Young designers in Sandton speak on building a creative business from the ground up
Two Sandton-based entrepreneurs, Kynne and Keyan Theodorou, are challenging traditional ideas of interior design by combining creativity with strategy, discipline, and a strong understanding of business.
Sandton’s reputation as a business hub is expanding beyond boardrooms and financial institutions to include a growing community of creative entrepreneurs.
Interior designers Keyan and Kynne Theodorou are among a new generation building businesses that place equal value on creativity and commercial thinking.
Operating from Sandton, the duo has taken a deliberate approach to entrepreneurship, focusing on structure, planning, and long-term sustainability, rather than rapid growth.
“We realised early on that good design alone isn’t enough,” said Keyan. “If you want to build something that lasts, you need systems, clear communication, and a strong understanding of how the business side works.”
Their work is shaped by how people interact with spaces on a daily basis, an approach Kynne believes sets their generation apart. “We are not interested in designing spaces that just look good for photographs. We think about how a space is lived in, how it functions, and how it supports the person using it.”
They explained that being based in Sandton has played a significant role in shaping their mindset as entrepreneurs.
Surrounded by established businesses and fast-paced development, they say the area demands professionalism and consistency. “Sandton pushes you to show up properly,” said Kynne. “Clients here value reliability and clarity, and that’s influenced how we run our business.”
They elaborated that their journey reflects a broader shift within the local creative economy, where younger professionals are redefining credibility through innovation, discipline, and adaptability.
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