Hillcrest designer impresses judges in comp

HILLCREST-based interior designer, Rene Forbay of RF Design, is one of four young creatives who been announced as one of the winners of the first Clout Designers’ Industry Days Fired Up By Nandos.

She was chosen from a shortlist of 26 designers and caught the eye of the judges for her Ndebele furniture range which takes direction from Ndebele women’s attire, particularly jewellery, and the bold graphics that adorn the walls of homes.

This rising, talented woman has shown the necessary potential for inclusion in the Nando’s Portal to Africa and is set to receive a year-long mentorship from the Nando’s Design Programme and a complimentary exhibition stand at 100% Design South Africa 2020, Africa’s leading design trade show.

She expressed her thoughts on entering the Nando’s competition and her theme.

“The presentation was overwhelming, I had to stand in front of other professionals in the industry and speak on my design concept (Ndbele) which was nerve-wracking, especially on a platform where Nando’s judges were critiquing my conceptual work,” Rene said. “There were so many amazing presentations. I was blown away by the level of creativity we have here in South Africa. Coming up with a concept and designing according to the scope was something I enjoyed.” says the designer.

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“There are so many design aspects and elements that are associated with the Ndebele culture. I found this concept in particular was used quite frequently but I still decided to work with it, challenging myself to use aspects of the concept that were not so common,” she added.

“I was inspired by the jewelry worn by Ndebele women. Using this as my inspiration, I was able to design something fresh for my furniture.”  The young designer wants to leaver her mark on the local interior design industry.

Rene, who comes from Durban University of Technology’s interior design programme, enjoys shopping for clients in her area.

“Local shops have great accessories that I can use for finishing touches,” she said.

“I hope to show other young women that this industry can drive women’s success and recognition on a local and international level. I also hope to educate people on what our industry is actually about because there is a misconception that interior designers are responsible just for wall colour schemes and rearranging furniture.” she says.

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“This is not the case as a large amount of effort is put into each project from structural, electrical and elevational drawings to three- dimensional renders. Then all of the above must be implemented, with the site project, managed to completion.” says Forbay.

The Nando’s Design Programme carries the ultimate aim of creating a category brand for South African design with short-term goals including uplifting the local design sector by developing individual creative businesses. This is achieved through the brand’s ongoing support of various vehicles such as the Nando’s Hot Young Designer talent search competitions; the Nando’s Business Development Support Programme; the Nando’s Portal to Africa; and the print magazine Clout and its attendant social media presence.

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Q & A with Rene:

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a Durban-based interior designer with a love for travel and diverse cultures. Growing up in Durban, I was fortunate enough to be constantly exposed to different cultures and people. I also have a

passion for history and architecture. I feel that there is so much to be learnt from the past when proceeding into the future.

What are your plans and aspirations for the future?

In the future, I hope to continue to represent South African interior design and inspire people through my work. I particularly enjoy working on hospitality projects and hope to get to a point in my career where I get the opportunity to design interiors and manufacture furniture more frequently within this sector. I also hope to continue designing furniture, create fresh conceptual ideas, and find creative ways for material usage.

What impact do you hope to have in the world of design?

I hope to show other young women that this industry can drive women’s success and recognition on a local and international level.

What was it like to enter the Nando’s Clout designer SA competition?

Being one of the four finalists has made me aware that my design work can be appreciated on a professional level. It encourages me to keep pushing to the next frontier. I am truly grateful for the opportunity – thank you, Nando’s SA.

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