oak furniture. Lourens’ background in fashion design informs her sculptural approach, translating the undulating patterns of corrugated iron into tactile, collectible pieces. Her work is a sign of the power of material transformation, turning an ordinary building material into something both considered and timeless.
Lourens’ work embodies a conversation between her current home and her South African roots. Her pieces, while playful in form, are meticulously crafted through sketches, models, and prototypes. This dedication to process results in furniture that feels both contemporary and timeless. Each piece is a careful balance of improvisation and precision, reflecting her commitment to creating objects that transcend trends and embody a strong sense of place.
Handcrafted Modernism: Warren Turnbull of Hutch Custom
Warren Turnbull, the sole creator behind Hutch Custom, takes a hands-on approach in his Cape Town workshop. His furniture, a blend of refined modernism and traditional woodworking, is handcrafted, signed, dated, and numbered. Turnbull’s philosophy centers on the material itself, allowing the natural beauty of timber to shine while infusing each piece with a sense of character and craftsmanship. His work is a celebration of the tactile and the enduring, designed to be lived with rather than merely admired.
Turnbull’s pieces, from tables to media units, are designed for everyday living, showcasing the beauty of natural timber and the craftsmanship behind each piece. His commitment to quality has earned him recognition, including Best in Show at Decorex Cape Town 2025. Turnbull’s furniture is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating objects that age gracefully, becoming heirlooms that tell a story of skill and dedication.
Afro-Avant-Garde Vision: Tshidzo Mangena of Locha Design Studio
Tshidzo Mangena, founder of Locha Design Studio, challenges conventional notions of African design. His “Afro avant-garde” approach combines traditional woodworking with CNC machining and 3D printing, resulting in futuristic yet culturally rooted furniture. Mangena’s work is a bold statement about the future of African design, rejecting the confines of heritage-focused aesthetics in favor of innovation and experimentation. His use of technology allows him to push the boundaries of form and function, creating pieces that are both forward-thinking and deeply connected to their cultural context.
Mangena’s Akan Collection addresses a gap in South African outdoor furniture, offering sculptural pieces designed for the local climate. His work exemplifies a forward-thinking vision for African design, one that adopts technology and experimentation. By blending cutting-edge techniques with traditional craftsmanship, Mangena creates furniture that is not only visually striking but also practical and durable, reflecting the diverse needs of contemporary South African living.
Technology Meets Form: Phillip Kramer
Phillip Kramer, based in Cape Town, explores the relationship between furniture, technology, and form. His studio produces high-end contemporary pieces where technology becomes an integral part of the design, rather than an afterthought. Kramer’s approach challenges traditional distinctions, creating objects that are both functional and visually compelling. His work reflects the evolving nature of modern homes, where technology and design are increasingly intertwined.
Material Experimentation: Studio Kalki
Studio Kalki, founded by Nikhil Tricam and Nindya Bucktowar in Durban, defies easy categorization. Their work blends architecture, ceramics, furniture, and art, resulting in sculptural pieces that showcase material contrasts. The studio’s interdisciplinary approach allows them to explore new possibilities at the intersection of different fields, creating objects that challenge conventional definitions. Their use of locally sourced materials and handcrafted techniques demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and place, while their designs remain innovative and forward-looking.
The studio’s Inwabu Bench, a 2026 Africa International Design Award winner, exemplifies this approach. It combines a precision-engineered steel frame with handmade ceramic tiles, creating a piece that is both functional and artistic. This fusion of industrial precision and artisanal craftsmanship highlights Studio Kalki’s ability to bring together disparate elements into a cohesive whole, resulting in objects that are both beautiful and meaningful.
The 2026 DOTY Awards will celebrate these designers’ contributions to South Africa’s lively design environment, showcasing their ability to create objects that are locally rooted yet globally relevant.
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