Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
AT just 22, Beatrice Buhle Kosa embodies the restless spirit of a modern African creative force. A published author by the age of 17, an award-nominated screenwriter and producer, Kosa now sets her sights on transforming physical spaces, having founded the international interior design firm, Arch Interiors.
Born in Bulawayo, Kosa’s trajectory speaks to audacious talent and an unwavering drive to diversify her creative portfolio, proving that the pen and the paint swatch can be wielded with equal mastery.
Kosa’s creative journey ignited early. Her debut book, Nineteen and Pregnant, published when she was just 17, announced a powerful voice unafraid to tackle complex realities.
This literary success transitioned seamlessly into the world of film and television. She served as Head Writer for the DSTV 3KTV Zimbabwe series Maliwe, penned the award-nominated Harare short film Another Chooseday, and stepped into the executive producer role for the critically acclaimed South African short film Bury the Hatchet. Yet, amid this flourishing storytelling career, a childhood passion began demanding centre stage: interior design.
The leap from screenplays to space planning might seem dramatic, but for Kosa, the connection is intrinsic.
“I’ve loved interior design since I was a kid. I spent hours sketching my dream home and cutting up magazines to create the perfect space,” she revealed.
Filmmaking, surprisingly, became a catalyst: “It hit me — if I could imagine these spaces so vividly back then, I could definitely bring them to life someday. Just like how I brought to life my dream of writing stories that people would watch.”
Arch Interiors, founded while she was still primarily known for her narrative work, became the vessel for this spatial storytelling.
Launching and scaling Arch Interiors, now registered in South Africa where Kosa is also studying at The Interior Design Institute, presented unique challenges, especially operating across borders.
Reflecting on the initial phase focused on exporting furniture from South Africa to Zimbabwe in 2023–24, she admitted that it wasn’t easy.
“Yooh, it’s been a bit challenging, especially with logistics. Finding reliable transporters who would actually deliver the goods in perfect condition was tough.”
Persistence paid off. Growth brought clients from Botswana and Zambia, introducing Kosa to reliable logistics partners. Now, with the launch of a new website, Arch Interiors is poised to serve clients seamlessly across Southern Africa, with Kosa expressing particular excitement about future collaborations in Namibia, inspired by her first project there in 2025.
Her mission? “Leave a legacy of spaces that tell stories, tell stories and inspire.”
Kosa’s design philosophy embraces a global perspective. Arch Interiors sources its new range from diverse international hubs — the UAE, Turkey, India, China, and South Africa.
“To be honest, I got tired of our design trends being ages behind Dubai and China — they’re like 10 years ahead! I want my clients to enjoy the latest luxury looks.”
This global sourcing demands rigorous quality control and meticulous supplier vetting, a challenge Kosa embraces. Her commitment extends beyond her own business; she passionately offers free insights on importing for resale.
“Africa deserves better — our industries should be world-class too. That’s why I share my importation knowledge for free — maybe someone will use it, succeed, and hire me to design their space. It’s a circle!”
The resilience required to publish a deeply personal book like Nineteen and Pregnant at a tender age laid a formidable foundation for entrepreneurship. The lessons learned then continue to fuel her drive with Arch Interiors.
“Honestly, I’ve learned that if you can dream big and actually see yourself succeeding — you probably will,” Kosa reflected.
She acknowledged the grind: “Progress might be slow, but trust me, something’s happening — you’re either getting stronger or closer to your goal.” Her advice is refreshingly pragmatic: “And let’s be real, what’s the worst that could happen?! Also: I know barely anything compared to what I could know. Just start already — the plan will come together later!”
Managing the diverse demands of being a student, CEO of a growing international design firm, and maintaining roots in her first love — film and writing — is a complex act.
Kosa is candid about the current balance.
“I was so sure I could juggle filmmaking and interior design but Yooh! Arch Interiors is my life now — 80% of my time, anyway. School gets the remaining 20 percent.”
This focus means difficult choices, like putting the development of a feature film based on her short Dust on hold.
“It really pains me that I have to put that aside. At the moment, filmmaking takes a backseat and Arch Interiors takes the wheel. I will be back soon though!” she confessed.
Now, she stands at a dynamic intersection. She is the author who designs, the producer who sources globally, and the student who runs an international business. Her journey from writing teenage narratives in Bulawayo to curating luxury interiors across Southern Africa exemplifies a generation unbound by traditional creative silos.
While Arch Interiors currently commands her primary focus, creative energy flows between her pursuits. Her eye for composition informs her design, while her narrative instinct likely shapes the experiential quality of the spaces she creates.
Her return to filmmaking is eagerly anticipated, but for now, the world of design is richer for her full-throated embrace. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
