Inside Ukhuni: How Michael Stein and Margaret Taeli Bring Vision to Life

Michael Stein and Margaret Taeli

At the heart of every successful workspace transformation is a team that understands both the practical and creative demands of the modern office. Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Michael Stein and Margaret Taeli, two key figures at Ukhuni, whose passion and commitment continue to shape some of the most functional and inspiring environments across the country.

With a reputation built on reliability, innovation, and a hands-on approach, Michael and Margaret are more than just project leads — they are trusted partners who walk clients through every phase of the journey. From the first consultation to final installation, they bring together design flair and meticulous attention to detail to ensure each project not only meets expectations but exceeds them.

Their unwavering dedication to exceptional service is a cornerstone of Ukhuni’s brand, and it’s clear that their collaborative energy is what keeps clients coming back. In this feature, we explore how their approach blends creativity with strategy to deliver tailored, lasting solutions for every space.

How are you elevating hospitality throughout Africa?

The Lobby is elevating hospitality throughout Africa by offering expertly crafted, locally manufactured furniture that meets international standards while celebrating regional identity. By designing and producing its own collections in-house, The Lobby delivers consistent quality, durability, and customisation tailored to the diverse needs of hotels across the continent. Its commitment to excellence ensures that every product enhances guest comfort, visual appeal, and operational efficiency. As a Black women-owned, Level 1 BEE business, The Lobby also champions local empowerment and skills development. Through innovative design and dependable execution, The Lobby is redefining hospitality interiors across Africa with elegance, authenticity, and purpose.

Can you explain the history behind Ukhuni Business Furniture?

Ukhuni Business Furniture has been a transformative force in the South African commercial furniture industry since its founding in 1993 by Norman and Michael Stein. Initially focused on tailored workplace solutions, the company has steadily grown into a leading, Level 1 BBBEE‑certified manufacturer — now 31% Black woman‑owned and 51% Black‑owned — delivering systemized desking, seating, partitioning, storage, and agile solutions. With all manufacturing conducted in-house at its Wynberg, Johannesburg facility, Ukhuni ensures bespoke quality and flexibility through advanced facilities supporting prototyping, space planning, logistics, and installation. Over three decades, the company has developed a reputation for design-led project management, working alongside architects, interior designers, and project managers to deliver functional, aesthetic office environments for blue‑chip clients across Africa. Today, Ukhuni’s heritage forms the backbone of The Lobby Hotel Creations, carrying forward a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and empowerment in the hospitality furnishings industry.

As a proud Level 1 BBBEE contributor, with 31% Black woman ownership and 51% Black ownership, how do you see yourself contributing to the national interior industry?

As a proud Level 1 BBBEE contributor with 31% Black woman ownership and 51% Black ownership, The Lobby is committed to transforming South Africa’s interior and furniture industry by developing and investing in local manufacturing, creating employment, and empowering communities. We design and produce all our furniture locally, ensuring that value stays within the country while fostering economic growth. Through targeted skills development programs for our staff and SMME suppliers, we uplift emerging talent and build long-term industry capacity. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusive practices positions The Lobby as a catalyst for sustainable change in the national interior landscape.

Can you elaborate on the services you offer?

The Lobby offers a comprehensive, end-to-end service for hospitality furniture projects, covering South Africa, Africa, and the Indian Ocean islands. Our services include bespoke product design — from concept development and 3D visualisation to full mock-ups — ensuring each piece aligns with the client’s brand and functional needs. We handle in-house manufacturing using high-quality materials, followed by warehousing, logistics, and delivery. Our skilled installation teams ensure seamless on-site setup. Throughout the process, we provide full project management — from initial order to final handover — coordinating timelines, quality control, and communication. This turnkey approach guarantees consistency, accountability, and a tailored solution that meets the demands of every project.

Who is your target audience, and which new market are you looking to break into in 2025?

The Lobby’s target audience includes hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and serviced apartments, as well as hospitality interior designers, quantity surveyors, project managers, and procurement agencies who seek high-quality, locally manufactured furniture that offers style, durability, and value. We cater to professionals and clients who value customisation, design integrity, and products aligned with international trends. In 2025, The Lobby aims to expand into the luxury boutique hotel and eco-lodge market across Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. These segments demand bespoke, sustainable solutions, and The Lobby is well-positioned to meet their needs through innovative design, reliable delivery, and a deep understanding of hospitality environments.

Which proudly South African elements do your products bring to life?

The Lobby’s products proudly bring South African creativity, craftsmanship, and resilience to life through locally manufactured furniture that blends tradition with contemporary design. Each piece reflects our rich design heritage, crafted using a considered mix of metal, wood, and fabrics sourced and assembled locally. This fusion of textures and materials showcases the diversity and warmth of African design while supporting local artisans and suppliers. Our commitment to local manufacturing not only ensures exceptional quality and durability but also fosters job creation and skills development. The result is furniture that is not only beautiful and functional, but proudly rooted in South African identity.

What are your top 3 best-selling items and what makes them unique?

Currently, The Lobby manufactures customised, bespoke, and client-specific furniture products. This includes bedroom and suite furnishings as well as lobby, reception area, business centre, and dining furniture.

We also manufacture furniture for the student accommodation, conferencing, and apartment industries. The Lobby has just launched its new collection of designed bedroom furniture pieces at the Hotel and Hospitality Expo held in Cape Town. Watch this space!

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What trends are you predicting for 2025?

In 2025, hotel interior design will continue evolving to meet the growing demand for authenticity, sustainability, and experiential value. Guests are increasingly seeking environments that reflect local culture while providing a sense of comfort and escapism. This has led to a rise in biophilic design — natural materials, indoor greenery, and earthy palettes — to create calming, wellness-inspired spaces. Sustainability will be more than a buzzword; recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, and locally sourced furnishings will be key features, appealing to eco-conscious travellers. Modular and multifunctional furniture will gain popularity, particularly in urban hotels and boutique lodgings, where space optimization is essential. A strong emphasis on personalisation will also define the guest experience: tech-integrated rooms allowing for ambient customisation — such as lighting, scent, and temperature — will become standard in upscale segments. Communal areas will blur the line between work and leisure, with social hubs that accommodate co-working, casual meetings, and relaxation. Aesthetic choices will lean toward warm, tactile textures, minimalist lines, and a fusion of global influences that feel both curated and lived-in. Ultimately, hotels that create emotionally resonant spaces — balancing individuality, functionality, and environmental consciousness — will stand out in a competitive market where design is increasingly viewed as a central part of the hospitality experience.

How would you explain your company aesthetic and ethos?

The Lobby’s ethos is rooted in delivering thoughtfully designed, high-quality furniture solutions tailored specifically for the hotel market. With full control of the design and manufacturing process in its own factory, The Lobby ensures every product meets rigorous standards of durability, functionality, and return on investment. Our aesthetic reflects global design trends — embracing elegant lines, rich textures, and sophisticated colour palettes — while offering customisation to suit each hotel’s unique brand identity. Every piece balances form and function, enhancing the guest experience while supporting operational efficiency. The Lobby creates furniture that not only looks exceptional but stands the test of time in demanding hospitality environments.

What’s your top tip for hotels to create their perfect look and the right atmosphere?

The top tip for hotels aiming to create the perfect look and atmosphere is to design with intention — aligning every element of the interior with the brand’s story and the emotions it wants to evoke in guests. This means going beyond aesthetics to craft a space that reflects the hotel’s identity, local context, and target market. Start by defining the desired guest experience — whether it’s urban sophistication, barefoot luxury, or cultural immersion — and let this narrative guide every design choice. Lighting plays a critical role in setting the mood; warm, layered lighting creates comfort, while natural light enhances openness and vitality. Carefully curated materials — such as wood, stone, metal, or linen — add texture and authenticity, while colour palettes should reflect the mood you wish to inspire, from calming neutrals to energising tones. Scent, sound, and layout also contribute significantly to atmosphere, so consider soft background music, signature fragrances, and spatial flow. Importantly, comfort and practicality must never be sacrificed for looks; beautiful spaces must also function well and feel inviting. Engaging a professional interior designer who understands both hospitality trends and operational realities can be invaluable. Ultimately, the goal is to create a sensory experience that leaves guests feeling connected, cared for, and eager to return.