Balancing act

Finding himself at a crossroads between an intuitive process and market demands, Peter Mabeo is not one to conform. Here, he speaks to identity about the challenges of navigating the world of design and carving his own path.

- AIDAN IMANOVA

While the design world abruptly switched from a roaring whirlwind to a barely perceptible breeze as a result of the ongoing pandemic, for Peter Mabeo the sudden shift in pace was not an earth-shattering moment. While it affected business activity (“Small businesses have been affected everywhere,” he says), it allowed him to better relate to the bustling world of design – while also enabling the design world to, perhaps, understand him better. The Botswana-bornand-based furniture designer has maintained a tranquil pace not only in the way he lives his life but also in his work, resisting the pressures often presented by the industry.

He remains at the helm of his furniture practice Mabeo, which he launched internationally in 2006 with a collaboration with designer Patty Johnson. After 10 years of working locally and regionally, creating bespoke furniture with local artisans for commercial projects, the challenge has since been maintaining a balance between what feels ‘normal’ and upholding his presence within the global design sphere.

“As much as I try to conform, I just don’t have that capacity,” he confesses. But like everyone entering into a new world, Mabeo felt the pressure to compensate by pushing himself harder. He admits that, at the time, the gap that existed between where he lived and where he was led Peenabled a greater latitude to his work and presented greater opportunities to connect with people who perhaps share his views and attitudes. Yet, despite global recognition – Mabeo’s pieces can be found in homes and hotels across Milan, Stockholm, Hong Kong and New York – he couldn’t help but feel betrayed by his initial perception.