Design wizards excel at kitchen design challenge at TUT

by Gerrit Bester 

In the Kitchen Specialist Association (KSA)’s Kitchen Design Project of 2022, three Interior Design students believe the kitchen is the heart of the house. Donovan Labuschagne received an honorable mention for his design on Bongani Masinga’s proposal. Celuxolo Mndletshe placed fourth and Bongani Masinga placed fifth.

24 January 2023

In addition to providing students with knowledge of kitchen design, the project also provided real-world experience. Students learned how materials are used, how much they cost, and how to work within a budget. Aside from considering the cost of making and installing their designs, they also had to calculate the value of their time.

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In the third year, as part of the Work-Integrated Learning module, the project was completed. For feedback, the KSA received the best ten designs from the participating institutions. Top five candidates receive an opportunity to work with KSA members in 2023 for a three-month internship.

This project focused on how COVID-19 has changed society since the long lockdown. It investigated how people live and what changes have taken place in their lives after COVID-19 came into play. Choosing from two briefs, students were asked to incorporate sustainable and timeless materials and textures while still reflecting their own style. As well as embracing the trend towards ease of maintenance and cost-effectiveness, they were advised to embrace the new trend toward easy maintenance.

How do the students feel about this achievement and the internship opportunity? Achieving the top five has made me feel proud, as I know that it takes hard work and a lot of pushing to win. It boosts my confidence and makes me realize that I am capable of great designs. As Nelson Mandela said, “Until it is done, it seems impossible,” I was inspired to persevere, because the internship opportunity will teach me everything I did not know as a student. It will also help me grow and remain positives.”

“It brings me a great deal of confidence to be bold and daring when approaching a design brief,” Bongani says. We have a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience in the kitchen design industry through the internship. The internship could also serve as the beginning of one’s career.”

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As well as being excited about his accomplishment, Donovan said, “Being part of the KSA has been a really eye-opener. It was always my dream to design homes, but now I am certain I will specialize in kitchen design. I realized that through this competition. There is no doubt that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Thanks to my accomplishment, I will now be able to fully concentrate on designing kitchens, and my internship will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of the kitchen industry.”

“We are extremely proud of this accomplishment because it demonstrates our vision, which is Connect, Design, and Influence.” says Clifford Moleko, their proud lecturer. This means that we have established a connection with industry and that our students are creating designs that are both local and relevant to the local context, with the intention of influencing the local industry, community, and landscape.”

• As a national organization representing country’s leading kitchen manufacturers and suppliers, the KSA aims to facilitate solution-based resolutions between members and consumers, as well as to assist in the growth of the industry

• Celuxolo Mndletshe is now an intern at Easylife Kitchens, Faerie Glen, Pretoria.

• Celuxolo’s design.

• Donovan Labuschagne is now an intern at Easylife Kitchens, Zambezi, Pretoria.

• Donovan’s design.

• Bongani Masinga now works full time at Optima Kitchens, a KSA accredited kitchen design company, and he is also an advisory committee member of the African Institute of the Interior Design Professionals (IID).

• Bongani’s design.

Regular updates and late application information can be found on TUT.