Africa Interior Design Week was launched digitally to an audience from around the globe on 17th March 2023 across all social media platforms. The event that was well attended with speakers from across the globe, was officially launched by the founding president, H.E. George Washington Karani along with a group of leading African interior designers and architects.
AIDW is set to be an annual event with global acknowledgement aimed at unifying, acknowledging, and celebrating interior designers, architects, and product designers across the continent. With this year’s theme of ‘We Thrive Together,’ their goal is to unite Africa through interior design, educate the target market on the role of interior design in the construction industry, and develop sustainable innovative ideas that will design the future
Shortly after his opening remarks the founding president H.E. George Washington Karani announced the key activities which will be included in the main AIDW event scheduled to be held later this year, September 25th -29th at the Bomas of Kenya. This included a Design Competition, an Award Ceremony, an Experiential Design Centre, a Conference and a Series of Exhibitions and Panel Discussions featuring Industry Experts from across the globe. He emphasized the importance of promoting inclusive universal design for all, to create favorable living conditions for people from all walks of life.
After which, the main speakers and delegates of various interior design/architectural associations were introduced to attendees of the event.
This included H.E. Claire Le Quellec, President of the French Council of Interior Architects, France. H.E. Emrah Kaymak, President of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers, Turkey. H.E.Titi Ogufere, Past president of the International Federation of Interior, Nigeria. H.E. Charrisse Johnston, President of the African Institute of Interior Design Professions, South Africa. Mr Joel Karanja Waweru, Director of the Africa Interior Design Week and Ms Mikaela Mwangura, General Manager of Eminence Global PR, Kenya.
H.E. Titi Ogufere expounded on the key role Africa had in the future of interior design/architecture. She gave the audience a sneak peek at the African Council of Interior designers set to be launched in Kenya during the Africa Interior Design Week & Awards. In her speech, she declared,
“ Africa has a key role in designing the future. It is the right time to launch Africa Interior Design Week in Kenya and I believe this monumental event will serve a huge purpose in designing the future and uniting Africa.” -Titi Ogufere, Past President International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers
H.E. Claire Le Quellece expounded on the need for sustainable initiatives to thrive together to obtain a more universal design approach.
“In the family of architectural design, interior architecture is the only discipline that can rely on a background in applied arts. As a mediator between architecture and design, the interior architect brings that creative identity that considers “use” as an essential parameter in creating space. Interior architects and designers play a crucial role in creating the built environment and promoting sustainability. They are involved in the design of houses, flats, public spaces, commercial buildings, workspaces, etc. Their work is often linked to functionality and the need for a sustainable environment. In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of human activities, interior architects and designers have an important role in promoting sustainability. They can design spaces that are environmentally responsible, economically viable and socially inclusive.”
H.E. Charisse Johnston enlightened the audience on the position of interior architects/designers worldwide. She helped demystify misconceptions while illuminating the importance of universal design.
”I believe good interior design is a basic human right. The public still associates interior design with decoration, but professional designers and architects design spaces that support physical and mental health, not just for the wealthy but for all people.
True inclusive interior design goes beyond accessible design; it’s about creating spaces that work for people of all ages, the neurodiverse population, different nationalities and genders, and across incomes and social classes.
Inclusive design is already important today but will become even more important in the future, due to the enormous population growth projected for Africa, especially in cities and among young people. Interior designers will be urgently needed to support all these demographic changes as well as address “spatial justice” issues. I can’t wait to see fabulous examples of African design ingenuity that African Interior Design Week & Awards will showcase.”
The Design Week & Awards 2023 would feature a design competition where both interior design students and established interior designers/architects could participate and stand a chance to win the highly coveted AIDW award granting the recipient global recognition. It is one of the highlights of Africa Interior Design Week. It will attract entries from designers across the continent. The competition is open to both established and emerging designers, with various categories including residential, commercial, and public spaces. The winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and industry experts from the fields of Interior Architects//Designers, and Interior Product Designers. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on the final day of the event.
Some of the Awards Categories are;
- Honorary Awards
- Africa Interior Designer of The Year
- Africa Interior Architectural Designer of The Year
- Africa Interior Design/architecture of The Year
- Africa Interior concept of the year
- The Best Museum of The Year
- Africa Interior Design School of The Year
- Product Designer of the Year
- Best Design of the Year
In addition to the competition and award ceremony, Africa Interior Design Week will feature a range of exhibitions and panel discussions. The exhibitions intend to showcase the work of African interior designers and product designers, while the panel discussions will cover a wide range of topics such as inclusive universal design approach to infrastructure and development, sustainability in interior design, the role of technology in interior design, and the future of African interior design.
The President of International Federation of Interior Designers/architects, H.E Emrah Kayman, affirmed officially that interior Designers/architects and companies will be signing a declaration of International Federation of Interior Designers/architects in the last day of Africa Interior Design Week & Awards, September 29th 2023.
The digital launch was a resounding success, with participants from around the world tuning in to watch the launch and participate in the various activities. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the main theme of the event representing quality and diversity in the space of interior design. H.E. George Washington Karani expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in Africa Interior Design Week digital launch and pledged to make it an annual event.
Africa Interior Design Week will be supported and organized by a range of partners, including The Bomas of Kenya, Omni-space ltd and Eminence Global PR. For more information on Africa Interior Design Week, visit the official website at https://www.aidesignweek.africa/