Snow + Coal is an innovating design studio that artfully balances design elements to create spaces that enhance human behaviour, maximise productivity and elevate the quality of experience within the space.

 

Whether a home, a holiday destination, a restaurant, a retail environment or an office, Snow + Coal wants to trigger your senses to ensure that you get the best out of a space… and for the space to bring the best out in you.

 

We manipulate space to not only to be aesthetically pleasing but also to positively influence emotions, improve business models and to escalate consumer experiences.

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Snow + Coal was established in 2018 by founder, Willa O'Kelly.  After graduating cum laude with a BDes. degree from Inscape Design School she worked for top Johannesburg based design firms as a senior architectural designer and  design lead in the retail, hospitality and commercial sectors. 

She led concept-development projects for numerous well-known brands and headed the national roll-outs of these stores. In 2016 she received multiple International Property Awards in Dubai, in association with The Telegraph while working at Dakota Design Johannesburg. 

After learning coveted skills and gaining enough experience, she took a leap of faith and launched her own company in 2018.   

 

“Starting a new business is daunting at any given time, but doing so at the same time as starting a family was challenging. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that creators need to create. I believe designers are problem solvers, and it is our responsibility to create thoughtful solutions with ongoing results. Design should be rooted in a firm understanding of our client’s goals and dreams.

Recognising the need is the primary condition of design.”

 

Growing up in the humble Northern Cape, Willa’s style was influenced by an appreciation for nature and simplicity.  Later, travelling and living abroad awakened her love for surrealism and strong Scandinavian influences.

 

With a healthy appreciation for clashing attributes and a hint of humour and fun, Willa maintains a balance in the combination of materials and textures that

come together harmoniously.

 

“The joy of seeing a client delight in their new space is priceless,

and is the driving force behind everything I do.”

 

Trust Snow + Coal Design Studio to create

your ultimate concept, ideal space or bespoke joinery.