Peter Mabeo
Gaborone, Botswana
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© L'ArcoBaleno / All images courtesy of Mabeo, © L'ArcoBaleno / Courtesy of Peter Mabeo
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Basket by Etsha Weavers / Mabeo, courtesy of Mabeo
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Kalahari Short Cabinet by Claesson Koivisto Rune / Mabeo, courtesy of Mabeo
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Ipe Bench by Luca Nichetto / Mabeo, courtesy of Mabeo
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Kika Stool by Patricia Urquiola / Mabeo, courtesy of Mabeo
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Rothko Serving Board by Claesson Koivisto Rune / Mabeo, courtesy of Mabeo
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ThuThu Stool by Patty Johnson / North South Project / Mabeo, courtesy of Mabeo
Self-taught designer and entrepreneur Peter Mabeo was born in Gaborone, Botswana in 1971. In 1997, he began collaborating with local artisans in Botswana to create custom-made design projects that reflect both African craft expertise—woodworking, textiles, and basketry—and the area’s larger culture. In 2006, Mabeo established his eponymous studio—Mabeo Furniture—also in Gabarone. Since that time, the studio has collaborated with accomplished contemporary designers such as Patricia Urquiola, Patty Johnson, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Garth Roberts, and Luca Nichetto on sustainable, humanely produced pieces and interior design projects that celebrate African craft heritage and support local craft economies. Clients include Nobis Hotel in Stockholm and L’ArcoBaleno, among others. Mabeo Furniture has moved a few times within the city of Gabarone in order to accommodate its growing demand for space.
Mabeo participates in a variety of international design fairs and exhibitions, including Milan Design Week, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, and the London Design Festival. His studio was awarded the ICFF Editors Award for Craftsmanship in 2006 and 2008, as well as the ICFF Editors Award for Best Furniture in 2010.