This January, and back by demand, we re-present The SCAPE 100 issue. This isn’t just any 100 list — this is THE list that celebrates 100 influencers who are shaping the world of design, architecture, and interiors. From visionary designers to iconic architects, taste makers, artists, and makers, this issue is your definitive guide to the trailblazers who are key contributors to the future of the industry. We’re honouring the importance of issues like these because, amidst our busy lives and the serious content we explore through our curated issues, recognition matters.
Disclaimer: This issue is curated in no particular order. It doesn’t discredit the hundreds of exceptional architects and designers from issues past and future. It’s simply a means of showcasing the people and firms we’ve been watching — and we’ve been so thrilled with what we’ve seen that we want to share these industry leaders with you!

01. ANANTA DESIGN STUDIO
Cape Town
Ananta Design Studio, a multi-disciplinary studio founded by sisters Viveka and Rucita Vassen in 2022, blends South African vibrancy with their Indian heritage. Inspired by culture, craft, and community, their work reimagines traditional African crafts into playful and functional pieces. Born out of a desire to create a socially impactful business during lockdown, this dynamic duo empowers under-resourced artisans, particularly women in Khayelitsha, by offering them opportunities top reserve their own heritage, while financially supporting their families.
Photography by Mikhailia Petersen
02. ADAM COURT
Creative Director, OKHA
Cape Town
Adam is a designer whose process is as much an exploration of self as it is of space. With a pencil in hand and a mind attuned to the irregular beauty of nature, Adam sketches furniture collections that reflect the landscapes that inspire him. His designs, which blend sculptural form with emotional resonance, celebrate Africa’s raw, unfiltered beauty. Since 2007, Adam has guided OKHA to global acclaim, creating timeless designs that merge African authenticity with influences drawn from his diverse creative journey in music, fashion, and cinema. His pieces, always instinctive and contemplative, invite us to slow down and connect.
Photography by Dan Carter


03. ATTIK DESIGN
Interior Architecture and Design Studio
Cape Town
Psychology-driven design is at the heart of ATTIK Design, where Lead Designer Brigid White and Creative Director Cecile van Schoor bring over three decades of combined experience to create exceptional spaces. From the intimate Sunset House in Llandudno to collaborating on innovative workspace hubs with Neighbourgood in the city centre, each project is pursued with meticulous attention to detail. This dedication effortlessly reflects their belief that design should be a true expression of the human experience – a feat they have no doubt accomplished and which is set to continue on the path ahead.
04. BOSS ARCHITECTS
Architecture Studio
Cape Town
For Johan Basson and Ludwig Chambers of BOSS Architects, the connection between space and feeling is at the core of their design approach. With just over four years on the scene, BOSS Architects have already carved out a name for themselves, expanding their creative scope in 2024 with Rare Interiors, blending refined and bold design. Their work consistently reflects a deep respect for the land, from wildlife estates in the Kruger to Cycladic-inspired villas along the robust Western Cape coast, conjuring spaces where sustainability meets luxury.


05. DAVID BRITS
Artist
Cape Town
David’s approach to public-scale sculpture challenges conventions, drawing audiences into a dynamic dialogue between bold material experimentation and deep archival explorations of family history. Recent collaborations with notable institutions, such as the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, The Spier Arts Trust, and the Iziko South African National Gallery, mark his growing influence, cementing his place as one to watch in South Africa’s contemporary art scene.
Photography by Paul West
06. KLÛK CGDT
Boutique Designers and Property Developers
Cape Town
A prominent brand in South African fashion design, KlûK CGDT has recently taken on a new venture: property development. Founders Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit launched their brand as daring high-end luxury designers in 2003 and have since soared through the industry, praised in international media. Malcolm and Christiaan’s property evolution began with their Bree Street Boutique and led to further projects, such as Clarens and Ilkley, both of which were designed in a collaborative effort by the elegant Cape Town architecture firm Hours Clear. It’s no secret that KlûK CGDT are pushing the boundaries of what it means to take the design industry by storm
Image courtesy of Bureau Editorial Agency


07. STUDIO KALKI
Multi-Disciplinary Design House
Durban
Hot Young Designer(s). Nando’s might have dubbed them with this title first in their HYD talent search in 2023, but we have no notes. Studio Kalki is made up of two architects by training turned designers, Nikhil Tricam and Nindya Bucktowar, who specialise in bespoke furniture and decor. Their studio is based on the amalgamation of their architectural backgrounds, made marvelous by Nindya’s ceramic experience and Nikhil’s artistic expertise. But Studio Kalki’s skills don’t end there. The team also offers interior design services, having collaborated with Julia Rutherfoord on Elaleni Forest House which has won the House and Garden DOTY Home of the Year Award for 2024.
08. GITHAN COOPOO
Jewellery Designer and Sculptor
Cape Town
Githan Coopoo is a self-taught jewellery designer and sculptor from Cape Town, who works exclusively with clay as his base medium. Focussed on volume, opulence, and fragility, Githan’s work has been showcased at international Fashion Weeks, including those in New York, Paris, Nigeria, and Russia. Using humour to challenge elitism and intellectual inaccessibility, Githan’s creations fearlessly engage with popular notions of cultural exclusivity, often using satire as a tool. His work is characterised by a playful yet thought-provoking approach that bridges the gap between high art and popular culture.


09. JON CASE
Director and Interior Designer, ARRCC
Cape Town
After 11 years as a Director at ARRCC, Jon Case is a dynamic interior design icon whose practice is driven by both the creative and the technical. During his role as a Director, ARRCC has garnered accolades such as being awarded Interior Design Firm of the Year – South Africa in the Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards 2020 and winner of the Residential Refurb of the Year category at the 2024 SCAPE Awards of Excellence. Jon’s craft is rooted in a passion for art, illustration, photography, and typography. These inspirations are channeled into what one can only call a finessed knack for designing timeless luxury, be it residential or hospitality — a quality that has been fostered in this industry leader to help make Jon a highly spoken of name in the industry.
10. CLINTON SAVAGE
Founder, Clinton Savage Interiors and Architecture
Cape Town
Clinton Savage’s portfolio reads like an exquisite testament to high-end luxury and refined elegance. Renowned for his ability to transform residential and hospitality spaces into immersive, sensory-driven environments, Clinton has firmly established himself as an expert of bold, sophisticated design. This undeniable talent was recently recognised at the SCAPE Awards of Excellence, where he walked away with both the coveted Residential Interior of the Year and Interior Design Firm of the Year accolades. These wins reflect his studio’s reputation as an interior design powerhouse as we dive into 2025. With the recently unveiled Erinvale Spa & Gym in Somerset West on our radar, all eyes are on what’s next for Clinton and his team.


11. DR. LUYANDA MPAHLWA
Founder and Director, Architecture & Design Network
Cape Town
Dr. Luyanda Mpahlwa’s architecture is driven by the belief that cities should reflect the people they serve — accessible, inclusive, and designed with a deep sense of social purpose. Based in Cape Town, his career spans decades of advocacy for socially relevant design, from his incarceration on Robben Island in 1982 for his role in the anti-apartheid struggle to his influential position as Director of Architecture & Design Network. With a Master’s degree from Berlin, Luyanda has always sought to integrate African-inspired design and indigenous building practices into modern architectural discourse. His acclaimed projects, such as the Design Indaba Sandbag Low-Cost House completed in 2009 in Mitchells Plain, demonstrate that architecture can — and should — transform lives and communities for the better. Other notable projects include the South African Embassy in Berlin, Germany, the first Embassy of the new democratic South Africa, completed in 2001, and the Radisson RED hotel at the Silo District, completed in 2017. As an Adjunct Professor at UCT’s African Centre for Cities and former President of the South African Institute of Architects, he continues to champion architecture that speaks to identity, accessibility, and the complex rhythms of post-colonial urban landscapes
12. JOE VAN ROOYEN
Founder and Architect, jvrarchitects & interiors
Johannesburg and Cape Town
As an architect with multiple awards behind his name (such as the GIfA Award of Excellence for House Munro Drive in 2023 and the SAIA Limpopo Award for Architecture 2023 for House Bela Bela), Joe van Rooyen’s journey began more than 30 years ago. After completing his postgraduate studies at the New York Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, his experience led him to starting his own firm, jvr architects& interiors. The firm is guided by a practice focussed on the interplay between heritage and contemporary design, and while his expertise is rooted in upmarket residential design, his work extends to the cultural sector.


13. CHRIS VAN NIEKERK
Architect
Cape Town
Chris van Niekerk operates in a world between architecture and artistry, where buildings transcend form to become transformative spaces. Based in Cape Town, he founded The Fold Architects in2008, later adopting his eponymous title in 2021,reflecting a shift towards a more personal and artistic vision. His work, such as the Cape Institute for Architecture Award and SCAPE Award of Excellence-winning Mountain House in Zwaanswyk, is defined by clean lines, purposeful form, and apared-back aesthetic. Building on the foundation of his architectural practice, Chris has expanded his creative pursuits as the co-founder and head designer of MŪVEK. Launched in 2021, this venture reflects his commitment to thoughtful design, bringing the same sensibilities of his architectural work into everyday objects.
14. CRAFT OF ARCHITECTURE
Architecture Studio
Cape Town and Durban
Guided by the motto ‘Architecture is our Craft’, Craft of Architecture (COA)traces its DNA through a delicate intersection between imagination and precision. Directed by John van Wyk, Ian Gray, and Michal Korycki, the practice operates across two studios in Cape Town and Durban. Their approach is bold, transforming complex briefs into spaces that speak directly to their context and purpose. COA’s portfolio spans South Africa’s diverse landscapes, from the expansive Zimbali Lake Resort and a large-scale multi-residential redevelopment on the North Coast of KZN, to the Oasis Life retirement community in Constantia. Internationally, they’ve also accomplished groundbreaking work like the Rimaal Village in Dubai. We’ve watched COA consistently push beyond conventional boundaries, revealing how architecture can be both a technical craft and a profound storytelling medium
Photography by ArtHub


15. BEN ORKIN
Sculptor
Cape Town
Ben Orkin’s ceramic vessels transcend the utilitarian, reflecting a poetic intimacy that oscillates between nourishment and dependency, validation and resistance. Each textured surface bears witness to a careful, tactile touch, imbuing the sculptures with an undercurrent of eroticism. Graduating in 2020 from the Michaelis School of Fine Art in Cape Town, Ben has since captivated audiences with a series of acclaimed solo exhibitions. His works, infused with a sense of abstracted reality, have been acquired by the prestigious A4 Foundation and featured at leading art fairs worldwide.
Photography by Charl Dettmer courtesy of Art Forms
16. JOSH EGESI
Design Artist
Lagos
Having founded his design studio Ike only several years ago, Josh Egesi is taking strides in making his name known and respected. In 2023, he launched Juju Studio which focusses on social impact project slike the Sapele Surf Project. The project was done with a small surfing community in Lagos in which Josh’s creative passion was shared in teaching the community how to shape their own surfboards instead of depending on donations. As Ike is being modified to operate as a brand that retails everyday accessible design pieces that don’t break the bank, Josh is further pursuing the Designers Directory Africa which is a work-in-progress resource platform for African designers and makers. As he navigates his mission to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and spark conversations, his influence is unbound.
Photography by Mike Oshai


17. FRANCES VAN HASSELT
Founder, FRANCES V.H Mohair
Karoo
FRANCES V.H Mohair is a women-led textile studio based in the heart of the Karoo, South Africa, established in 2017 by Frances van Hasselt. Raised on a mohair farm in this vast, arid landscape, Frances has a deep-rooted connection to the natural fibre, which shapes every piece she creates. Her work is a celebration of the Karoo’s heritage, blending the region’s untamed beauty with the skilled craftsmanship of a team of women artisans. Frances traces the journey of textiles back to their origins — where rainfall nourishes the land, healthy animals produce the finest mohair, and communities come together to nurture the fibres into form. She champions a circular economy, empowering women and preserving traditional crafts. In an age of mass production, her work is a tactile reminder that true luxury lies in authenticity, heritage, and the careful balance between nature and craft.
Pictured here: Tulsi by Tara Hogan x Frances van Hasselt rug range
18. JAMES MUDGE
Founder, James Mudge Furniture Studio
Cape Town
James Mudge’s journey into furniture making began in his childhood, surrounded by the rich traditions of craftsmanship in Knysna, where his father ran a factory specialising in pieces made from the region’s indigenous hardwoods. This early exposure to the craft was complemented by architectural studies, sharpening his design sensibility and ensuring a perfect balance of form and function in his work. Since2006, James has led a small, skilled team in creating bespoke solid wood furniture for a global clientele. Each piece reflects his commitment to clean lines, expert joinery, and a deep respect for the natural beauty of the materials he uses.
Photography by Oliver Kruger


19. JULIA DAY
Founder and Interior Designer, Julia Day Architecture and Interior Design
Johannesburg
‘Iconic interiors, curated for your lifestyle.’ It’s an ethos that encapsulates Julia’s practice to a T. Her approach lies in creating luxurious spaces that are immersive, full of character, and elegantly contemporary. Julia began her design endeavours 30years ago with the launch of Generation— a store to host her contemporary design pieces. She soon became an innovator, influencing the industry with her vision and creativity. Among her resume of exquisite projects, she has frequently worked with architects in the same excellent league that she exists in, such as Joe van Rooyen, Anthony Orelowitz, and Jonathan Leibowitz.
Photography by Elsa Young
20. JONATHAN RAY
Partner and Architect, KHM Architects
Cape Town
Driven by the challenges and complexities inherent to architecture, Jonathan Ray launched his career at KMH Architects after graduating with distinction from UCT in 2002. He spent his 30s working in the UK, after which he returned in 2016 with world-class experience and an even greater passion for his practice at the firm at which he is now Partner. Jonathan’s forte currently lies in the educational sector, having recently launched the iconographic Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika and the German International School New STEM Centre.


21. CHRIS WEYLANDT
CEO, Weylandts
Cape Town
Chris, a passionate advocate for the art of living well, seamlessly integrates this philosophy into every aspect of his work. As CEO of Weylandts, he has honoured his father’s legacy, transforming the original 1964Windhoek furniture store into a symbol of timeless elegance. Drawing inspiration from his global travels, Chris curates collections that celebrate handcrafted traditions from around the world, while embracing the bold confidence of masculine minimalist design. Weylandts brings his refined living ethos to life through bespoke interior design services at Weylandt studio and immersive experiences at selected stores, where dining and coffee become an extension of celebrating life’s pleasures with all the senses. In a new venture, Business Development Solutions, Weylandts collaborates with property developers to provide bespoke furniture packages for luxury properties, further extending Chris’s vision of a sophisticated, elevated living experience.
22. LESLEY LOKKO OBE
Director, African Futures Institute
Ghana
With an influence that reaches far and wide, Professor Lesley Lokko OBE is reshaping the landscape of design, education, and cultural dialogue. As the Founder and Chair of the African Futures Institute, and the Director of the Nomadic African Studio, an innovative winter/summer school that traverses cities across Africa, Lesley is pioneering a new architectural narrative for the continent. With a BSc (Arch), MArch, and PhD from the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, she has spent decades blending academic precision with a deep commitment to global practice. Lesley’s impact extends far beyond her studio, having founded and directed the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Johannesburg from 2014 to 2019, where she nurtured the next generation of architects. She is also the Editor of White Papers, Black Marks: Race, Culture, Architecture and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of FOLIO: Journal of Contemporary African Architecture. In 2023, Lesley made history as the Curator of the 18th International Architecture Biennale at La Biennale di Venezia, and in January 2024, she was awarded the prestigious RIBA Royal Gold Medal. Named one of TIME100’smost influential people and one of the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women, Lesley’s voice is a force to be reckoned with in the world of architecture, challenging the industry to look beyond tradition and embrace the future.
Photography by Alix McIntosh


23. ANLO NEETHLING
Founder, ONE Design +Development
Cape Town
Anlo Neethling is a designer who transforms spaces through a unique blend of colour, curves, and intent. From the refine delegance of House Sir George to the award-winning Mandela immersive exhibition in Cape Town — honoured with the Local Government Commitment Award at the Golden Shield Heritage Awards — Anlo consistently captivates with a diverse portfolio that balances bold contrasts with seamless harmony.
Photography by Karl Rogers
24. MORRIS & CO
Architectural Design Studio
Johannesburg
Founded by Adrian Morris in 2020 — more thana decade after joining Design Partnership as a partner — Morris & Co (aka Morris Colab) is an architecture firm dedicated to designing elegantly tailored homes. In the realm of single-use luxury residences, their scope of work hones in on country homes. Their ethos is defined by a respect for the past and an eye to the future as they search for inspiration in the space between innovation and revivalism, where architecture has intention and soul. Morris &Co’s delight lies in homes in which furniture, lighting, textiles, and fittings merge to create a home defined by sophistication and ease.
Photography by Graeme Wyllie


25. FOX BROWNE CREATIVE
Design Agency
Cape Town and Johannesburg
Fox Browne Creative is a dream realised by husband-and-wife powerhouse Christopher Browne and Debra Fox. What began in 2009 as a small, passionate venture has since evolved into a celebrated design studio, renowned for creating over60 award-winning hotels and lodges across the globe. From Africa to India, the UK to the USA, they’ve left an impressive footprint on what it means to create spaces that are both stunning and deeply connected to their surroundings. Their work has earned accolades from the AHEAD Awards, The Brit List, the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards, and the International Property Awards, solidifying their position among the industry’s elite. With their recent andBeyond Mnemba Island project, designed in collaboration with Nicholas Plewman Architects, being one of only five African resorts to make it onto the Condé Nast Gold List for 2025, this year is already looking very Fox Browne — bold, innovative, and unforgettable.
Photography by Dook Photography
This article is an extract from our 2025 Scape 100 issue. Read the full 100 issue here.