Last year, Githinji collaborated on a collection with the Black in Design Collective for CB2. She’s looking forward to engaging in more collaborations in community. Githinji is currently embarking on a PhD through RMIT University and seeking opportunities that align with her academic pursuits. As far as craft is concerned, Githinji will continue to direct all of her efforts toward Africa. “I am keen on forging potential partnerships with cultural organizations, artisans, and story-tellers to enhance the work and also create accessibility for these pieces within sub-Saharan Africa,” she adds. Githinji also hopes to secure a hotel project so she can combine her expertise in interior design with a focus on furniture, lighting, and object design.
Architectural Digest: What obstacles have you overcome while navigating your career path in this field?
Sandra Githinji: In navigating my career path, I’ve encountered several external obstacles, however a significant challenge has been letting go of the need for self-explanation. I now prioritize connecting with those who resonate with my perspective, recognizing that translation risks losing essential elements in the process.
From your point of view, what should the future of design look like? What changes do you want to see, and what steps have you taken to build out this vision?
The future of design should embody a contextual approach, where creativity is intertwined with the specific needs, values, and cultural nuances of the audience or community it serves. Contextual design recognizes the importance of understanding the unique environment in which a product or solution will exist, ensuring that it not only meets functional requirements but also resonates with the people it’s designed for. This shift towards broadening design perspectives fosters innovation and ensures that designs are relevant and accessible to a diverse global audience.
What piece of advice would you give to BIPOC who are interested in design but don’t know how or where to start?
My foremost advice would be to embark on a journey of self-initiated learning. Your unique lived experiences and cultural context are invaluable assets that can serve as a powerful starting point and unfortunately will not always be present in the current western canon of education. This self-awareness is your superpower in the design world, setting you apart and providing a foundation for creating designs that resonate authentically. Consider it a form of design rooted in personal narrative, a narrative that is inherently compelling and distinctive.
Bringing your full self to the work is something I learned from Nana Biamah-Ofosu. Embrace and celebrate your identity, as it is a dynamic force that can shape innovative, culturally resonant designs. Avoid the pressure to conform to pre-existing design norms; instead, use your perspective to question paradigms and challenge assumptions. I would also advise them to seek out mentors and role models who share similar backgrounds. Connecting with individuals who have navigated similar paths can provide valuable guidance, insights, and a sense of community.
Lastly, to remember that their journey as a BIPOC designer is unique, and it’s okay to carve out your own path. Embrace the challenges and leverage your culture, heritage, stories and lived experience as a source of strength and creativity. By doing so, you not only enrich the field of design with diverse perspectives but also pave the way for future generations of BIPOC designers to thrive.
