Barend Slabbert

University of Derby / Senior Lecturer - Interior Design

Barend Slabbert is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Interior Design programme at the University of Derby. He studied in Cape Town, South Africa where he completed both his BTech and MTech in Interior Design, specializing in the ‘Readaptation of Historical Interiors to contemporary exhibition venues’. Multi-functional furniture design and exhibition platforms has also formed part of his studies in the past, and is imbedded within the Interior Design Curricula at Derby.

His interest in furniture design stems from a young age, being introduced to manufacturing and prototyping already at school. This interest in the importance of ergonomically sound and well-crafted furniture pieces have been amplified through Interior Design, as furniture items play a significant role in spatial experience and identity. He has furthermore worked on and designed numerous set-stages for conferences and award ceremonies along with bespoke items for these, before moving to the UK to lead the Interior Design Programme at the University of Derby.

With a passion for educating and training young aspiring designers, his academic career stretches over a number of institutions exceeding a decade.