Leaders of South African design were honoured in Cape Town last night at the third-annual Southern Guild Design Foundation Awards.
Held during the opening of GUILD international design fair, the awards recognised the industry’s top achievers for leading the way in local design and innovation.
A total of six designers were given top honours under the categories ‘Future Growth’ and ‘Recognition of Excellence.’ A nod to both emerging designers and those who have already experienced success, the awards are judged by industry insiders to help support and grow local design trajectory.
“These awards aren’t just about acknowledging extraordinary achievement, they are also about propelling the industry forward, giving the recipients a recognition that encourages and motivates them,” says Trevyn McGowan, co-founder of Southern Guild and the awards.
Acknowledging young potential, the Future Growth Apprentice Award was selected by submissions from leading national tertiary bodies. Recognising work and approach showing maturity, originality and potential, it was awarded to Cape Peninsula University of Technology design graduate Nehanda Magan.
Sponsored by Guideline MNF, Magan will be offered a 12-month internship with the firm, allowing her the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and classic joinery methods.
Recognising an advanced and original product that is inspirational, aspirational and at the top end of the market, the Object that Moves Award, sponsored by 100% Design South Africa, went to David Krynauw for his Haywire Chandelier.
The piece has seen spectacular interest over the past year, appearing on the cover of Wallpaper magazine and amongst the nominees for Design Indaba’s 2015 Most Beautiful Object award.
The anticipated Icon Award sponsored by Adams & Adams, was awarded to Cape Town ceramicist, Andile Dyalvane. Founder of Imiso Ceramics, Dyalvane was recognised as a designer who represents South Africa on a global scale, showing worldwide at events including New York Now, Design Days Dubai, Design Miami and Design Miami Basel.
Andile Dyalvane
“Andile is a true inspiration to all South Africans, not just as a designer but as an entrepreneur,” says McGowan. “He is incredibly dedicated, ambitious and talented, yet he always has time for younger or less experienced designers and shares his knowledge humbly and supportively.”
Dyalvane follows the footsteps of previous Icon Award winners Gregor Jenkin and Porky Hefer. The 2013 recipient, Hefer has grown remarkably since last year, and is currently working to bring his bird’s nest range to Namibia in a hotel project based completely on the social weaver’s nest construction. He will also exhibit in a show with R & Company in New York in March.
“Our aim is to make a radical difference to the industry. We want to give support to the development of designers, both established and emerging, helping to integrate good business models and building a more vibrant and professional design industry,” says McGowan.
COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS 2014 Southern Guild Design Foundation Awards
Apprentice Award, sponsored by Guideline MNF. Winner is offered a 12-month internship, allowing the winner to work with cutting-edge technology and classic joinery methods.
Winner: Nehanda Magan
Honourable Mention: Bonga Jwambi
Future Found Award, sponsored by Museum of African Design (MOAD). MOAD will offer residency at the Maboneng Precinct for a young designer who has already achieved excellence with limited resources.
Winner: Thabo Pitso (PTA)
Manufacture Award, sponsored by SABS Design Institute, is in recognition of a manufacturer who has gone beyond expectation to aid designers in realising their products.
Winner: Bronze Age
Maker to Market Award, sponsored by Clip-Lok, will go to a design company that understands the value of marketing, consumer interaction, packaging and delivery.
Winner: Missibaba
Object that Moves Award, sponsored by 100% Design South Africa, goes to the designer of an original product that has experienced great commercial success – aspirational and top-end, yet commercially viable to sell in multiples.
Winner: David Krynauw
Icon Award, sponsored by Adams & Adams, is awarded in recognition of work produced by a highly regarded South African designer, acknowledging outstanding achievement, innovation and career advancement.
Winner: Andile Dyalvane
About Southern Guild Design Foundation
The Southern Guild Design Foundation is an impact-focused, professionally led, independent body created to make an immediate difference to the South African design industry. The foundation is non-profit and sponsor funded, and is led by an illustrious think tank board of twelve highly respected industry figures enabled to award funding, recognise achievements and act as a conduit between business and design.
