Gregor Jenkin was named South African Designer of the Year at the annual 100% Design South Africa Awards. This award recognises a designer who displays excellence in their field with regards to concept, quality and design.
South Africa’s leading product design showcase, 100% Design South Africa, announced its 2017 Design Award Winners at a Gala Awards Evening held at Gallagher Convention Centre on the night of Thursday 10 August 2017. The proceedings took place at the 100% Design Café conceptualized by leading local designer David Krynauw. The evening was attended by over 500 industry personalities, designers, past winners and 100% Design South Africa exhibitors. Dynamic DJ duo Zodwa and Zanele Kumalo entertained guests.
The winners of the 100% Design Awards were chosen by an independent panel of 15 members including publishing editors, members of the media, designers, tastemakers and influencers. The 2017 judging panel included:
- Tiaan Nagel of House and Leisure
- Leigh Robertson and Ntombehle Shezi of Elle Decoration
- Liz Morris of Conde Nast House & Garden
- Sumien Brink and Annemarie Meintjies of Visi
- Leana Schoeman of the Sunday Times
- Journalist Zanele Kumalo
- Industrial designer Richard Sparks
- Jacki Lang of the Guild Grou
- Aiwekhoe Iyahen of Luxe Noir
- Malibongwe Tyilo of Elle
- Mary-Jane Harris of SA Garden and Home
- Alice Hutton of O and Co
- Daniel van der Merwe of the PPC Imaginarium
The judging process took place throughout the day on Thursday 10 August 2017 and was facilitated and audited by Angus Campbell, Head of the Department of Industrial Design at the University of Johannesburg.
The awards were judged in the following categories:
South African 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.
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 Product Design
An original design that shows intelligence and consideration in terms of material use.
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 Textile Design, awarded in memory of Julian Gelb
An award that recognizes excellence in fabric design.
Best Surface Design
Here, the criteria are style and/or innovation in:
- Wallpapers
- Wall treatments
- Wall coverings
- Fitted carpets
- Rugs
- Floor coverings
- Tiles
- Printed surfaces
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.
Best of 100% Talent
An award to recognize an emerging design talent.
The 2017 award-winners are as follows:
South African Designer of the Year:
Gregor Jenkin
Best Furniture Design:
Houtlander, with honourable mentions going to Laurie Wiid van Heerden for Seed to Seat and David Krynauw for We are Joburg
Best Product Design:
Gregor Jenkin for his fireplace
Best Lighting Design:
Dokter & Misses for We are Joburg, with an honourable mention going to Mema
Best Textile Design:
Design Team
Best Surface Design:
Clinton Friedman, with an honourable mention going to The Ninevites
Best Office Design:
Raw Studios
Best Stand Design:
Source IBA for the Afrotel
Best of 100% Talent:
Kino
According to 100% Design South Africa Programme Director Cathy O’Clery: “The 100% Design Awards were conceived as a way to recognise and celebrate the best of the best in show. It also serves as a way to encourage exhibitors to bring their A-game, which helps to elevate the show year after year!”
