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Our History

Our core values, Quality, Authenticity and Relationships drive us to grow, improve, and make a difference in everything we do.

A bright future

2023: Inscape has fully evolved from a small family-owned business to a multi-learning hub operation offering several undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, employing +/- 200 staff members and has +/- 1,500 enrolled students across six learning hubs (campuses).
2022: Inscape receives full membership from Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
2022: Inscape hosts the first Linear to Circular conversation in Africa at the Cape Town Campus with EMF and African Leadership University.
2022: Inscape rebrands and commences a repositioning to ensure continued relevance in the industry.
2022: Inscape commits to the UN Sustainability Goals of 2030 and demonstrates action through curriculum review, campus renovations and organisational processes

2020 - 2021

2021: The first South African institution to be profiled by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) for our work in Circular Economy practices and principles.
2021: Received South African Council for Architectural Professions validation for the Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology. We ar the only private higher education institution to be validated by SACAP and the only access programme to be validated.
2021: New Stellenbosch learning hub opens with record-breaking enrolments.
2021: RMB Corvest acquires 49% of Inscape, becoming a partner in achieving the organisation’s desired growth strategy.
2021: Inscape co-hosts the Design Education Forum of Southern Africa (DEFSA) conference. The Dubai learning hub closes in March 2021.
2020: COVID-19 Global Pandemic hits us. All students are successfully migrated to virtual learning. No academic days are lost. Inscape financially assists 77 students to access higher education.

2015 - 2019

2019: Inscape enrolled and graduated its first cohort of BA Honours in Design students at the Cape Town and Pretoria campuses respectively.
2018: Inscape Dubai campus opens in The Dubai Design District. Inscape Young Designers Award is established. Inscape rebrands and launches its global website. Inscape financially assists 93 students to access higher education.
2017: Offsite is launched (online learning platform). Inscape co-hosts the design Education Forum of Southern Africa (DEFSA) conference. Inscape financially assists 66 students to access higher education. The first cohort of Ideation Design students graduate.
2016: Inscape Johannesburg moves to the new Midrand learning hub. Inscape financially assists 24 students to access higher education.
2015: Inscape launches Inscape Project81, Inscape Play (the International Student Exchange Program) and Inscape Exchange (Scholarship Program). Pretoria learning hub moves to the new Waterkloof Glen premises. Inscape financially assists 12 students in accessing higher education.

2005 - 2014

2014: Rick Edmonds hands over to Helen Buhrs who becomes the majority shareholder, Managing Director and Principal.
2013: Inscape rebrands.
2012: Received programme accreditation from Council on Higher Education (CHE) for the Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology, Interior Decorating, Fashion Design and Design Techniques. The Bachelor of Design qualification is now offered at the Durban learning hub.
2011: Distance learning hub is launched. Durban learning hub is launched in Morningside, Durban.
2006: Received programme accreditation from the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for Bachelor of Design. The Cape Town learning hub is re-established in the City Centre.
2005: Autodesk accredited training centre approved at Pretoria campus.

1996 - 2002

2002: Received programme accreditation from the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for a Diploma in Interior Design and a Diploma in Graphic Design.
2000: Registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
1998: Pretoria learning hub opens in Menlo Park, Pretoria.
1997: 3 year Diploma offered for the first time.
1996: Inscape launched its first website

1981 - 1995

1995: Autodesk Accredited Training Centre approved at Johannesburg learning hub.
1988: Introduced computers and taught AUOTCAD. Rick Edmonds takes over the business from his father Harry Edmonds.
1986: Graphic Design Course offered. Cape Town learning hub opened in Llandudno, Cape Town.
1981: Inscape Study Centre was established by Harry Edmonds and Cherry Whitehead in Illovo, Johannesburg, offering an interior design course part-time. It’s rich history and social relevance has also been reflected in its brand progression over the years.

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