Nando’s Hot Young Designer 2026 Opens for South African Creatives

Haywire light by David Krynauw above the reception desk by Dokter and Misses at Nando’s Central Kitchen, Curated by Tracy Lynch, creative director Clout/SA

Nando’s Hot Young Designer 2026: A Platform for Emerging Designers

In South Africa’s dynamic creative landscape, the Nando’s Hot Young Designer 2026 talent search remains one of the most transformative opportunities for emerging creatives. Since its launch in 2016, the initiative has become a respected platform for emerging designers, opening doors to mentorship, market access and career-defining exposure for some of the country’s most promising creative voices.

Now, applications are officially open for the 2026 edition, inviting young South African designers to step into the spotlight with a new challenge centred on the art of linear lighting.

This year’s brief calls on aspiring designer-makers to create a striking linear light designed for a Nando’s restaurant anywhere in the world. At its core, linear lighting refers to illumination arranged in a straight row, often suspended above long tables or counters to provide directional lighting. For the 2026 competition, entrants are encouraged to push beyond functionality and explore sculptural form, texture and colour through crafted and handmade elements.

Nandos image by Elsa_Young Linear lights by Siviwe Jali on display at Nando’s Central Kitchen, featuring furniture, art and lighting by numerous South African designers. Curated by Tracy Lynch, creative director Clout/SA

Designs may incorporate combinations of materials to create unique statement pieces that enhance restaurant interiors, while collaboration with skilled crafters could become a defining aspect of each concept. Practicality remains equally important, with installation, transportation and longevity forming key considerations. The final piece should measure no longer than 1.4 metres and weigh under 28 kilograms.

The programme will unfold across three distinct phases. The first is the current application stage, where emerging designers submit their concepts. Shortlisted finalists will then move on to develop prototypes before a winning designer-maker is selected. The final winner will receive a tailored programme of support that includes mentorship, showcasing opportunities, market access and community engagement alongside South Africa’s leading designer-makers.

Union House Lights, Umugqa Studio — Photo: Greg Cox
Woven linear lighting features prominently in this boardroom installation. The lights were designed by Siviwe Jali, 2022 finalist and founder of Umugqa Studio. The table and sideboard are by James Mudge. Wallpaper and curtains are the result of a Clout/SA collaboration with the Keiskamma Arts Trust. The space was designed by Tracy Lynch, Creative Director of Clout/SA, and implemented by Acre Design Studio in partnership with Clout/SA.

As the centrepiece of the Nando’s Design Programme, HYD has earned its reputation as one of the country’s premier biennial design initiatives. Over the years, the platform has helped launch numerous local design careers, including that of designer Thabisa Mjo of Mash T. Design, one of the inaugural winners in 2016. Mjo has described the opportunity as life-changing, crediting it with changing “the trajectory of her entire life”.

The initiative is managed on behalf of Nando’s by Clout/SA, a business-to-business market maker focused on connecting South African designers and makers with commercial opportunities both locally and internationally. According to Tracy Lynch, the organisation exists to celebrate the vision and vitality of South African design through curated collections of furniture, lighting and décor shared with clients and collaborators around the globe.

Sprinkle Light2 BY Mash T Design

For young creatives eager to turn ambition into opportunity, this talent search offers more than a competition — it offers a platform for growth, visibility and meaningful industry connection.

Entries close on 16 June 2026. For more information and to submit entries online, visit the official microsite at hotyoungdesigner.com