Singita has worked with Cecile & Boyd for 30 years and the same people are still in the room today. Today, we unpack this enduring partnership – what makes it successful and fun, what drives the constant inspiration for new lodges as Singita expands.



Lindy Rousseau (Singita’s Strategist) chats to Geordi de Sousa Costa and Paul van den Berg (Designers and Partners at Cecile & Boyd). They discuss their partnership, the evolution of their design, and vision for future. This exceptional business relationship is built on trust, collaboration, passion, and a shared vision of conservation.



There are so many parallel stories here. Singita and Cecile & Boyd just celebrated their 30th anniversaries; both are family-owned and run; small, purpose-driven businesses with common values; both passionate about aesthetics. And who was the fabulous Cecile?



We start when Luke Bailes hired Boyd Ferguson and Geordi in 1993 to design a pioneering lodge – Singita Ebony. Cecile & Boyd's approach at every lodge has evolved with organic, sustainable, and African design. They’re now excited about local art, artisans, and materials. It's about simplicity, authenticity, and minimising the footprint with deep connections to nature. Singita allows them creative freedom - a powerful part of the process, whether it’s a new lodge (such as Singita Kwitonda) or a refresh. We ask where the inspiration comes from.



From humble beginnings, Cecile & Boyd has grown to interior design, architectural concepts, creative direction, and two stores. From one lodge in 1993, Singita has grown into an award-winning conservation and ecotourism brand with 19 lodges in four African countries. And soon, Botswana.



This lively conversation embodies a quote: Milton Glaser, the famed American graphic designer, said, “You don't have to like the people you work with. But it's funny how when you do, the magic happens.” The next era of Singita Ebony · About Cecile & Boyd · Cecile Tilley Memoir · Another pioneering design, Singita Lebombo · Ebony · About Singita's history · Lebombo · GAPP Architects & Urban Designers · HesseKleinloog · Singita website