We caught up with Kopano Kgafela – owner and founder of Kgafela Interior Design Studio (KIDS). Kgafela started the company in 2016 after working for several interior design firms in Johannesburg. He runs the company and is also a part-time interior design lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
What do you love most about your work? I love being creative and interior design allows me to explore my creativity balanced with functionality. I also love the fact that projects are never the same and each presents different challenges and goals.
Is there ever a typical day at work? I oversee the design processes on various projects, from creating concepts to preparing drawings for construction and project management. Therefore no day is ever the same in my line of work.
Are South African interior designers growing and receiving recognition? The industry itself has grown as more people become aware of the profession, due to various media platforms including social media. However I honestly think that interior designers do not get the recognition they deserve. Our services are perceived to be expensive and because the industry is not regulated, anyone can become a designer or decorator without any qualifications.
Favourite holiday destination? I have a soft spot for coastal cities as holiday destinations, or any place that is very lush, green and scenic.
I am currently reading Congo: The Epic History of a People by David Van Reybrouck.
I cannot leave home without my cellphone, laptop and notepad.
Kopano Kgafela
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