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DT Designs cc trading as Design Team is a textile design business focusing on the design, print and conversion of South African inspired textiles. Contemporary, topical designs form the basis of our fabric collections, rather than the already well represented ethnic approach. Emphasis is placed on quality and uniqueness of design, keeping in touch with global trends and design styles.
We (Amanda Haupt and Lise Butler) initiated a business concept as part of our B.Tech degree studies in Textile Design and Technology, which we completed Cum Laude at the end of 2000 at the Tswane University of Technology. Inspired by the possibilities of our business concept and the overwhelming initial response received to designs showcased at Decorex 2000, we proceeded with the effort and registered DT Designs as a closed corporation during February 2002.
We pride ourselves in having trained a team of previously unskilled workers to now print accurate repeat prints using a freehand silkscreen technique. Our small team of sewers involved with the cut, make and trim of finished products have also been able to expand their skills from basic scatter cushion sewing to the creation of garments from scratch. With a current permanent staff of 40, Design Team has grown from a student concept to a well established, dynamic business.
Design Team is driven by the satisfaction that comes from creating beautiful fabrics that enhance interiors and garments. We are influenced and inspired by the colours, nature, people and ever changing social dynamics of our country. We enjoy mixing traditional textile elements with local iconography, resulting in a new design style that has international design appeal without losing its local relevance and sentiment. We value honest design and an unpretentious approach to branding and business management.
Our country offers inspiration through the vibrancy of a city heart beat, the colours of a multitude of landscapes, the beauty of diverse cultures and the richness of its people. An open minded approach to the challenges we face, result in enhanced creativity and the generation of meaning and beauty through design.
Design Team started with an idea that was not inhibited by reality. We grew through our ability to balance creativity and commercial viability. We became successful - because we stayed true to ourselves.
We believe that design should have meaning, yet be accessible and unpretentious. Learn from criticism as it is the best tool for improving a design or concept. Some designs are valuable because it comments on something specific, some designs are a technical achievement and some designs are just pretty – and that's ok.
Our business is based on simple business principles and relies greatly on Team work. We do not believe in top heavy managerial structures, but rather implement a group leader system allowing us channels of communication and evaluation and the ability to rapidly adapt to change. Individual responsibility and sense of urgency is vital to the success of the whole Team. Design Team values efficiency, friendliness, thoroughness, dedication, perseverance, honesty, ownership and a willingness to learn amongst staff and management.
Design Team's industry profile relies not only on the quality of our products but also on the efficiency and respectful manner in which we conduct our business. Respect is earned through consistency in behaviour, continuous service excellence and achievement. Everyone makes mistakes – how we correct them sets us apart.
Our business path has been one of incredibly steep learning curves. We have made many mistakes but have been confident enough to learn from these errors. Analytical observation, a keen sense of interest, a hunger for learning and a belief that very few things are unobtainable, leads us to the next phase in building a "Design Team legacy". |
