You are listening to Behind the Design the Studio Lessons. Which brings us to the end of season 4. I want to thank all of my guests for taking the time to chat and give us a behind the scenes look into their design journeys. We’ve had some truly insightful conversations. And despite the uncertainty that continues to surround us at the time of recording there is a lot of hope and optimism and just getting on with things because we cannot and will not let a pandemic stop us from expressing ourselves and achieving our potential.

Behind The Design

S4 Studio Lessons Season Recap

This is episode #5 where I am joined by designer Natsai Audrey Chieza. ABOUT Natsai: Natsai is a designer working at the intersection of technology science and nature and society. She is the founder of Faber Futures an R & D agency that is creating new spaces and strategies that relate to climate change and biodiversity loss, and the social structures that underpin our human survival. In our conversation, Natsai explains bio-design talking us through this exciting emerging technology and the implications it has on devising and creating better sustainable design solutions for our world.   We talk about: The meaning of bio-design and why it matters Looking at alternatives to harmful materials and substances such as plastic and petroleum Finding solutions to problematic processes on an environmental and social level Cultivating and designing with living organisms What is it like to work with biology in a creative context where you start and what do you do Working with nature not against it The correlation between design and science how the two meet How she got into bio-design The real-world applications of bio-design and the other materials that can be created and applied the problems of fashion being a heavily polluting industry Responsible production in industry Why Natsai chose to start her company Faber Futures How having her own practice enables her to explore her ideas and work with the right teams and clients   Links and resources mentioned in this episode: MA Central St Martins University College London Adidas x Stella McCartney Bolt Threads developed Mylo in partnership with Ecovative TEDTalk Fashion Has A Pollution Problem - Can Biology Fix It? CooperHewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum The Design Museum Gingko BioWorks Central St Martins MA Biodesign Bio-Integrated Design (Bio-ID) Bartlett School of Architecture BioDesign Challenge Global Community Bio Summit MIT Where you can go to find out more about Natsai and Faber Futures: https://faberfutures.com   Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/ Instagram: @atelier55design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/

EP5 Natsai Audrey Chieza | Talking Design at the intersection of technology science, nature and society

This is episode #4 where I am joined by object designer and academic Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri. ABOUT Pam: Pam is an award-winning accessories designer, educator, and author, with her own label called Vanhu Vamwe. Her experiences of working with artisans and feeling personally part of the problem of exploiting vulnerable communities led Pam to study a PhD where she could explore the impact designers working with artisans have on their lives and how to make the process better by bringing true sustainable value to these communities.   We talk about: The struggle with having too many ideas, choosing what to focus on, and managing her time will juggling multiple projects The creativity of discipline Quitting her job and going back to university to study fashion Not being allowed  to explore her creativity as a child, and the changing attitudes to pursuing a creative career particularly for those from an African background The role of culture and the futuristic aspect of her designs Her thoughts on cultural appropriation and finding common ground How sustainable design shows up in her work and the need to be transparent in her work with different cultures The difference between partnerships and collaboration How your attitude shapes your work Doing her country proud, and being recognised as a designer and not just a black designer How accountability partners and her faith help to keep her grounded Publishing a book How she challenges herself to grow and develop her craft   Links and resources mentioned in this episode: Loughborough University Nottingham Trent Design School Abury A Woman with No Country   Where you can go to find out more about Pam and her work: Vanhu Vanmwe   Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/ Instagram: @atelier55design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/  

EP 4 Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri | Talks bringing sustainable value to the communities she works with

This is episode #3 where I am joined by jewellery designer Audrey Migot-Adholla. ABOUT AUDREY: Audrey is the founder of Yala Jewellery an award-winning made in Kenya jewellery brand. In our conversation we talk about the meaning of sustainable luxury, collaborating with her artisan producers across continents, managing a business during a global health crisis, her thoughts on the spotlight being shone on black creatives a result of Black Lives Matter. We talk about: Juggling all the hats in business What led her to start a jewellery brand What it is like working the 9-5 then 5-9 The role of mentors in helping her to start and grow her business Finding brand focus and how she did that Managing time and energy while going through the process Perfection - outsourcing weaknesses as much as she can Successfully working and collaborating with artisans Harnessing the power of networks to find people to work with Making the partnerships work across different continents, the role of technology, working out what can be done, and managing quality control Her sampling process The importance of sustainable luxury Getting Certified B Corp Managing Logistics Managing a business during a global health crisis The impact of BLM and the conflicted feelings as a result of the increased attention on black creative businesses How to stay the course   Links and resources mentioned in this episode: Etsy The Wayback Machine London College of Fashion Shopify WhatsApp Certified B Corporation The Guardian Newspaper Ella’s Kitchen Companies House What it feels like to keep a small business going during a global health crisis @influencerpaygap Where you can go to find out more about Audrey and Yala Jewellery: www.yalajewellery.com @yalajewellery   Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/ Instagram: @atelier55design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/

EP 3 Audrey Migot Adholla | Talking finding clarity and finding brand focus and managing a business during a global health crisis

This is episode #2 where I am joined by architect and product designer Tosin Oshinowo. ABOUT TOSIN: Tosin is an architect with her own architectural practice called C M Design Atelier. She is also a product designer designing furniture using local fabrics under the brand Ilé Ilà. In our conversation, we about establishing her name as an architect in an industry with a notoriously high barrier to entry, cultivating the confidence needed to win contracts and the business support essentials that have enabled her to start and managing multiple businesses.   We talk about: What inspired her interest in architecture and led her to set up her architectural studio C M Design Atelier The process of establishing herself as an architect How working from a place of insecurity is a strength The importance of presentation to build trust The importance of understanding the basics of setting up a business, being honest about your capabilities, and getting the you need skills need Having a circle of people she can call on for help and advic Managing client and money relationships The types of projects she works on, and developing her design signature Designing for the local environment and being aware of how people use space Her thoughts on the development of architecture across the African continent The impact of Covid on her practice and the local architecture/construction industry Embracing multiple income streams The opportunity that led to the creation of her chair design business Navigating the process of getting product to market Managing multiple businesses   Links and resources mentioned in this episode Maryland Mall Kingston University University College London (UCL) OMA Where you can go to find out more about Tosin, CMD Atelier and Ilé Ilà: www.cmdesign-atelier.com @cmdesign_atelier www.ile-ila.com @ile.ila Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/ Instagram: @atelier55design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/

Ep 2 Tosin Oshinowo | Talking about establishing herself as an architect, managing multiple businesses, and using insecurity as a strength

This is episode #1 where I am joined by textile designer Eno Jonah. ABOUT ENO: You are listening to episode number 1 of season 4. And joining me on the show is textile designer Eno Jonah. Eno is the founder of Nzuri Textiles, a brand of exquisitely handcrafted textiles with a focus on sustainable luxury. In our conversation Eno talks about the inspiration behind her designs, what sustainable luxury means to her, preserving artisan skills, and takes us on the journey from an idea through to finished textile. We talk about: Travelling and learning from other cultures Finding also that last and can be recycled The stories behind her designs The journey of a textile from an idea to finished product The meaning of sustainable luxury The journey of setting up a business Connecting to showrooms and how to find reps Getting her name out there and building visibility The impact of Black Lives Matter, and the need to keep the conversation going How she keeps challenging herself to grow as a designer   Links and resources mentioned in this episode Atelier Qubere New York Gallery Moyi Magazine Maker Amsterdam Where you can go to find out more about Eno and Nzuri Textiles: https://nzuritextiles.com/ @nzuritextiles1217   Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/ Instagram: @atelier55design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/

Ep 1 Eno Jonah | Talking about sustainable luxury and her passion for artisanal heritage textiles

A warm welcome to Season 4 of Behind the Design. Introducing another stellar line up my guests this season come from the worlds of textiles, architecture, product, and fashion design. Not to mention delving into academia, science and technology and their influences on design practice and the future of design. Just before launching this season atelier 55 my platform behind the podcast reached a significant milestone, by marking a decade of blogging curating and writing about contemporary design from Africa and beyond. Without atelier 55 and the amazing journey, it has led me on this podcast may not have come to light. Whilst celebrating the milestone and recording the season 4 episodes it almost slipped my mind that It has been a year since Behind the Design launched. Another milestone to celebrate and a huge thank you to you for downloading and listening, and may you be inspired by the season 4 conversations.

Behind The Design Welcome to Season 4

You are listening to Behind the Design episode #7 the Studio Lessons. Which brings us to the end of season 3. I want to thank all of my guests for taking the time to chat especially during the circumstances we currently find ourselves in to give us a behind the scenes look into their design journeys. They like most of us have experienced the upheaval and uncertainty of navigating their way through a pandemic and having to continually adapt as the world finds its way towards some sense of stability. And while we can never be sure about what tomorrow will bring their hope, optimism and can-do attitude helps them cut through the challenges. 

S3 Ep 7 Studio Lessons Season Recap

This is episode #6 where I am joined by fashion designer and entrepreneur Mariatu Turay-Akar. ABOUT MARITAU: You are listening to episode number 6 of season 3. And joining me on the show is Mariatu Turay-Akar. Mariatu is the founder of Gitas Portal a London-based mid-luxury fashion brand that uses vibrant African wax cloth textiles to celebrate and promote cultural diversity. We talk about using fashion to inspire and empower women to be bold, how her faith helps her to stay motivated and push past the challenges of running a business, and how Gitas Portal has become a place of connectivity and healing for her clients. So let’s begin… We talk about: Gitas Portal a platform to empower women and using it to tell the stories of women Her role in promoting a positive image of brand Africa and telling our own stories What led to her starting her own business The politics of African fashion and prints The impact wearing colour has on ourselves and those around us Managing the negativity and flipping that into positive Growing up with role models who were fighters in what they believe in Standing her ground Staying relevant in changing times How nurturing and listening to her customers has helped her stay relevant Practicing self-care in business The meaning behind the name Gitas Portal? Realising when it was time to leave her business Recognising the signs that you are meant to be doing something   Links and resources mentioned in this episode Where you can go to find out more about Mariatu and Gitas Portal: https://www.gitasportal.com @gitasportal   Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/ Instagram: @atelier55design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/

Ep 6 Mariatu Turay-Akar| Talking about using fashion to heal and empower women to be bold and the importance of telling our own stories

This is episode #5 of season 3 Where I am joined by furniture and product designer Jomo Tariku.   ABOUT JOMO:  You are listening to episode number 5 of season 3. And joining me on the show is Jomo Tariku. Jomo is an Ethiopian / American artist and furniture designer. His company Jomo Furnitures creates pieces inspired by classical African design icons reinterpreting the forms for modern living.   We talk about:   The inspiration behind his designs and celebrating the diversity in African creativity What being a member of The Black Artists and Designers Guild, has had on raising awareness of his work Having a full-time day job and how he makes time to work on Jomo Furniture Finding suitable manufacturers to work with to realise his designs His thoughts on African design looking back on when he started to where he is now Underrepresentation of African design and black designers in general in the global design industry   Links and resources mentioned in this episode Kansas University Addis Design Week Dubai Design Week Contemporary Design Africa Malene Barnett Black Artists and Designers Guild Milan Design Week   Where you can go to find out more about Jomo Furniture: www.jomofurniture.com @jomofurniture   Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/ Instagram: @atelier55design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/  

Ep 5 Jomo Tariku | Talking diversity in African creativity, underrepresentation in design and being good enough to interpret our own culture

This is episode #4 of season 3 where I am joined by textile designer Chrissa Amuah.   ABOUT CHRISSA:  Chrissa is a textile designer and the founder of AMWA Designs a brand of handmade textiles and print designs for the home. She is also the founder of Africa by Design a platform bringing together and creating opportunities for African designers.   We talk about:   Her thoughts on the future of Africa’s design, and how design can help the African continent to realign and re-navigate its future The motivation behind launching Africa by Design, and the impact has it had on shining the light on African design Celebrating and highlighting the diversity in African design How she discovered her love for textile design Being authentic in telling her story The need to dream bigger for ourselves The challenges she has faced in building her brand and learning to push boundaries with limited means The importance of sustainable design not designing for trends but designing for meaning        Links and resources mentioned in this episode Africa by Design - https://www.africabydesign.org Nubuke Foundation Gallery - https://www.nubukefoundation.org Chelsea College of Art and Design - https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/chelsea-college-of-arts Milan Design Week + Salone Satellite - https://www.salonemilano.it/en/ Marva Griffin - https://www.luminaire.com/illuminate/marva-griffin-mentor-to-young-designers/ Dominique L’Olive - https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/short-courses/stories/studying-with-dominique-lolive-in-the-studio-and-online-csm Adinkra Symbols - https://www.atelier55design.com/adinkra-symbols-writing-traditions-connecting-the-verbal-and-visual/ Central St Martins - https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/central-saint-martins El Anatsui - https://www.atelier55design.com/art-ghana-el-anatsui-cascading-metal-wall-sculptures/ Bernhardt Design - https://bernhardtdesign.com London Design Biennale - https://www.londondesignbiennale.com Alice Asafu-Adjaye - https://www.mustardarch.com/about   Where you can go to find out more about AMWA Designs: www.amwadesigns.com @amwadesigns   Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/ Instagram: @atelier55design - https://www.instagram.com/atelier55design/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/  

Ep 4 Chrissa Amuah | Talking designing for meaning, referencing African wisdom and championing sub-Saharan African design

This is episode #3 of season 3 where I am joined by furniture and product designer Lani Adeoye.   ABOUT LANI:  Lani is an award-winning sculptural lighting and product designer and design strategist, and the founder of Studio Lani.    We talk about:   How her interest in design developed organically and going from a corporate non-creative role to studying design and founding her business Visiting design shows before she started to see what was out there and learn about design Having the confidence to put yourself out there Transitioning from working a full-time day job to freelancing to running her business full-time Moving to Nigeria to bring her closer to the artisans she works with Juggling the different roles that come with owning your own business How long it takes to bring a collection from concept to finished design Harnessing creative thinking to overcome challenges and find solutions that can bring her designs to life Showcasing heritage through contemporary lenses Staying true to what you believe, but being open to evolve Nurturing creativity in young children   Links and resources mentioned in this episode: Interior Design Show Toronto International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) Aṣa NYCxDesign Wanted Design Architectural Digest Elle Decor International Women of Design Simon Sinek book Start With Why   Where you can go to find out more about Studio Lani: www.studiolani.com @studiolani   Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/ Instagram: @atelier55design Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/

Ep 3 Lani Adeoye | Talking showcasing creative heritage through a contemporary lens

This is episode #2 of season 3 where I am joined by clay healer Andile Dyalvane.   ABOUT ANDILE: Andile Dyalvane is the co-founder of the Imiso a high-end brand of bespoke, conversational, and collectibles ceramics.   We talk about: How his interest in clay began How culture and heritage influences his design His thoughts on the acceptance of art as a career Using clay as a way of connecting with Mother Earth, with ancestry, and his heritage  The responsibility bestowed on him by his elders of being chosen to bring back dignity to his community through his art The journey of setting up Imiso, and the challenges of having to develop business skills fast How residences have helped him grow and develop as an artist and helps with getting back to what matters Being a mentor to those following in his footsteps, and why having someone to look up to matters Developing or finding a design identity Dealing with self-doubt Knowing your purpose and accepting that not everyone will understand or like what he does, and that’s ok  Following and embracing his creativity, which fuels his spiritual growth Links and resources mentioned in this episode Cape Craft and Design Institute Katherine Glenday Clay Adventures Ceramic Studio Nelson Mandela University of Technology The Old Biscuit Mill Design Network Africa  Southern Guild   Where you can go to find out more about Imiso: www.imiso.com Instagram: @imiso   Get the full show notes at: www.atelier55design.com/podcast    Behind the Design is brought to you by atelier 55 Continue the conversation, follow atelier 55 on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier55design/   Instagram: @atelier55design  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/atelier55design/

Ep 2 Andile Dyalvane | Honouring your gift and carrying on the traditions of his ancestors

Welcome to episode 1 of the third season of Behind The Design. This season I bring you more great conversation and insight into the work of amazing creative talent from across Africa and in the diaspora. As excited as I am to be welcoming you to the season it was recorded against the backdrop of the biggest seismic shifts our world has faced in recent times. I am feeling the weight of a period of fear, turmoil, uncertainty, frustration, and just plain overwhelming tiredness. My guests also reflect this uncertainty. But through the current challenges, there is hope, and there is optimism. So I hope you will find this season inspiring, and I am looking forward to welcoming you to each episode. Tapiwa   You can find the full show notes for all the episodes at: atelier | 55 - www.atelier55design.com

Behind The Design Welcome to Season 3

You are listening to Behind the Design episode #7 the Studio Lessons. Which brings us to the end of season 2. It has been another inspiring season, and I thank all my guests for taking the time to chat and give us a behind the scenes look into their design journeys. I’ve loved discovering their motivations and the challenges and rewards that come from doing what they do.

S2 Ep 7 Studio Lessons Season Recap

Behind The Design is a better business and lifestyle podcast for creative entrepreneurs. Behind The Design takes you behind the scenes into the studios and workshops of established and emerging creatives from across Africa and beyond. Each quarterly season I, your host Tapiwa Matsinde chats with ordinary women and men who are doing the extraordinary by turning their dreams into reality. Our conversations give you an insight into how they are building their businesses, making their mark in their industries, and sharing the lessons and experiences they have picked up along the way. Be prepared for many nodding along moments. If you are an established, new or aspiring creative business owner seeking relatable and inspiring conversation then this podcast is for you.

hubhopper

Behind The Design

hubhopper