Sane - Designing Differently
Sane Mafa
Director and Designer at Studio Mafa Ltd
BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design*
Sane has always had an eye for design. Studying at BCU helped to develop her skills to become a successful designer. She now has her own business, pioneering innovative new technology in sustainable design.
“I've always been creative and before university, I toyed with the idea of studying fashion and art but found my passion in furniture design.
Initially, BCU wasn't my first choice but when I attended an open day at the Parkside Building, I knew that I wanted to study there. I found the design of the building very inspiring, as a creative, I need an inspiring space to work in. After learning more about the course structure, BCU became my first choice.
Bringing my designs to life in the workshops was the highlight of my time at BCU. My lecturers and the workshop technicians supported me through each project and helped me progress as a designer.
During my studies, I completed a semester abroad in Rome, which was truly amazing. Meeting new people and learning another language was an unforgettable experience. I'm grateful to have studied at a university which offers so many opportunities, from studying abroad to the opportunity to be creative in the workshop.
After my degree, I worked as a Junior Designer for a window display manufacturing company. I designed a new range of jewellery displays for them and had the opportunity to help introduce an interior design service. I was then moved to the parent company to work as a designer which helped build my design portfolio and experience.
Throughout my career, I have sometimes felt that others in the design industry unfairly judge young people. BCU helped me develop my design philosophy and style, giving me the confidence to make it on my own. My sister and I decided to start our own design business, Studio Mafa.
Having my own business has given me the freedom to design spaces based on my philosophy and the time to study for my master's in Design Management at BCU. I've had the space to work on projects that are important to me, such as the material development of Erth, a new material made from cow manure to tackle excess manure production in the farming industry. I have designed and produced our homeware accessories collection and assisted on interior design projects. We won the new talent award at the Surface Design Show 2024 thanks to Erth, it's a huge achievement and I'm proud to be making design a more sustainable industry.
My current role as Director/Designer involves wearing many hats at the same time, sometimes admin and marketing but the best role is always the design process. BCU taught me to trust my vision and to be confident in my design abilities. My self-belief has helped me to build a successful design studio that I'm proud of.”
*This course was previously named Product Design.
