DETERMINED to improve the standard of interior designs, practitioners have urged the Federal Government to give waiver to indigenous furniture and accessories dealers to enable them maintain the highest professional and ethical standards.

The designers under the auspices of the Interiors Design Association of Nigeria (IDAN) said the high import duties placed on materials have made some products expensive and encouraged sub-standard products in the industry.

They said their members have been the forefront of promoting the relevance of professional interior design in building the economic and cultural wealth of the Nigerian society as well as providing networking support and forge strategic partnerships within the interior design community in Nigeria and internationally.

In chat with The Guardian on the annual home and design exhibition tagged GUIDE 2013 to celebrate World Interior Day (WID) 2013, the General Secretary, Mrs. Titi Ogufere explained that the WID is an annual worldwide event initiated by the international federation of interior architect, designers (IFI) to bring interior architecture/ design to the attention of the public, enhance knowledge and understanding about the profession. IDAN also encourages cooperation between professionals with a focus on the range of work of interior designers and their contributions to society. IDAN is a member of New York-based IFI.

She noted that the organisation provides the platform from which all interior designers may lend a collective voice to government and industry initiatives and the  first of the annual exhibition series this year will hold this week in Lagos.  About 38 exhibitors will be showcasing their products in the two-day event, and there will also be design clinic for free consultation, private viewing and a design lounge.

According to Ogufere, IDAN will plays host to events highlighting the merits of the Interiors profession and the impact on the quality of life and the built environment. Events are planned by individuals and hosted all over the world, linked by a common theme chosen each year to reflect the values of not only IFI but the industry as a whole. This year’s theme “Celebrating 50 Years of Design Around the Globe” recognizes the rich history of global communication and consensus within the Interiors profession over the past 50 years.

She disclosed that the organization is working with Lagos State to establish interior design training institute to deliver high-value business tools and address issues that affect practitioners and University of Lagos to set up a department on interior design. We are presently putting together the curriculum to give the very best in the industry.

Ogufere further hinted that the association has begun discussing with the Lagos State Government Agency - Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board - to deepen and expand the training in their vocational centres to effectively train students in arts and craft.

Mrs. Bukky Adeyeye of House to Home Interior Designs said the government ban of imported furniture brought about creativity and made the practitioners to look inwards. “It did has an effect, but it was positive.”  She listed challenges facing local furniture makers to include lack of good raw materials such upholstery fabrics and getting waiver from the government on imported fabrics. Adeyeye said there is big market for furniture in Nigeria.

On standards, Ogufere said that the organisation is currently working with the Nigerian Standard Organisation (SON) to have a benchmark for the industry. “We are making sure that our members comply with our constitution and impose sanctions members’ standard of production does to comply with standards. Its an on-going process, but we have done well,” Adeyeye said.