Growing up in Pretoria, South Africa, Ockert has since lived in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and London, UK. Currently based in Basel, Switzerland, with his family, his journey into interior design began shortly after Art school, where somewhat surprisingly, his studies focused on hospitality and catering.

On completing his education, Ockert relocated to Johannesburg, where he immersed himself in the high-end furniture retail industry, engaging in sales, merchandising, and supporting interior designers and their clients. Inspired by the collaborative and creative aspects of his role, he transitioned to a large design firm, spending five formative years delving into the intricacies of the interior design industry. It was during this time that he first crossed paths with Jacci.

Ockert's design journey has been enriched by exposure to designers from Europe, America, Africa and beyond, initially finding inspiration in luminaries like Ralph Lauren and Piet Boon. Over time, his design style has evolved to embrace a wide range of influences, avoiding strict adherence to any single designer or aesthetic.

The Four Seasons hotel in Johannesburg was a milestones project for Jacket Curated, opening doors to prestigious commissions in the Seychelles and the Middle East, where many of their top-tier clients are now based. Balancing his time primarily between Basel and Johannesburg, with frequent visits to London and Abu Dhabi, Ockert thrives on the global stage.

Traveling alongside Jacci to art fairs, design shows and makers’ workshops, Ockert finds profound inspiration in discovering how artisans and craftspeople work. This firsthand experience shapes the Jacket Curated approach to design, focusing on details, customisation and curation rather than formulaic or repetitive solutions.