The president of the Interior Designers Association of Kenya (IDAK), George Washington, has challenged interior designers to rethink their approach when creating spaces, stressing the need to prioritise health, safety, and functionality over mere decoration.
Speaking during an IDAU breakfast event, Washington emphasized that designers must go beyond aesthetics and ask critical questions about whether the spaces they create support the wellbeing of the people who use them.
He warned that many interior designers fail to establish clear purpose and direction within specific spaces, often filling rooms with furniture or colour without considering the users’ needs.
He cited poorly designed critical environments, such as birthing rooms, where improper equipment placement and layout choices can compromise the health of mothers and babies.
“The impact of design is measured not just by beauty, but by the safety and wellbeing of the people who occupy the space,” Washington said. “It’s never about the money; it’s about the impact and safety of the user.”
IDAU leadership highlighted the importance of stronger policies and professional enthusiasm to elevate Uganda’s design sector.
Jennifer Mpyisi, in a presentation on IDAU’s journey and future vision, emphasized that interior design is an evolving field, requiring clear standards, passion, and commitment from practitioners.
She noted that for designers to effectively transform spaces and improve user wellbeing, there must be supportive frameworks guiding practice.
IDAU’s focus moving forward includes strengthening industry standards, building capacity among designers, and advocating for policies that enable the sector to thrive both locally and internationally.
Washington encouraged designers to adopt a scientific and health-conscious approach, saying such a mindset is essential for improving the quality of interior spaces and potentially saving lives.