Signature style

Whether it’s a vibrant, eye-popping print or a functional piece of furniture that tells a story about heritage and culture, these entrepreneurs know how to make a style statement with their true-to-self design aesthetics.

- CAROLINE PETERSEN

Process engineer turned furniture designer Mpho Vackier is the founder of TheUrbanative, a contemporary furniture and product design company. Her goal? To share African traditions and stories through her craft.

You worked in the mining industry for many years – how did you get into furniture design?

I always wanted to study design but I didn’t have the money. I got a bursary to study engineering, so I did that instead. After studying extraction metallurgy, I started out as a process engineer in the mining industry. I was a pyrometallurgical for about 10 years and worked in a lot of smelters. I loved it; I loved the chemistry aspect and all the thermodynamics. Then, in 2010, I saw an opening to study interior design, so I went back to school. Five years later I got a chance to have a stand at Decorex. I didn’t have anything to show, so I had to design a couple of pieces and quickly make prototypes in order to participate. That was the beginning of TheUrbanative.

How did your engineering background play a role in your new field?

When I worked as an engineer, I always saw myself as a problem solver. I approach my furniture design in the same way. Design is one thing, but what people seem to forget is that you have to be technical about putting furniture together. You’re constantly trying to resolve the design and figure out aesthetics and functionality. You also have to know the properties of each material. That in itself is problem-solving.

What inspires your shapes and silhouettes?