IIE-Vega’s Arts in Interior Design students showcase their skills
IIE-Vega Bachelor of Arts Interior Design students learn more than design skills during their project for the 2025 Interior Design Collab.
The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design students from IIE-Vega campuses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria showcased their creativity in the 2025 Interior Design Collab – a national problem-based learning initiative where students tackle real-world design challenges.
Read more: IIE-Vega student takes top spot at Absa Design Hackathon
Working in mixed teams of second and third-year students, each group had 10 days to present final concepts. They were given direct, constructive feedback, mirroring the professional design world.
The Bordeaux campus was tasked with solving a practical challenge. Their brief was to design and prototype a cost effective ‘Totem’ stand, a tall, slender signage structure that can be used for advertising, information, or as a stand, which could be used across all campuses where third year students could present their portfolios to industry. Each team was given a budget of R800 to purchase materials and had to produce a functional, full-scale prototype.
The exhibition stands were tested in the campus courtyard. One of the 10 groups included third year students Morgan Broekman and Motatso Mongalo, and second year students Shae Gaffney, Simphiwe Mbatha, and Elethu Mbuyazi. Their standout design, X Marks the Spot, captured the idea of students ‘leaving their mark’ on the creative industry.
Their totem featured three planks which could be deconstructed for storage, with an integrated table for heavier items like laptops.
Nicole Mason, senior lecturer, teaching and learning at IIE-Vega, said: “It’s rare for students to take a project through every design phase – from concept to full construction – with a real budget. Each team managed their R800 wisely, and despite the same brief, we saw 10 unique designs with full drawings and cutting diagrams.”
Every stand was sturdy, demountable, cost-effective, and still showcased the IIE-Vega design brand. “I’m very proud of their engagement and ability to craft these exhibition stands.”
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