About the Studio
HOUSE OF JOGAEZ is a premier luxury interior design agency in East Africa, renowned for crafting exceptional residential and commercial spaces.
We seamlessly blend modern African aesthetics with global design influences, delivering bespoke environments that are both sophisticated and timeless.
Our expert team, with diverse experience from cities like Dubai and London, brings a distinctive and innovative flair to every project. Committed to transforming spaces, we create harmonious designs that fuse cultural depth with contemporary elegance, resulting in environments that are as functional as they are visually stunning.
Samantha Verwoerd
Founder
My name is Samantha Verwoerd, and my journey into the world of interior design has been anything but traditional. I was born in the Netherlands, where the foundations of my creative curiosity were quietly laid amidst the charming canals and timeless architecture that surrounded me. Yet, for much of my early adulthood, I never imagined I’d become an interior designer.
Instead, my first professional chapter unfolded in the fast-paced, glamorous world of events and hospitality. I worked in a five-star hotel—an environment where precision, beauty, and atmosphere were everything. I wasn’t designing spaces back then, but I was orchestrating moments. Every gala, conference, and intimate dinner held a unique energy, and I quickly learned how profoundly a space could affect people’s experiences and emotions.
What intrigued me most during those years wasn’t just the events themselves—it was the backdrop they played out against. I found myself constantly studying the architectural details, the lighting choices, the texture of the fabrics, the way a lobby could feel grand and inviting at the same time.
I was fascinated by how every corner of the hotel was deliberately crafted to evoke comfort, luxury, or inspiration. Slowly, something began to shift in me.
I realized I wanted to be on the other side of the curtain—not just planning events within beautiful spaces, but creating those spaces from the ground up.
That revelation led me to take a leap of faith. I left the hotel world and immersed myself in the study of interior design. I began to rewire my skills, combining the eye for atmosphere I had developed in events with the technical, creative, and emotional language of design. It was an exciting transition, one that came with late nights, endless sketching, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Design, for me, is deeply personal. It’s not just about making a space look beautiful—it’s about making it feel alive, balanced, and intentional. I draw inspiration from my Dutch & Kenyan roots- clean lines, organic textures, and love for Kenyan craftsmanship, incorporating rich natural woods, woven wall baskets, and handmade decor into my designs. My work reflects an appreciation for authenticity, storytelling, and cultural fusion.
Today, I’m proud to work as an interior designer, transforming both residential and commercial spaces into reflections of personality, passion, and purpose. Every project is a new story to tell—a new chapter in a lifelong love affair with design.
And while I didn’t start in this field, I’ve come to believe that sometimes the scenic route leads to the most beautiful destinations.
Our Creative Network
