Head of Design

Heath Nash – Head of Design, mmakesspace

Heath Nash is a celebrated South African designer renowned for his innovative approach to sustainable design and community empowerment. Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Nash pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture at the University of Cape Town, graduating in 1999. His early experimentation with paper folding and geometric structures laid the foundation for his distinctive design philosophy, emphasizing playfulness, modularity, and hands-on exploration.

In the early 2000s, Nash gained international acclaim with his "Other People's Rubbish" collection, transforming post-consumer plastic waste into intricate lighting and home décor pieces. Collaborating with local artisans, such as wire artist Richard Mandongwe, he merged contemporary design with traditional South African craft techniques, creating a unique aesthetic that resonated both locally and globally.

Beyond product design, Nash has been instrumental in fostering creative communities. In 2016, he founded Our Workshop at the Guga S’thebe Cultural Centre in Langa, Cape Town. This inclusive space brought together artists and makers from diverse backgrounds to collaborate, share skills, and develop sustainable design practices. The initiative received the Design with Purpose Award from the Design Foundation, recognizing its impact on bridging social and economic divides through creativity.

Continuing his commitment to sustainability, Nash joined Wunders in 2024 as head of a new department called Makespace. In this role, he focuses on advancing circular economy principles, educating others on sustainable practices, and creating innovative solutions that repurpose waste materials from the production of Wunders' high end upholstered furniture.

Nash's work exemplifies how design can serve as a powerful tool for environmental stewardship and social change, making him a leading figure in contemporary sustainable design.