by Gerrit Bester
Angelique Strijdom, a student pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Interior Design at the Faculty of Arts and Design, is about to see her imaginative tile design, LA Cement, brought to life in the marketplace after winning the inaugural Johnson Tiles student competition.
This competition drew in a spirited group of nine aspiring interior designers, each eager to tackle real-world industry challenges and gain hands-on experience.
Earlier this year, the Department of Interior Design launched the competition in collaboration with Johnson Tiles to give its Advanced Diploma students a unique opportunity to test their creativity and practicality.
Participants were graciously welcomed by Johnson Tiles, where they could conceptualise and manufacture their very own tile designs, immersing themselves in the production process.
Strijdom’s triumph came after her design underwent a rigorous evaluation by a panel of five esteemed judges from Johnson Tiles, including Charl Viljoen (General Manager), Susan Oosthuizen (Marketing and Product Manager), Manny Sripershad (Global Sourcing Manager), Lennie van Rensburg (Product Commissioning Manager) and Steven Kruger (Sales Representative).
Her design referenced sand, stone and coal which she explains as raw elements of nature. By blending ruggedness and serenity, her tile provided a timeless aesthetic that channels the serene, sun-drenched hues of coastal and desert areas.
When asked what this accolade means to her, she shared:
“Winning this competition felt incredibly validating, especially when I realised that others recognised my hard work. It boosted my confidence as a young designer. It gave me a sense of pride and sparked a level of motivation to keep pushing myself to improve in my work.”
Beyond her academic pursuits, Strijdom is also an accomplished South African athlete, competing in a range of track events, including the exhilarating 4x400 meters relay.
Johnson Tiles, one of South Africa’s premier ceramic tile manufacturers, has a rich legacy of providing high-quality tiles to a diverse clientele, including individuals, contractors, architects, designers and distributors. Their state-of-the-art production facilities in Olifantsfontein, Johannesburg, uphold impeccable standards, certified by ISO and SANS, ensuring that each tile embodies unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.
A proud Angelique with her winning design.
The winning design.
Lecturer Inge Weber, centre, second from left, with TUT Advanced Diploma Interior Design students and Johnson Tiles designers.
The judging process.
Interior Design student, Zanele Magalefa, engaging in the design and manufacturing process.