The Nando’s Hot Young Designer business accelerator opportunity ranks among South Africa’s premier biennial design initiatives. Over the years, this platform has propelled numerous local design careers, including that of Thabisa Mjo from Mash T. Design, who emerged as one of the inaugural competition winners in 2016. Mjo has described this opportunity as nothing short of life-altering, citing it as the catalyst that “changed the trajectory of my entire life”. Twelve years on the competition is launching its sixth iteration: linear lights.
2016: Lights | 2018: Patterns | 2020 Benches | 2022: Servers | 2024: Screens | 2026: Linear lights
LEFT Linear woven lights by Umugqa Studio at Nandos’ Central Kitchen.
BELOW RIGHT Siviwe Jali of Umugqa Studio was a Nando’s HYD finalist in 2022 for his server design, featured here on the Clout/SA Decorex stand.
BELOW LEFT Haywire light by David Krynauw, featured over the reception desk at Nando’s Central Kitchen.
Managed by Clout/SA on behalf of Nando’s, a purpose-driven enterprise, creative agency, and business-to-business (B2B) market-maker for South African design, the Hot Young Designer (HYD) opportunity embodies a profound ambition. Clout/SA seeks to ignite the emergence of a globally recognized South African Design Category Brand by nurturing the next generation of young South African design talent.
The core objective of the HYD business opportunity is to unearth exceptional young South African designer-makers and afford them the chance to prototype their winning design. Moreover, the 5 top finalists will embark on a 3 months one-on-one coaching crafted to provide focused business and creative mentorship – supporting their holistic growth, both creatively and commercially.
This opportunity unfolds in three distinct phases: an application phase, wherein aspiring designer-makers submit their entries; a shortlist phase, during which finalists are chosen to develop prototypes of their screen designs; and a final stage, where the top five are selected and go on to receive a programme of tailored support.
This program encompasses prototyping support, mentorship, market access, showcasing opportunities, and community engagement with South Africa’s premier designer-makers. The winner benefits from an extended mentorship opportunity with creative business coach Claude Morris.
Careful consideration must be given to the installation and longevity of the piece.
Please consider and explain your choice of components, materials and the size and shape of your design. It should not be more than 1.4 m long and come in under 28kg’s.
Does your light include a sculptural or crafted element?
Consider the use and placement of your light – wall or ceiling?
The light could be multi-purpose (eg form part of a screen or artwork) but must always be independently aesthetically interesting and appealing. Details which allow the introduction of texture and colour add interest to the design.
Utilising combinations of materials can create unique and interesting lights that contribute to the overall design of a space, (consider ceramic components, timber inserts, laser etched patterns, rope and powder coated steel details as well as handmade craft details which are made in collaboration with other creatives as important aspects of your design).
An understanding of how it will be transported and installed will add value to your entry.
Please consider the environment and the use of sustainable materials when designing your linear light.
