A Night of Excellence: Highlights from the DOTY’24 Designer of the Year Awards
The DOTY’24 Designer of the Year Awards celebrated exceptional talent at the stunning Norval Foundation, bringing together South Africa’s finest in architecture, interior design, and art. The evening was a tribute to innovation, sustainability, and creativity, showcasing the remarkable achievements of this year's winners.
Celebrating the Winners
This year’s accolades went to outstanding individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to their fields:
Restaurant of the Year: Nic Charalambous of Ouzeri, recognized for infusing Greek and Cypriot cuisine with modern flair.
Hotel of the Year: Coot Club, celebrated for its tranquil design and deep connection to nature.
Home of the Year: Julia Rutherfoord and Nikhil Tricam for their harmonious Salt Rock project, exemplifying sustainable luxury.
Architect of the Year: Sumayya Vally of Counterspace, known for her groundbreaking work, including the Serpentine Pavilion.
Product Designer of the Year: Christa Botha and Carla Erasmus of Bofred, celebrated for their beautifully crafted furniture.
Interior Designer of the Year: Fyfe Boyce, known for creating timeless and inviting interiors.
Landscape Designer of the Year: Leon Kluge, recognized for his connection to nature and award-winning designs.
Artist of the Year: Lulama Wolf, for her thought-provoking and culturally resonant artwork.
Pan-African Designer of the Year: Thabisa Mjo of Mash.T Design, honored for her commitment to traditional skills and modern design.
Sustainable Designer of the Year: Laurie Wiid van Heerden of Wiid Designs, celebrated for his innovative use of materials.
ICON Award: Southern Guild, for its vital role in promoting contemporary African artists globally.
The atmosphere was electric as guests mingled and celebrated the spirit of creativity and design. Attendees networked enthusiastically, exchanging ideas and inspirations while enjoying an array of mouthwatering dishes thoughtfully curated by local caterers.
The culinary offerings were perfectly complemented by fine wines from Rietvallei, Klein Constantia, Lozarn, Zandvliet, Sijnn, and Detrafford, enhancing the gastronomic experience.
The bar was a highlight, offering refreshing cocktails and beverages from Woodstock Gin Company, Deep South Distillery, and Appletiser, along with Valpre water.
Graham Beck bubbly added a celebratory touch to the festivities. Laughter and animated conversations filled the air as guests toasted to the winners and shared stories about their design journeys.
Throughout the evening, the vibrant surroundings of the Norval Foundation provided a stunning backdrop for interaction, allowing attendees to appreciate the art and architecture while connecting with peers and industry leaders. The ambiance fostered an inspiring environment, encouraging meaningful discussions and collaborations.
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors who made this event possible. A special acknowledgment goes to:
Norval Foundation for the stunning venue.
DuluxSA and Santam Insurance for their continued support.
The Taj Cape Town and Poetry of Living for their generous support of the event.
Loot.co.za, Ash Ceramics, and Okra Candle for their valuable contributions.
Woodstock Gin Company, Diego Dalla Palma Pro South Africa, and Orleans Cosmetics for their contributions.
We also appreciate the support from Appletiser, Valpre, Sophron Consulting, Rietvallei Wines, Klein Constantia, Lozarn Wines, Zandvliet Wine, Sijnn Wines, De Trafford Wines, Deep South Distillery, SIP Exclusive, and Graham Beck Bubbly.
The DOTY’24 Awards not only recognized the incredible work of the winners but also served as a reminder of the vibrant design community in South Africa. We look forward to seeing how these talented individuals will continue to shape the future of design, architecture, and art, inspiring generations to come. Thank you to everyone who attended and celebrated creativity with us!
Photography by Reece Wakefield, @wherethewakesphotography.