Cape Town duo Ronelle Scholtz and Tiaan Jacobs take top honours after intense design showdown at Paarl Valleij Lifestyle Estate.
Cape Town designers Ronelle Scholtz and Tiaan Jacobs, known as House Signature Chenin, have been crowned the winners of My Design Rules 2025, following a tightly contested second season filmed at Valleij Lifestyle Estate.
The duo walked away with R500 000 in prizes after impressing judges with their cohesive vision, technical skill and creative confidence.
A competitive season in the Cape Winelands
Sponsored by BUCO, the 2025 season unfolded in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Three design teams were tasked with transforming newly built homes using products from the Buco and Timbercity range.
The competition was fierce until the final episode, with second and third place tied. House Signature Chenin ultimately stood out, securing the title and confirming their status as the season’s standout team.
A partnership rooted in architecture and trust
Scholtz, 26, and Jacobs, 35, hail from Bellville and Durbanville and first met while studying architecture. Both trained in architectural technology, they brought a shared design language and firm technical grounding to the competition.
Jacobs blends precision and structure from his professional background with creative flair inspired by his work as a DJ. Scholtz brought calm problem-solving and practical refinement, shaped by her professional experience and personal milestones ahead. Their contrasting yet complementary strengths became a defining factor in their success.
From hesitation to championship win
Scholtz initially had to convince Jacobs to enter the competition. As the season progressed, their natural chemistry and aligned vision became clear.
“The win for myself and Tiaan is absolutely incredible,” said Scholtz. “What this means for our futures and our careers is beyond what we imagined. Even without the prize money, the connections and relationships we built are priceless.”
Jacobs credits his passion for design to growing up in a DIY-focused household and his mother’s hands-on approach to home projects. A lifelong Sims fan, he previously designed his own family home in Yzerfontein.
Scholtz plans to use part of the prize money towards her wedding and future home, stepping forward with renewed confidence in her talent.
Industry support and future impact
Johan Spies, Group Marketing Executive for The Building Company, said the season reflected a broader shift in the design industry.
“At Buco, together with Timbercity, we believe great design deserves the power to scale. This season celebrated creativity while spotlighting designers evolving into builders and visionaries becoming contractors in their own right. We are proud to support the journey from concept to construction and to help bring craftsmanship to life across South Africa.”
Buco also acknowledged the high standard delivered by all competing teams, whose work elevated the Paarl Valleij homes and inspired viewers nationwide.
