VogelOur story
Architecture.
Wood.
Obsession.
John Vogel started making furniture as an architecture student. What began as a student project became a lifelong pursuit — and a workshop in Cape Town that has shipped handcrafted pieces to 12 countries.
"I have a design background in architecture and started making furniture as a student."
John Vogel, Founder
The founder
John Vogel
John's approach to furniture-making is deeply rooted in his architectural training — a focus on organic, nature-inspired form, and the idea that form can function as an intuitive language that evokes an emotional response.
He designs through prototyping — evolving both the design and the production process simultaneously, refining until the piece is exactly right. This process-driven approach is why every Vogel piece feels considered and resolved.
Wood is at the heart of everything. “I love the connection it has to the natural world,” John says, “and the fact that good forestry management can ensure a sustainable supply.”
Vogel Design is a family business — run by John and his wife Terri. The team is small, deliberately so. Every piece that leaves the workshop has been touched by the same hands that have been making furniture together for over 15 years.
What we stand for
Built on principle
Made by hand
Every piece is handcrafted by our team in our Paarden Eiland, Cape Town workshop. No outsourcing.
Sustainable by design
We use responsibly sourced timber and design smaller pieces from factory offcuts to minimise waste. We contribute to tree planting initiatives.
People first
A family business built on relationships — with our team, our clients and our suppliers. We develop people from entry-level through to management.
Globally recognised
Our work has been specified in luxury lodges, restaurants and private homes across 12 countries — from Botswana to Los Angeles.
The workshop
Made in Paarden Eiland,
Cape Town
Our workshop is in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town. It's where every piece of Vogel furniture is made, from the first cut of timber to the last strand of weave.
The workshop is open to trade clients by appointment. If you're an architect or interior designer, we encourage you to visit — to see the materials in person, discuss your project and understand our process.
Address: Unit 10 Island Park, 16 Auckland Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town
Hours: Mon–Thu 9am–4pm · Fri 9am–1pm
Showroom: By appointment
Our journey
15+ years of craft
John Vogel begins furniture making as an architecture student in Cape Town
Vogel Design established. First workshop in Woodstock, Cape Town
First international project — The Line Hotel Commissary, Los Angeles
The Nguni Chair launched — becomes Vogel's signature piece
Joined Southern Guild gallery for collectible design works
Singita, &Beyond and Angama Mara projects completed across East Africa
International shipping programme launched for USA and UK
Custom furniture configurator launched — design your own piece online
Follow along
@vogel_furnituredesign
Come see for yourself
Visit our showroom in Cape Town or explore the collection online. We ship anywhere in South Africa and internationally.