Spotlight: Phillip Tyers Villa Africa

Villa Africa is a South African interior design studio and gallery, specialising in customised furniture and unique art pieces. Villa Africa sculpted furniture – developed in their Woodstock studio is created for the love of art, traditional and contemporary.

Villa Africa – original one-off designs are available from 65 Loop Street, Cape Town. Here, Phillip Tyers explores 25 years of adventures in design. His style is African cosmopolitan using graphic and sculptural elements.

As a design studio and gallery, they specialize in customized furniture and unique art pieces and are specialists in interior design, offering a turnkey service.

We chatted to Phillip about what inspires him and how he stays relevant in the industry:

What’s your go-to classic colour choice?

Warm greys with pop of bright acids.

Is there a hotel that’s most inspired your work?

The Aman Group produce beautiful zen environments which blend eastern aesthetics with a spiritual quietness – I particularly like the Amanjiwo overlooking Borobudur temple in central Java.

A place you love to visit?

I’m happiest at the beacon in Arniston a fishing village where time stood still – feels like the edge of Africa where sea and land merge.

Where do you go to spot new styles?

Street style is a big influence – if you open your eyes in Cape Town or Johannesburg you find people who are pure art.

Who or what is your biggest design influence?

Traditionally an iconic designer like Philip Starck who designed with emotion and sculptural form – these designers however cannot compete with African tribal art which blends tradition, emotion and instinct in often very unexpected ways – Picasso knew this secret!

Any interesting projects you are working on?

Most projects I work on are interesting and challenging due to the diversity.

I am currently designing a pub with a couture twist and offices for an African financial group – which are both at opposite spectrum’s of design aesthetic. At the end of the day, it’s all visual art with a strong functional foundation – I like to look at the person or business / personal brand and then express it visually.