Big Issue Office Cape Town Gets New Look

Mark Brunetz and Design Without Borders bring style and transformation to Cape Town

While it makes perfect sense that one of America's most watched home designers would become an ambassador of style, the reality of the global impact Mark Brunetz is having with his non- profit organisation is a testament to the world's desire for empowering living and work spaces.

Brunetz is known for his work as the interior designer on The Style Network's Emmy nominated series Clean House.

Design Without Borders, a U.S. based organisation founded and directed by Brunetz, did their first goodwill makeover in South Africa in September 2009.

The Head Office of the Big Issue - located on New Market Street, Woodstock, Cape Town - was selected as the recipient of this first international project by Design Without Borders, in partnership with South African corporations Builders Warehouse and Boardmans.

“People ask me 'Why South Africa?' and I tell them I get to help millions of people here in the US everyday through Clean House and it's an opportunity to reach out beyond our borders,' says Brunetz, who has been involved with dozens of charity organizations while working in the entertainment industry during the past two decades.

“The transformation to the Big Issue's office in Cape Town is an ideal first international makeover for Design Without Borders because thousands of men and women in transition make their way through this office every year. Our vision is to create a space that uplifts these people and empowers them to flourish in the next chapters of their lives.”

Design Without Borders is committed to empowering people in developing areas of the world by transforming the spaces in which they work and live. This charitable organisation relies on the generous partnership of individuals and businesses to supply financial support, goods and services vital to the makeover initiatives.

“A truly inspiring space can build self-esteem, create endless opportunities for personal growth and development and, above all, allow people to share their lives with others in ways they never knew possible'' adds Brunetz. “I started Design Without Borders as a way to share this message with as many people on the planet as possible”

The Big Issue managing director, Trudy Vlok, says, “Mark is a world-renowned designer and we are very excited to have been chosen for a makeover. It will be a wonderful boost to vendor morale.”

For more information about Mark Brunetz, Design Without Borders and the Big Issue's Head Office goodwill makeover in Cape Town, visit DesignWithoutBorders.org.

CapeTownMagazine.com brings you all the latest news on and ways for you to make a difference in your community.

For further updates on happenings in and around Cape Town , be sure to subscribe to our free and popular monthly Editor's Picks Newsletter and follow us on Twitter.