Interior design professionals have called for stronger collaboration, technology adoption and professional certification to advance Nigeria’s built environment sector.

The stakeholders made the call at the Abuja Interior Design Summit 2026, organised by the FCT chapter of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria on Tuesday.

IDAN FCT chairperson, Anthonia Ode, said designers must integrate nature, culture and technology to create sustainable spaces.

Ms Ode said the summit provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase innovation and build partnerships capable of shaping the future of design in Nigeria.

IDAN’s national president, Jacqueline Aki, described interior design as an important component of the built environment that  should be recognised as part of the nation’s economic engine.

Ms Aki said the quality of schools, hospitals, offices and public buildings influenced productivity, healing, wellbeing and the value of national assets. She urged professionals across the built environment sector to strengthen collaboration and build an ecosystem that supports sustainable industry growth.

Founder of IDAN, Titi Ogunfere, said  interior designers must embrace technology while maintaining professional competence and cultural relevance.

Ms Ogunfere stressed the need for stronger partnerships among professional bodies, educational institutions, media organisations and other industry stakeholders to advance the interior design profession.

She also underscored the importance of education in producing professionals capable of meeting local needs and international standards.

Art and culture minister Hannatu Musawa described interior design as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s creative economy. She said technology had expanded access to global design ideas.

She, however, warned that innovation should not come at the expense of Nigeria’s cultural identity and heritage, adding that the government was exploring policy, financing and investment frameworks to support creative industries, including design.

The summit featured panel sessions moderated by Lape Saleh, CEO of Habitat and Design Limited, highlighting technology adoption, integrated collaboration, and cultural integration in interior design.

During a panel session, Amos Alao, president of the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria, emphasised how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, will influence design practice over the next decade.

Nmadili Okwuamabua, cultural designer and advocate for Afrocentric architecture and urban planning, urged professionals to develop solutions rooted in indigenous knowledge, local materials and cultural realities rather than relying solely on foreign models.

Security expert Jennesse Haruna highlighted the growing integration of smart technologies in buildings and called for greater consideration of security and community interaction in design.

Dolapo Amole of Obafemi Awolowo University underscored the importance of specialised education, saying professional training was essential for meeting growing industry demands.

Ms Amole said design education should produce professionals who understand local contexts, meet global standards, and effectively deploy emerging technologies.

Rakiyat Odunsi urged participants to continue promoting designs that integrate culture, technology and environmental sustainability, while fostering collaboration across the industry.

Ms Odunsi expressed appreciation to speakers, sponsors, partners and organisers for contributing to the success of the summit. 

(NAN)