Rotenda Gene Nevhutalu is a South African-born designer, artist, and storyteller whose work embodies a deep respect for culture, tradition, and the transformative power of design. Born in a small town of Thohoyandou in Limpopo, he began his creative journey with a desire to use design as a force for positive change, creating solutions that address social challenges while honoring the communities they serve. His early project, briGado, a brick-making kit aimed at tackling housing and unemployment issues, exemplified this commitment, demonstrating how design can uplift and empower.
Rotenda’s pursuit of excellence led him to earn an MA in Intelligent Mobility at the Royal College of Art in London, where he collaborated with Jaguar Land Rover on a project exploring future mobility. This work reflected his ability to merge technological innovation with cultural relevance, creating designs that are both forward-looking and deeply connected to human experiences.
Professionally, Rotenda has made significant contributions to global brands, including Ford Motor Company, Changan Automobile Group, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. At Rolls-Royce, he serves on the Colour and Materials design team, shaping the sensory identity of one of the world’s most revered luxury brands. Here, he combines his views in materials and finishes with an innate understanding of storytelling, crafting designs that celebrate heritage while embracing modernity.
Beyond his role at Rolls-Royce, Rotenda continues to assist and collaborate with his renowned designer friend and mentor, Benjamin Edgar, on various design projects within Edgar’s “An Object Company” and beyond. Edgar’s practice—rooted in the interplay between the useful and the useless—merges irreverence with meticulous craftsmanship. Working alongside Edgar allows Rotenda to engage with industrial design in both a conceptual and deeply tactile way, further honing his ability to create objects that challenge conventional expectations while remaining inherently functional.
Rotenda’s unique ability to weave meaning into his work sets him apart. For him, design is not just about aesthetics or functionality—it is about telling stories, creating connections, and fostering understanding. His work reflects a quiet reverence for the past and a thoughtful approach to innovation, ensuring that every design is as meaningful as it is beautiful.
With a career that bridges continents and disciplines, Rotenda remains deeply grounded in his values. His designs honor tradition, embrace progress, and celebrate the human spirit, making his work a testament to the power of creativity to inspire and transform.