Winners of the 2019 100% Design South Africa Awards announced

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Design News in Design

Africa’s leading product design showcase, 100% Design South Africa, announced its 2019 Design Award Winners at a Gala Awards Evening that was held at Gallagher Convention Centre on the night of Thursday, 8 August 2019. The proceedings took place at the Clout Café conceptualized by Studio Leelynch and fired up by Nando’s. This vibrant industry evening was attended by over 300 personalities, designers, past winners and 100% Design South Africa exhibitors, curators and organisers.

The winners of the 100% Design Awards were chosen by an independent panel comprising publishing editors, members of the media, designers, tastemakers and influencers. The 2019 judges were: Charl Edwards of House and Leisure; Ntombehle Shezi of Kaya FM; Piet Smedy of Conde Nast House & Garden; Annemarie Meintjies of Visi; Leana Schoeman of Sunday Times Home; Lezanne van Heerden of The Guild Group; architect Nisha van der Hoven; journalist Zanele Kumalo; interior designer Tristan du Plessis; creative director Tracy Lynch; Michael Spinks of the Nando’s design programme; and Malibongwe Tyilo of Maverick Life.

The judging process took place throughout the day on Wednesday, 7 August 2019 and the awards were judged in the following nine categories:

Best Lighting Design – The judges were on the hunt for an electrical lighting solution, whether local or international, which showed style and innovation. Energy-saving considerations, although not a pre-requisite, were a bonus.

Best Surface Design – Here, the criteria are style and/or innovation in wallpapers, wall treatments, wall coverings, fitted carpets, rugs, floor coverings, tiles, or 3D printed surfaces.

Best Textile Design awarded in memory of Julian Gelb – An award that recognizes excellence in fabric design.

Best of 100% New Talent – An award to recognize an emerging design talent.

Best Product Design – An original design that shows intelligence and consideration in terms of material use.

Best Furniture Design – The judges were looking for a stylish piece of functional furniture from the residential, office or hospitality sector, whether local or international. This needed to be a new design from the last two years.

Best Stand Design – This award seeks to recognise a stand design that is eye-catching and promotes visitor interaction and engagement. The stand should add to the overall aesthetic and experience of 100% Design South Africa.

Designer of the Year – An annual award that seeks to recognise a designer who displays excellence in their field with regards to concept, quality and design.

The 2019 award-winners were announced at the event by 100% Design South Africa’s Creative Director, Cathy O’Clery. “We’re thrilled to see the level of excellence this year. The intention behind these awards is not only to stimulate the industry but to reward and acknowledge designers who are leading their respective categories,” she explains. The judges chose the following winners, who each received a bespoke trophy designed by Dokter and Misses:

Best Lighting Design: Memphis Lighting Collection by Wiid Design and Ceramic Matters

Best Surface Design: MaXhosa wallpaper by Laduma Ngxokolo

Special Mention 1: Notation Design for terrazzo
Special Mention 2: r1.

Best Textile Design: Ronel Jordaan

Special Mention: Evolution for sustainability

Best of 100% New Talent: Sifiso Shange of Afrimodern in collaboration with John Vogel

Special Mention: Foil Reflections by Mbongiseni Nxumalo

Best Furniture Design: Preservation Bench by Houtlander for AHEC

Special mention: Takk Studio

Best Product Design: Raw Studios for Inhouse

Special mention: Chuma Maweni

Best Stand: Wolkberg and Jacobs Collection

South African Designer of the Year: Awarded jointly to Mpho Vackier of The Urbanative and Thabisa Mjo of Mash. T Design Studio.

“We’d like to congratulate all the winners of these prestigious awards,” says Sian Cullingworth, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions, the organisers of 100% Design South Africa Awards. “Their designs set the benchmark for our industry and encourage further development.”

Held in conjunction with Decorex Joburg and the International Sourcing Fair, 100% Design South Africa ran from 7-11 August 2019 and proudly showcased the very best of local product design alongside top international brands.