Design as a global conversation
On the 29th of May, Essential Interiors magazine and the International Federation of Interior design/ Architects invites Khayalethu Likhuleni to talk about interior design. This year IFI decided that the theme would be centred around a topic of design as a global conversation. IFI celebrates world interiors day with a topic that celebrates the role of design as a meaningful connector that explores innovative ideas and opportunities. In an interview, the founder of Kaya Design Hub shares with Essential Interiors what design as a global conversation means to him.
Likhuleni views design as an ability to bring a solution to a problem that people may be struggling with. Whether it is branding, furniture manufacturing, product design and architecture Kaya Design Hub caters to its people with its unique style. The interior designer uses design to create furniture and enhance spaces for people to live in. He is able to observe how design affects human behaviour as he conceptualizes a practical space.
Design in South Africa
In South Africa, we still have our traditional careers after graduating from high school, however, design is an emerging industry. Design is still a relatively new market but the industry is proving to be a growing discipline as it gains more exposure. Design platforms such as The Guild Group, add significant growth to the design industry of South Africa. The husband-and-wife duo established a sustainable creative and commercial infrastructure in South Africa. Providing a platform that covers all aspects needed to build a credible, flourishing design industry.
Future of design
Even in the middle of a global lockdown, Likhuleni shares how the Covid-19 pandemic increased the demand for interior designers as people begin to work from home. His forward thinking allowed him to see this as an opportunity to create spaces that embrace comfort while still influencing productivity in the people living in them. Building awareness of the interior design industry in South Africa is what this young creative aims to do with his platform. Although, the price of tertiary education in a field such as interior design is expensive.
Lekhuleni aims to further the careers of individuals by giving back to his community. He expresses how important it is that established designers need to involve design learners through mentorship opportunities.
“We as designers have to be able to document the process and show people that design is more than something that is classified as an expensive platform” – Khayalethu Lekhuleni.
