Our History

Inscape was established in 1981 as the first creative and multi-disciplinary design institution in South Africa. We place great emphasis on our people and their personal development within the microcosm. Our core values; Quality, Authenticity and Relationships drive us to grow, improve and make a difference in everything we do. The organisation has experienced significant growth since its inception and now extends its ethos and offering internationally.

 A Brief History:

  • 2023: Inscape has fully evolved from a small family-owned business to a multi-campus 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.

  • 2021: 1st South African institution to be profiled by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) for our work in Circular Economy practices and principles.

  • 2021: South African Council for Architectural Professions validation for Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology. The only private higher education institution to be validated by SACAP and the only access programme to be validated.

  • 2021: New Stellenbosch campus 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 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. First cohort of Ideation Design students graduate.
  • 2016: Inscape Johannesburg moves to new Midrand Campus. 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 campus moves to new Waterkloof Glen premises. Inscape financially assists 12 students in accessing higher education.
  • 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 Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology, Interior Decorating, Fashion Design and Design Techniques. Bachelor of Design qualification offered at Durban campus.
  • 2011: Distance campus launched. Durban campus launched in Morningside - Durban.
  • 2006: Received programme accreditation from the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for Bachelor of Design. Cape Town campus, re-established in the City Centre.
  • 2005: Autodesk accredited training centre approved at Pretoria campus.
  • 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 campus opened in Menlo Park, Pretoria.
  • 1997: 3 year Diploma offered for the first time.
  • 1996: Inscape launched its first website.
  • 1995: Autodesk Accredited Training Centre approved at Johannesburg campus.
  • 1988: Introduced computers and taught AUOTCAD. Rick Edmonds takes over the business from his father Harry Edmonds.
  • 1986: Graphic Design Course offered. Cape Town campus 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.