Dokter and Misses: Modernist Furniture and Multi-Disciplinary Design

Dokter and Misses is a multi-disciplinary product design company established in 2007 by industrial designer Adriaan Hugo and graphic designer Katy Taplin. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the studio has become synonymous with a distinctly modern African aesthetic, blending strong construction lines with bold, graphic shapes and vibrant color palettes. Their work ranges from production furniture and homeware to limited-edition collectible pieces that are featured in galleries and museums worldwide, including the Vitra Design Museum and Cooper Hewitt. The creative process at Dokter and Misses is rooted in the energy and architecture of urban Johannesburg. This inspiration is reflected in their diverse collections, such as the Kassena series, which references the adobe structures of Burkina Faso, and the LALA cabinets, which combine Art Deco influences with Basotho patterns. Iconic pieces like the Hinge unit, the Lowveld sofa, and the Heartbeat lamp showcase the studio's commitment to functional artistry and original craftsmanship. The studio's work emphasizes experimentation and high-quality manufacturing, often collaborating with skilled local artisans to ensure exceptional quality. Dokter and Misses pieces are designed to be lived with, challenging conventional forms and reinterpreting everyday objects into striking silhouettes. Their involvement in major design exhibitions like Design Miami and Southern Guild's solo shows has cemented their reputation as leading figures in contemporary design, pushing the boundaries of what modernist African design can achieve in the global market.