The prospects of a property leading demand in a market saturated with competition could be enhanced with the engagement of interior design professionals in the early life of a building project, designers under the umbrella of Interior Design Professionals of Nigeria (IDAN) have said.
They said commercial projects particularly have a lot to gain by creating room for interior designers to infuse both aesthetic and functional value into property framework, speaking during the 5th edition of the association’s conference in Lagos, tagged ‘Guide: Freedom to Design’.
Omon Mordi, IDAN president argued that there are many properties sitting on the market for years without being able to sell because property developers tend to ignore the part of consulting property designers in building. While some building structures have appealing sight, she explains that they may not necessarily be practicable in terms of functionality.
However, the interior design industry in Nigeria is growing with designers increasingly taking on various projects varying from commercial to public and residential spaces but the pedestal, they fear, will remain slow if poor professional engagement and lack of public education on designing aspect continues.
This among other reasons is why the association extended its conference focus on increasing the public’s understanding of who interior designers are and what they do.
“So is there a need for interior designer in Nigeria? Absolutely. Is there a market for it? Definitely. Do people know that? Maybe not. That’s where IDAN comes in to let the public know that interior design as a profession is definitely something that should be valued,” she said.
“We want people to know the level of expectations of professional standards they should hold designers to and why designers are needed on every design project.”
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Freda Anegbe, assistant secretary of IDAN canvassed tackling the challenge of education with making interior design courses available in universities across the country, through the ministry of education.
The conference also gave focus to showcasing professional’s services, with a one on one consultation and development of skillset, this year. In the past, focus was placed on the product designers, manufacturers and suppliers, leaving out the professionals with the expertise of using these products creatively.
On enhancing the delivery of designers, Tola Akerele, vice president IDAN said the association has realised crucial need in terms of support on management of staff, support on projects, having a bigger picture of what is available in the industry. “You don’t actually have to do everything yourself,” she said.
On the one hand, the cost of having professional interior design services is considered as an unnecessary and extra burden by many Nigerians building houses, especially for residential purposes, findings show.
Lack or poor options of finishing materials as well as low availability of skilled hands locally are constraining the budding area of design from growing at par with advanced trends in other climes.
Apart from engaging essential services of surveyors, architects, structural engineers, builders and mechanical engineers, people tend to undermine the role of interior designers, undertaking the arrangement task themselves.
“The cost scares average Nigerians. They think if they have architects, it is enough. Not everybody understands the value. But there is a big value in it,” Akerele told BusinessDay.
“When you are building, you can make costly mistakes which you can’t correct but if interior was in it earlier on your project, you will probably not make those mistakes.”
Interior design focuses efficiency on space management. By determining space requirements and selecting essential decorative items such as colours, lighting, and materials, floor or ceiling finishes, safe and beautiful results are achieved.
Designers work closely with architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and construction labourers to determine how interior spaces will function, look, and be furnished. Interior designers read blueprints and must be aware of building codes and inspection regulations.
In 2020, the IDAN’s conference theme will explore creating more productive environments to inspire innovation in various sectors.
