CPUT’s Design Garage Comes to The Cape Homemakers Expo

CPUT’s showcase of student and alumni talent, the Design Garage, will be one of the exciting new exhibitors at this year’s Cape Homemakers Expo. The Expo, packed with inspirational ideas and features, will take place from 31 August to 3 September at the CTICC.

Says Sandy Edwards, Homemakers Branch Manager and Expo Organiser – Cape:  “We’re thrilled to welcome Design Garage to the Expo for the very first time. Here you’ll find every form of design, from fashion to furniture, jewellery to textiles, graphic to industrial design products – all for sale to the general public.” Pieter Cilliers, Manager at the Design Garage, adds: “The Design Garage, which opened for business in September last year, is a hip and happening space in the heart of Cape Town’s emerging design precinct. It bridges the divide between theory and real world experience by giving CPUT students the opportunity to display and sell their designs to the public at large.”

According to Cilliers, many students put their designs up for sale at the Design Garage and the average cost per item is around R400. “We’ve found that the best-selling products are ones that can’t be found anywhere else. Many of the products are prototypes of first product runs by students and recent graduates. Our stand will include colourful prints and products by surface design students, and visitors will also be able to get information about the Surface and Textile design course.” The team is also very excited to have four new products from fourth-year Industrial Design students as part of their 5K project. This is a project whereby they have to form groups and create companies, design and make products, and then make R5 000 profit by the end of the year to complete their course.

In addition to current students, alumni such as Daniel Jennings from BooToo (makers of toddler toys and furniture) will have their products on display. BooToo will have their brand new rocking horse available at the Cape Homemakers Expo. Cilliers adds that their primary aim is to support CPUT students and graduates. “We often refer customers directly to the designers for more bespoke items.

That said, we can also facilitate the commission of products if that makes the buyer feel more secure.” Cilliers believes that the general public can help grow emerging business by supporting the Design Garage. “This is a unique endeavour which supports emerging and student designers in getting out into the market and starting their own businesses.

By supporting us, you can help grow emerging businesses into small businesses, leading to employment opportunities and a boon to the local design and manufacturing industry.” This year’s show is not to be missed. Besides the Design Garage, other highlights include live by DESIGN, ARTISAN square, take it OUTSIDE, the MARKET, the Home | Tuis Theatre, for the love of CONCRETE Design Competition and 12 Izitulo Design Challenge. For more information visit Homemakers Expo.