Image Credit: Charles O Job

Decorex Africa, the continent's foremost authority on decor, interior design and lifestyle, is proud to announce the selection of two exceptional talents as its Designers of the Year 2025, reflecting the exhibition's strengthened pan-African vision. Egyptian sustainability innovators Reform Studio has been named Decorex Cape Town's Designer of the Year, while globally renowned Nigerian-born architect and designer Charles O Job takes the title for Decorex Joburg. The announcement comes as Decorex Africa releases its highly anticipated 2025 State of the Industry Report, revealing a sector characterised by resilience and innovation despite economic challenges.

Image Credit: Reform Founders and Charles O Job

From award-winning eco-friendly innovations to preserving thousand-year-old crafts and empowering underprivileged communities, Reform Studio's remarkable trajectory has positioned it as one of Egypt's most dynamic creative forces. The studio invented Plastex, an innovative eco-friendly material made from discarded plastic bags for which it’s been celebrated across the globe, and which it turns into sophisticated design products.

Founded by Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem in the wake of Egypt's 2011 revolution, Reform Studio has revitalised Egypt's traditional weaving industry, which dates back more than a millennium but faced extinction due to industrialisation. 'This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion that has gone into Reform Studio over the past decade,’ says Hazem. Explaining that the studio sees design as ‘a tool for change’, with the aim of ‘reforming our world for a more sustainable future’, she continues, ‘As designers, we thrive on the concept of designing for a cause, designing to solve problems and giving back.’

Charles Oluwole Job, a designer known for his clean linear aesthetic and innovative approach to materials and functionality, has a distinctive creative vision that transcends boundaries. His design journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, before his architectural practice took him to London, Paris and eventually Zurich, where he now lives. This international background infuses his work with a global sensibility while maintaining accessibility and practicality. Beyond his studio work, Job serves as a professor of architectural design theory at the Berne University of Applied Sciences.

'Receiving an award of this calibre is not simply recognition for a task well done,’ he says. ‘It is ample affirmation that the things I continue to make and the path I continue to tread are not only valued but are deemed equally worthy on my mother continent.'

Visitors to Decorex will have the opportunity to experience these designers' work firsthand, as both Charles O Job and Reform Studio will have dedicated stands at the shows and will also present two ‘Body of Work’ presentations in the 2025 Future Talks programme, where each designer will look back on ten years of their career.

The selection of these two remarkable designers comes at a significant moment for the industry, as Decorex Africa's 2025 State of the Industry Report reveals a sector navigating complex challenges while embracing new opportunities.

The report indicates that 80% of Southern African design professionals express optimism about the industry's future despite economic pressures, with nearly half (49%) citing factors such as inflation, currency fluctuations and rising material costs as their primary concern.

There is a growing client appetite for personalisation, with just over 41% identifying this as a key opportunity, while just over 60% of clients cite price as a top priority.

Sustainability and AI are top of mind: the former continues to evolve into a mainstream expectation, with 76% of professionals reporting it as important to clients, while 47% of professionals currently use AI tools in some capacity and 67% view the technology positively for the industry.

Another exciting announcement from Decorex Africa is the launch of the Decorex Academy, an online membership platform designed specifically for trade professionals in the design, decor and architecture industries. The Academy gives members year-long access to exclusive content, education and VIP trade benefits. The platform offers continuing professional development (CPD)-accredited learning opportunities through online webinars and seminars, a growing library of on-demand content including access to the complete State of the Industry Report, and VIP access to Decorex shows.

The Academy will also feature exclusive international content from renowned global design capitals, bringing world-class insights and innovations directly to members. This curated international programming will showcase cutting-edge trends and showcase expertise from leading design houses around the world, providing Southern African professionals with access to global design perspectives and practices.

'The Decorex Academy represents our commitment to nurturing the industry beyond our physical exhibitions,' says Sandra Jardim, Marketing Director of Decorex Africa. 'By providing continuous professional development, trend insights and networking opportunities, we aim to support the remarkable talent across our continent throughout the year.'

Trade visitors who upgrade to the VIP Trade Experience will automatically gain access to the Decorex Academy and its full range of benefits for the year.

For complimentary trade access, members of the trade can pre-register at https://register.decorex.co.za/cape-town/delegate/register/default for Cape Town and https://register.decorex.co.za/joburg/delegate/register/default for Joburg. On acceptance of their application, members of the trade will get the chance to upgrade to the VIP Trade Experience, which gives access to the Academy and the State of the Industry Report.

Download the new dedicated Decorex app from the App Store or Google Play to help you plan your Decorex experience, making it smoother and more efficient. Don’t miss a beat.