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TheUrbanative is a contemporary South African furniture and product design studio based in Johannesburg. Founded late in 2016 and formalised in 2017 by Mpho Vackier, a process engineer turned interior and furniture designer, the studio creates furniture, lighting and collectible objects that explore the relationship between African culture, material, craft and contemporary living.
TheUrbanative’s work is shaped by abstracted references to African heritage, translated through refined forms, considered functionality and an evolving material language. Rather than treating culture as decoration, the studio uses story, construction, proportion and detail to create work that feels both rooted and forward-looking.
TheUrbanative has evolved from a furniture brand into a multidisciplinary design studio working across residential, hospitality, commercial and commissioned projects. Its approach is guided by storytelling, craftsmanship, sustainability, collaboration and continuous design evolution.
Every piece is designed and manufactured in South Africa, with a strong commitment to local making, material exploration and the visibility of African design within a global contemporary context.
At its core, TheUrbanative creates objects that carry stories, reflect modern African identities and contribute to an ever-evolving language of contemporary African design.