The
Secretary General, Interior Designers Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Titi
Ogufere, has said the interior design industry in the country is being
plagued by lack of professionalism, which is hindering its growth.
Ogufere, who spoke in Lagos during the
World Interiors Day, an annual event celebrated globally to put interior
architecture and design in the spotlight, said a lot of awareness was
needed in the industry.
She said, “With many years’ experience
gained in the interior design industry in Nigeria, I saw first-hand many
of the issues hampering the growth of the industry, including the lack
of professionalism, absence of structures and government.
“IDAN was then established with the
support of the International Federation of Interior Architects and
Designers, which is the United Nations of the interior design decoration
industry globally. But till date, IDAN is the only professional
interior design association in Nigeria.”
According to her, despite certain
incentives offered to encourage members and woo others, there is
currently no consideration of interior design as a discipline in schools
and the industry lacks educational standards.
Ogufere, however, said the association
was networking with top interior design schools internationally to
provide training, organise workshops and seminars to boost the industry
in Nigeria.
“Designers create safer, more efficient
and comfortable environments for the world, and this does not only drive
economic growth, but it enhances our daily lives and contributes to the
well-being of the occupants of designed spaces. Communicating the
positive impact of design is the top priority of IDAN and the guidepost
of all its initiatives,” she stated.
The World Interiors Day 2014, with the
theme, ‘ROOTS …because our roots matter’, was aimed at promoting the
role that design plays as a medium for positive change in the society.
Ms. Omon Anenih-Mordi of Blue Mahogany
stated that design constituted to life quality with its pervasiveness
and served the human good though creativity and innovation.
The programme included the GUIDE
exhibition, translated as Gida Uno Ile Design Exhibition, which in the
three predominant languages in Nigeria, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, meant
the home.
It also showcased 93 of the well known furniture, interior designers and interior products and finishes for three days.
“GUIDE was set up to orient the public
about interior architecture, interior and product design and decoration
to enhance knowledge about the profession, while encouraging cooperation
between design professionals and showcasing our contributions to the
society,” Ogufere said.
PUNCH.
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