Ayanda Carter returns to University of Johannesburg 20 years after graduation

Twenty years after enrolling as a design student at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Ayanda Carter has returned to the institution in a new capacity as a mentor and guest speaker. Carter, who grew up in Vosloorus, studied at UJ’s Faculty of Design before establishing a career in interior design. She is currently Managing Director […]

Twenty years after enrolling as a design student at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Ayanda Carter has returned to the institution in a new capacity as a mentor and guest speaker.

Carter, who grew up in Vosloorus, studied at UJ’s Faculty of Design before establishing a career in interior design. She is currently Managing Director of Iroko Interiors and Consulting in Nigeria, and founder of Melanin Creatives Academy, an initiative that connects design education with industry practice. She is also behind Apartment in a Box, a design project aimed at creating accessible, functional living spaces.

During her visit, Carter met with students as part of the Melanin Creatives Academy Ambassadors Class, under the theme “From Classroom to Career: Designing Futures.” Through her foundation, she has funded 20 students to participate in the programme.

Speaking at the event, she reflected on her years at UJ and the role it played in her professional development, noting that she hoped her engagement would help prepare students for the challenges of the creative industry.