Makila Nsika-Nkaya graduated from MA Design: Ceramics, Furniture, Jewellery at Central Saint Martins. She trained in fine jewellery at City Lit and founded M.Kala in 2020 to reinterpret Congolese craftsmanship through contemporary design. Makila also received the Maison/O Award 2024 (LVMH) and the CSM Graduate Award.
Why did you choose to study MA Design at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
I previously studied fine jewellery at City Lit through evening courses before launching my own brand in 2021. However, I soon realised that while I loved experimenting with ideas and silver, my designs needed a clearer direction. I was also eager to explore working with organic materials and artisans from Congo-Brazzaville. The MA Design programme at Central Saint Martins was the only place that offered me the space to fully develop my vision. I was particularly inspired by alumni like Fernando Laposse, whose approach to material innovation resonated with me.
What have you been working on since graduating?
Since graduating, I have been actively working on relaunching M.Kala, now with a refined design approach and a clear vision. I am adapting my final MA collection to suit my market, integrating the insights gained during my studies. Winning multiple awards has opened doors to galleries and helped build momentum for this next phase.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
It would be my own project—the novelty of the material, the complexity of working with artisans based in a fragile state, the need to think outside the box, the exploration of the latest technology that would facilitate relevant designs, all these aspects made my project very challenging. Central Saint Martins provided an incredible space to develop not just the design itself, but also its sociocultural significance. We also had the opportunity to collaborate with major brands like Missoma, which offered invaluable industry insight.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
The key is to be fully committed and disciplined—this two-year, full-time programme is intense. Most of the work is self-directed, so from day one, identify your skill gaps and actively seek help to fill them. Take advantage of all available workshops and experiment; gaining hands-on knowledge across different fields is essential for design. Stay curious about what’s happening in other departments—they are a rich source of inspiration. If you’re an international student, ensure your English is strong enough to collaborate and engage fully.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
Preparing for the end-of-year show was an invaluable experience, teaching me how to present my work at a high professional standard—both in curation and to industry attendees. Throughout the year, we worked to constant deadlines, pitching our projects to global companies, including LVMH. However, the final show was particularly significant—it marked the culmination of two years of intense work and served as our introduction to the industry. Making it a success is a key milestone for any CSM student.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
The biggest lesson I learned was to stay open-minded and adaptable. My project wasn’t a fixed end goal but an evolving exploration that shifted multiple times over two years. Adapting my designs to different contexts, markets, and technologies helped me understand the essence of designing with intention. Experimenting with materials and balancing practical constraints with creative vision taught me when to compromise and when to stand firm in shaping my design perspective.
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