To no floral enthusiast’s surprise, South Africa’s Flower King, Leon Kluge, has been awarded Landscape Designer of the Year!
Cape Town, South Africa (25 September 2024) — At the Norval Foundation, the best of the very best in South Africa’s design scene came together recently to celebrate the fruits of their labours. From interior designers to architects and landscape designers; those who’ve built brilliant careers, communities and creative wonders were all honoured at the Designer of the Year Awards by Condé Nast’s House & Garden.
These awards aren’t just recognition of excellence in bringing visions to life, but excellence in contributing to South Africa’s internationally influential work in design across a breathtaking spectrum of fields.
To no floral enthusiast’s surprise, Leon Kluge, South Africa’s renowned ‘Flower King’, came home with the Landscape Designer of the Year award! The horticulturist and floral artist has been the means behind many a floral success story for South Africa this year alone, including the floral display that won South African gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower show in London earlier this year as well as the ‘Best New Design Award’.
This was followed by another international feat for Leon, who also took home Gold at the Singapore Garden Festival in August, claiming ‘Best on Show’ and ‘Best Lighting’ for his ‘Between Two Worlds’ display.
Back on local land, Leon also helped develop a new natural heritage garden in Majik Forest, and has been part of bringing the winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show display back home for South African’s to enjoy in Stanford (only on display from 21 September to 6 October).
Other Epic Designers Who Won Awards
Restaurant of the Year: Nic Charlambous, Ouzeri
Hotel of the Year: Coot Club
Home of the Year: Salt Rock by Julia Rutherfoord Architect & Nikhil Tricam
Architect of the Year: Sumayya Vally—Vally of Counterspace
Product Designer of the Year: Bofred—Christa Botha and Carla Erasmus
Interior Designer of the Year: Fyfe Boyce—Bruce Fyfe and Kelsey Boyce
Artist of the Year: Lulama Wolf
Pan-African Designer of the Year: Thabisa Mjo—Mash.T Design
Sustainable Designer of the Year: Laurie Wiid van Heerden—Wiid Designs
ICON Award: Southern Guild—Trevyn and Julian McGowan
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