Greg Visagie From Carrol Boyes Shares Career Insights
Date Published: July 4, 2023 | Author: Carrol Boyes
Name: Greg Visagie
Job Title: Product Designer & Developer
Company: Carrol Boyes
Location: Cape Town
How I got my job
I was looking for a company with experience in an international market. After going through a few vigorous rounds of interviews and practical tests, I had my last interview with Carrol Boyes the CEO of the company and Madeleine Morgan the Head of the design team.
Where and what did you study?
Industrial Design at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
Has your degree been helpful in your work?
Absolutely, industrial design formed the foundation of my knowledge of manufacturing processes, material properties and a much-needed commercial mindset.
What does your position involve?
The product designers are responsible for the development and expansion of future product categories, product ranges and standalone pieces. Project managing the product life cycle from ideation through to mass production.
Describe some projects you’ve worked on?
I have been fortunate to work on a vast number of products varying from iconic sand casted sculptures, hand crafted ceramic ranges, functional home décor, textile design and much more.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Having had the opportunity to work with Carrol Boyes before her passing, a truly inspirational woman with an incredible mindset that raised the standard of products released into the market.
How has the company’s design department changed since you first started working there?
Carrol Boyes product offering, and the subsequent demand has increased immensely since I started at the company, we’ve had to expand our product knowledge and learn new technology and manufacturing techniques and put specific procedures in place to ensure the quality of our product remains at the highest standard.
How big is the team you work with? And tell us about the other departments in the company?
At present we have 4 Product Designers and a Product Administrator that work closely with the Buying & Procurement, Graphic Design, and Marketing departments. Besides that, we have a Retail, Finance, IT, Sales, Assembly, QC, Manufacturing, and Supply Depot just to name a few.
What types of roles are available in your company/department?
The company has recently filled roles in its product development department, and occasionally seeks new talent in other roles such as Product Designers, Buyers, Packaging Specialists and more.
Does Carrol Boyes offer internships? How frequently are these available?
It would be department, time, and case specific, but we are open to internships.
What are the most important attributes Carrol Boyes looks for in future candidates?
A creative individual that understands the brand values and vision. Someone with a great knowledge and understanding on a variety of materials and processes. Someone with attention to detail that’s able to work collaboratively with a team of people and can operate well under pressure to meet deadlines.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve taken from your career so far?
What is your competitive advantage in your work and as a person? Because average isn’t going to achieve excellence
What advice would you give to young designers looking to pursue a similar path?
In today’s forever changing market, consistent knowledge and skill development is the key to being one step ahead of your competitors.
Number of Employees (more or less)
In Carrol Boyes PTY +/- 200, excluding the Chocolate Factory that opened up a few years ago that produces our bespoke Carrol Boyes chocolates.
Locations: Carrol Boyes, Island Centre, Industry Street, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, South Africa
Instagram: @carrolboyesofficial
Facebook: facebook.com/Carrol.Boyes