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!
76. MPHO VACKIER
Owner and Creative Director, TheUrbanative
Johannesburg
You might know her as Maker of the Year from the inaugural SCAPE Awards of Excellence, the Designer of the Year for 100% Design SA in2019, and a 2021 Dezeen Awards Judge. A multi-hyphenate professional on a trajectory of undeniable success, Mpho is an engineer turned furniture designer whose work carries the narratives of African history and community into the future of design. Her work has been featured in the Phaidon publications Women Made(2021) and Design for Life(2024) as an exemplar of design innovation. Each piece is crafted with consideration for its social, environmental, and economical impact. For inspiration, Mpho turns to history and discovery, with her design approach characterised by the diversity and integrations of culture, collaboration, and identity.
Photography by Lutendo Malatji
77. RICH MNISI
Designer and Creator
Johannesburg
The man, the brand, the legend, Rich Mnisi is the founder of his namesake’s multi-disciplinary design innovation. Rich channels his energy into the colours, textures, and shapes that speak to his Tsonga heritage. The product of his creative endeavours is widespread — from sculptural artworks and boldly brilliant fashion collections to his furniture range, titled Nyokawith pieces designed to honour his lategreat-grandmother, as represented by Southern Guild. Having solidified his mark in the industry, Rich has been featured on Forbes 30 Under 30, has collaborated with brands like adidas, and was part of the Mount Nelson’s125th anniversary, titled Confections x Collections.
Photography by Bradley Ndlovu
78. STUDIO LLOYD
Design Studio
Cape Town
Studio Lloyd is the brainchild of versatile designer Ashlee Lloyd. As craftsmen of functional art, the studio’s work is a synthesis of practicality and exclusivity. With recognition like being awarded Winner of the Best High-end Handcrafted Lighting and Furniture Company in 2023 by the MEA Business Awards, not even the sky is the limit for Ashlee and her team since launching in 2016. It’s evident from their sculptural lighting, custom furniture, and subtly stylish decor objects that Studio Lloyd adds a touch of grounded innovation to every product they present.
Photography by Chelsea Pickering
79. TANISHA NEILL
Founder and Creative Director, N I S H
Cape Town
A contemporary local furniture designer, Tanisha walks the line between perfect and imperfect with elegance and skill. She has been a dancer, an interior designer, and a fashion designer before arriving at this point in her career. Her pieces, crafted through her brand N I S H, speak of their ultimate goal— harmoniously integrating into the environments of those who acquire them. Tanisha’s practice not only prioritises sleek sustainability but also considered consumption. The result is a brand that exudes resilience while speaking to its audience’s souls
80. MESHWORKS ARCHITECTURE + URBANISM
Architecture Studio
Johannesburg
Spearheaded by Principal Architects Guy Trangoš and Catherine de Souza, Meshworks Architecture + Urbanism is a studio driven by research and innovation. Their first project — the Peech Hotel Extension — was launched in 2018. Thereafter, they developed compelling projects in the residential and educational sectors. Catherine and Guy both bring a wealth of assets to the table. Guy possesses a doctorate from Harvard and is not only an architect, but also a lecturer, author, and researcher. A fitting accompaniment to this, Catherine has a Master’s in Culture Studies on top of her architectural qualifications, rooting her practice in the exploration of socio-spatial issues
81. MICHAEL LUMBY
Founder and Architectural Designer, ML-A
Cape Town and Melbourne
When you experience the pleasure of viewing a project by Michael Lumby, there is a sense of serenity that washes over you. It may be the sophisticated design or the inventive use of materials, or more likely both. Michael’s homes have earned him both local and international recognition, including the National Award for Residential Architecture(New) at the Australian Institute Awards and an award in the New Residential Category at the Victorian Institute Awards, both for Merricks Farmhouse. Being based between South Africa and Australia, his trajectory is cross-continental as he reaches the industry with his enlightened, minimalist, and form-focussed style.
Photography by Tom Ross
82. YAY ABE
Illustrator and Artist
Cape Town
An innovation born as a creative extension of artist Russell Abrahams, Yay Abe is a bold illustrator and artist that is ticking off one bucket-list goal after another. His strikingly colourful and playful paintings are spreading across the local and international industry with fervor. His illustrations have featured on a Laurie Wiid bench to raise funds for Art Angels charity and used for a BIC partnership to design murals for schools across South Africa. As an individual championing the representation of Africa in the art industry across the globe, Yay Abe’s achievements don’t end there. In 2023, he was commissioned to reimagine visuals from The Lion King for the epic Balich Wonder Studio production’s stage design in Saudi Arabia, and he has collaborated on designs for renowned brands like Cadbury, KFC, and Heineken. It’s clear as day — it’s all happening for Yay Abe.
Photography by Bez August
83. ALISTAIR TURRELL
Founder and Director, AT Landscape Architects
Cape Town
With over 20 years of experience, Alistair has built a diverse portfolio that spans commercial, residential, rehabilitation, and heritage projects. Each of these projects is carefully crafted to foster genuine connections, with the end user at the heart of every design. This philosophy is central to his studio, AT Landscape Architects, which he founded on the belief that truly exceptional design is rooted in simplicity — enhancing the human experience in outdoor spaces. Since its establishment in late 2022,AT Landscape Architects has quickly gone from strength to strength, winning Landscape Architecture Project of the Year at the 2024 SCAPE Awards of Excellence for Penny Lane Park.
84. ANDY GOEDHALS
Creative Director and CEO, Frystark
What does it take to revive a design legacy lost to time? For architect Andy Goedhals, it began with a conversation with his father about Frystark, the iconic mid-century furniture brand that once shaped South Africa’s design landscape. Fueled by familial memory and a deep reverence for heritage, Andy embarked on a two-year journey to reclaim the brand’s trademark, transforming what started as a nostalgic pursuit into a dynamic revival of mid-century craftsmanship, made accessible for a new generation. The first collection, a testament to his vision, launched in mid-2024
Photography by Annabel Goedhals
85. ASHER MARCUS
Founder and Lead Designer, Hubo Studio
Johannesburg
At the intersection of imagination and education stands Asher Marcus, a visionary who is reshaping how we think about learning spaces. Through his award-winning firm Hubo Studio, Asher orchestrates transformations that extend far beyond conventional classroom design – from pioneering children’s libraries to innovative robotic labs in South Africa and the United Kingdom. His revolutionary approach, deepened by his 2022 Reggio Emilia International Study Group experience, sees schools as micro-cities of possibility. This philosophy comes to life in the firm’s groundbreaking Early Learning Centre at the Redhill School in Johannesburg, unveiled in October 2024.
Photography by Elsa Young
86. SANRI PIENAAR
Art Director and Stylist
Cape Town
If you called Sanri ‘simply the best’, you wouldn’t be the first and you certainly wouldn’t be wrong. Her styling skills grace pages both digital and print, featuring in campaigns for brands like adidas, Weylandts, Haldane, and H&M (only a few from an extensive experience list that reflects her prowess). Oh, she’s also the Contributing Decor Editor for House and Leisure, securing her spot as a who’s who of the design industry.
Photography by Paige Fiddes for Bash
87. OKRACANDLE
Cape Town
What do you get when a biochemist and an event planner join forces? Okracandle — a brand that’s redefining the art of candle-making. Using 3D-printed moulds, Michelle and Erik Rust have created hand-poured designs that play with form and colour in surprising ways. Between their punchy colour palette and those impossible-to-resist sculptural shapes, we’re officially declaring these the coolest candles we’ve ever laid eyes on.
Photography by Warren Heath
88. MEG RALPH
Founder and Interior Designer, Meg RalphSpaces
Johannesburg
“The cultural elements and unique character of a project’s environment serve as the seeds for my creativity, shaping each design into a meaningful reflection of its context. I believe in the power of collaboration, working closely with skilled craftsmen to bring unique, authentic elements into my projects. By sourcing and showcasing locally made pieces wherever possible, I not only create spaces with depth and character but also support the incredible creativity and craftsmanship that makes South African design so distinctive.
Photography by Oakfield Photography
89. MARISKA AURETCEO
Rabie Property Developers
Cape Town
Mariska Auret is a rare talent in property development — quietly confident and always getting things done. As CEO of Rabie Property Developers, she has led some of the city’s most exciting and sustainable projects. Among her achievements is the innovative Oasis Life retirement village, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the Life Rights model through the Oasis Life Retirement brand, setting a new standard for modern retirement living. Addi-tionally, she has been instrumental in the dynamic mixed-use developments around Century City. What stands out about Mariska is her focus on building relationships, not just buildings. Deeply committed to the city of Cape Town, she is focussed on creating spaces that serve the people who live and work in them.
Photography by Cocodash
90. BONE STUDIO
Interior Design Studio
Cape Town
Founded by Nicola Orpen and Hayley Turner, Bone Studio’s essence is grounded in raw, transparent principles — design with spine. With over 30 years of combined experience, their team has delivered 100+ projects across commercial, retail, residential, and hospitality sectors. From the Charango and Foxcroft restaurants to the newly opened Trade Hotel in Cape Town, each project reflects Bone’s unique approach — no two are ever alike. They’ve taken their knack for creating one-off moments and turned it into a product line that feels both timeless and experimental, offering a curated mix of tried and tested pieces. Hayley and Nicola’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to the client’s vision create spaces that are not just designed but enjoyed to the fullest.
91. HALDANE MARTIN
Director & Senior Designer,Haldane
Cape Town
Haldane’s journey from a design-obsessed kid in 1970s Johannesburg to one of South Africa’s most respected furniture designers is a firm reminder of the success that can be born from following one’s instincts. After founding Brave New World with fellow designer John Vogel in the mid-‘90s, Martin ventured solo to explore what would become his signature: furniture that feels both African and thoroughly modern. These days, he runs his award-winning outdoor furniture brand with his wife Danielle, creating pieces that make you want to linger longer in the sunshine.
Photography by Brett Rubin
92. JOHANNA VAN DERMERWE
Founder and Creative Director, The Sourcing Lab
Cape Town
We first met Johanna in early 2020 when she was designing her Scandinavian-inspired contemporary farmhouse. Her ability to blend functionality with beauty was immediately evident, reflecting her broader philosophy of mindful, collaborative design. Through The Sourcing Lab, Johanna creates spaces that prioritise simplicity, sustainability, and creativity. Based in Cape Town, she curates a selection of locally and internationally sourced materials, connecting homeowners and industry professionals.
93. ELSA YOUNG
Lifestyle Photographer
Johannesburg
The story behind one of the country’s most phenomenal architectural and design photographers all began in London in the ‘90s, following a career transition from the dramatic arts to photography. Today, Elsa Young is a renowned name among professionals locally and internationally that is etched across visual representations of the industry’s most adored architecture and interior projects. From South Africa and Australia to Sweden and the UK, residences and retreats to retail and offices, Elsa’s skill for capturing spaces knows no bounds.
Photography by Russ Smith
94. NEWMAN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
Architecture Studio
Cape Town
When Karen Newman returned from London in 1996 to establish her own studio, she carried a vision that good design needn’t shout to be heard. Her work, informed by South Africa’s architectural vernacular and vast sky environment, thrives on understanding the nuanced needs of each client, transcending fleeting trends. The studio found its perfect complement in partner Tamsyn Bowren, who joined in 2014 after years of crafting safari lodges across Africa.
Their latest project, The Beautiful Room, launched in 2024, cuts through the usual complexities of interior design. It’s a complete room concept that delivers their signature style in one seamless package. It’s a solution that feels perfectly timed – offering their carefully curated aesthetic to clients who appreciate quality but prefer to skip the lengthy design process. Together, Karen and Tamsyn, along with their dedicated team, have built a practice that values substance over showmanship, creating spaces that simply work beautifully.
95. BOB VAN BEBBER
Director, Boogertman + Partners Architects
Johannesburg
Bob van Bebber’s architectural journey is one of vision, impact, and innovation. A graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand in 1991, he has been at the helm of Boogertman + Partners for nearly three decades, shaping some of South Africa’s most iconic structures. From the monumental Soccer City stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to Discovery Health’s expansive corporate headquarters, Bob’s work consistently merges bold design with complex functionality. His passion extends beyond architecture, influencing urban design, interior spaces, and education.
As a founding member of the South African Green Building Council and a returning judge for the World Architecture Festival, Bob’s leadership is marked by his commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. In 2020, he launched Future Part, a platform fostering architectural thought leadership. Currently, he’s steering Bankenveld, a visionary mixed-use urban precinct that aims to redefine inclusive living in Johannesburg.
Photography by Gia Ventouris
96. FRANCES MARAIS
Photographer
Cape Town and Stockholm
“Over the years, I’ve worked with brands like Heineken, Amazon, H&M South Africa, and Marshall Headphones. From boutique interiors to global ad campaigns, I make it my mission to create images that feel effortless, even if they require climbing a ladder, bribing a cat, or waiting for the exact right moment of sunlight. I’m inspired by the incredible creatives I get to work with and motivated by the dream of splitting my life between two cities — preferably with a camera in one hand and an overpriced coffee in the other.”
97. SEAN SAYER
Founder, Sayer Architects
Cape Town
With over a decade of experience across prestigious commercial projects like the Zeitz MOCAA, Mbombela Stadium, and exciting developments in Val de Vie and Berg en Dal Estate on the cards for 2025, Sean’s expertise spans large-scale urban landmarks and intimate residential designs. Since founding his own firm in 2022,he has passionately pursued a philosophy rooted in authenticity and innovation. Whether approaching a grand structure or a private home, his work is always thoughtful, functional, and grounded.
98. MATTER STUDIO
Architectural and Interior Design Studio
Cape Town
‘The science of how people use spaces.’ That is the key consideration which guides Matter Studio’s design endeavours. With an aesthetic rooted in a patina of honest materials that convey a meaningful spatial narrative, Founders Jaco Bruwerand Mias Claassens transform spaces into exquisite living environments that embody sophistication, comfort, and con-temporary design.
Photography by Christine Baard, Bean’s Collective
99. OTTO DU PLESSIS
Founder and Sculptor, Bronze Age
Cape Town
Expertly trained in bronze sculpture, revered creative pioneer Otto du Plessis presents a body of work that is a nuanced and iconic addition to the local and international industry. Since founding Bronze Age in 1997, Otto has nurtured this timeless material to become ultramodern while remaining majestic in a style that places him humbly among the greats. His custom creations, often focussed on birds, animal skeletons, and other wildlife, fill spaces such as the Xigera Safari Lodge, have been exhibited at Design Miami, and have been chosen as atrophy for the Design Foundation Awards.
100. PERFECT HIDEAWAYS
Curated Getaways
Cape Town
David and Helen Untiedt’s story is the stuff of cinematic romance: an English Rose meets a Johannesburg adventurer in Monte Carlo. He, with a restless spirit; she, a lover of the world’s finer corners. Their shared pursuit of beauty has since led to the creation of Perfect Hideaways, a business as soulful as their connection. Since 2005, they have curated an ever-expanding collection of handpicked properties around the world, from whimsical Karoo lodges and private coastal retreats in Mozambique to a 200-year-old farmhouse in Tuscany. Each destination, defined by design and character, exudes a quiet luxury, inviting guests into spaces that feel as lived-in as they are luxurious. With a series of curated coffee table books, a property sales division, and a growing portfolio of over 300 exceptional homes, their journey shows no signs of slowing down
This article is an extract from our 2025 Scape 100 issue. Read the full 100 issue here.
