Laurie Wiid Van Heerden founded Wiid Design studio in Cape Town, South Africa in 2013, with a strong commitment to sustainability. Emphasizing collaboration with fellow artists and utilizing a diverse range of materials, Laurie’s creations encompass furniture, lighting, tableware, and collectible objects that merge expert manufacturing with handcrafting techniques.
Meraki Furniture Collection
Cork Low Table
African Cork Pendant
Soma Planter
At Wiid Design, the studio has gained renown for its innovative use of cork in upscale product design, architecture, and large-scale production. Recognized as an African advocate for cork by esteemed Portuguese producer Amorim, Laurie has consistently pushed the boundaries of this material, achieving numerous world “firsts” such as the largest cork pendant light in the world, showcased by Southern Guild. Wiid Design started experimenting with cork more than 11 years ago.
Though it took us a lot of time and work to understand its various properties and grades, we soon realized cork’s fantastic manufacturing capabilities – and we grew more and more certain that cork was to become one of our studio’s core materials and focus.
Laurie’s work originates from a conceptual and artistic environment, intertwining contemporary cultural themes with a focus on traditional handcrafting fused with avant-garde methods. By combining handcrafting expertise with specialized techniques, Wiid Design transforms materials into enduring and ethically crafted objet d’art.
Having adopted a hands-on approach to his education, Laurie apprenticed at Bronze Age Foundry under Otto du Plessis and Charles Haupt, and worked as a carpenter for three years. He also served as an assistant to renowned South African sculptor Wim Botha from 2009 to 2013, during which time he began designing and manufacturing his own ceramics and furniture, while collaborating with fellow creatives.
His ongoing series of one-off benches, starting with Untitled (After W.B.), pays homage to his mentor and showcases his affinity for working with timber. The meticulously crafted bench features faceted and angular planes that create a controlled focal point.
Laurie’s multidisciplinary approach extends to designing benches in various materials, including terrazzo, Finnish Birch ply, concrete, salvaged antique timber beams, and mild steel finished with automotive paint. Notable collaborations include working with artist Lionel Smit and designer/illustrator Atang Tshikare, as well as a longstanding partnership with Ceramic Matters to produce exquisitely glazed tiled furniture.
Laurie’s talent and dedication have garnered him numerous accolades, including the Maker to Market Award at the 2013 Design Foundation Awards for his astute understanding of brand-building, marketing, consumer interaction, and packaging. He received the Conde Nast House & Garden Award for production excellence in South African design at 100% Design South Africa in 2014, followed by the Best Lighting Design Award at the same event the following year. Recognitions from the Arts & Culture Trust and BRAVE/Rock Girl further acknowledge Laurie’s impact and support of social initiatives. Exhibiting at esteemed international design events such as 100% Design in London, Design Days Dubai, Design Miami/Basel, and Design Miami, Laurie continues to showcase his sustainable and visionary approach to design.
