Decorex Cape Town 2025 to Ignite the Future of African Design with Four Days of Unmissable Dialogue and Innovation
Africa’s boldest and most boundary-pushing design platform, Decorex Cape Town, returns from 5–8 June 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) with an electrifying programme of Future Talks. This year’s theme, “Design Makes the Future,” explores the role of design in shaping the world of tomorrow — from our cities and systems to our senses and sustainability.
With 16 compelling sessions spread across four themed journeys, Decorex Cape Town is set to deliver the most provocative design conversations on the continent. The programme unites pioneering voices from across Africa’s design ecosystem — from legacy leaders and fearless rising stars to architects, artisans, technologists, curators, and cultural changemakers.
Legacy and Future Voices
Decorex’s much-anticipated series kicks off with a reflective yet forward-looking lens. ‘Ten Years: Body of Work’ celebrates decade-long design journeys with leading creative minds including:
- Tracy Lee-Lynch (Clout/SA) – spotlighting how the Nando’s Hot Young Designer Programme has elevated South African talent globally.
- Maira Koutsoudakis (Life Interiors) – sharing her trailblazing work in architectural and interior innovation.
- SAOTA – the internationally acclaimed architectural studio.
- Reform Studio (Egypt) – Decorex Cape Town Designer of the Year 2025 winners, presenting their revolutionary approach to sustainable design.
In partnership with VISI Magazine, the spotlight then turns to ‘The Rising Stars’ — an inspiring look at the next generation of African creatives redefining design’s meaning and power on the continent.
Spaces and Systems
How do we design the spaces where life unfolds? These sessions reimagine hospitality, retail, tourism, and sustainability through design innovation:
- ‘The Hosts’ explores how visionary designers and public figures are transforming guest experiences and boosting Cape Town’s tourism appeal.
- ‘The Shoppers’ brings together retail powerhouses for the first time to reveal the future of consumer experiences.
- ‘The Planners’ unpacks the narrative power behind architecture.
- ‘Green Spaces’, led by pioneers like Babylonstoren, opens a conversation on nature, landscape, and eco-conscious living.
Materials and Making
From ancient techniques to future technologies, this track celebrates craft and material intelligence:
- ‘The Machinists’ examines the role of tech, tools, and social media in modern making.
- ‘The Transformers’ explores material innovation reshaping the design landscape.
- ‘The Artisans’ highlights the mastery of handmade craftsmanship across Africa.
- ‘The Colourists’ dives into the emotional and aesthetic role of colour, featuring creative luminaries like Bonolo Helen Chepape (Lulasclan) and artist Olivié Keck.
Culture and Experience
Design is more than what we see – it’s what we feel, share, and remember. These sessions explore the experiential power of design:
- ‘The Curators’ offers a global view on cultural design movements.
- ‘The Future of Gatherings’ celebrates creative festivals like AfrikaBurn as incubators of connection and expression.
- ‘The Sensorites’ takes attendees on a multi-sensory journey with scent designers Agata Karolina (House of Gozdawa) and Georgia Munnik.
- ‘The Flavourists’ brings taste into the design equation, exploring where gastronomy meets aesthetics.
An Immersive Experience for All
In a fresh twist, second-year interior design students from Greenside Design Centre will design the Future Talks theatres, offering real-world experience for emerging talent and immersive environments for attendees.
“These four themes give our visitors clear pathways through the incredible design thinking happening right now,” says Alan Hayward, Executive Creative Director of Decorex Africa.
“Yes, design is about beauty — but it’s also about the future of how we live, work, and connect as a society.”
Event Information
CAPE TOWN
CTICC 1, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town
Thursday 5 June – Sunday 8 June, 10am–6pm daily
Online Ticket Prices
- Adults: R150
- Pensioners/Students: R120
- Children under 12: FREE
- Children 12–16: R50
- VIP Experience: R350
Buy Online
At the Door
- Adults: R160
- Pensioners/Students: R130
- Children 12–16: R60
- Children under 12: FREE
- VIP Experience: R360
JOHANNESBURG Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude Street, Sandton Thursday 24 July – Sunday 27 July, 10am–6pm daily
Online Ticket Prices
- Adults: R160
- Pensioners/Students: R130
- Children under 12: FREE
- Children 12–16: R50
- VIP Experience: R350 Buy Online
At the Door
- Adults: R170
- Pensioners/Students: R140
- Children 12–16: R60
- Children under 12: FREE
- VIP Experience: R360
TRADE VISITORS
Pre-registered Trade Visitors: FREE Onsite Trade: R160 VIP Trade Experience: R390
Register for Trade Access
For more details, visit www.decorex.co.za
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