Interior designers charge players to build sustainable businesses
Interior designers and players in the broader creative industries have been charged to build structured and sustainable businesses.
The Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) made the call even as it called on them to critically examine the structural gaps within their businesses and begin building enterprises defined by integrity, resilience, and long-term value.
This was made during the 2025 Roundtable Series held recently in lagos. The theme was: “Building Sustainable Systems & Structures for Interior Design Businesses.”
In her keynote, Nwamaka Okoye, Group Managing Director of D’ulo Group, emphasized the importance of intentionality and identity in building a sustainable design practice.
Speaking on the topic “Who are we really?” she noted: “You must define your identity. Who are you? What will you do—and not do? Who do you serve, and what is your end goal?”
She further highlighted the importance of embedding systems and processes within a business, noting that without structure, even the most passionate businesses struggle to thrive.
“Strategy is essential, but it must be supported by clear systems and repeatable processes to function effectively,” she added.
“Interior design is more than just a passion—it is a business. And like any other business, it must be structured to perform, scale, and outlast its founders,” says Michael Awonowo, CEO of Micdee and a fellow keynote speaker.
He urged design practitioners to treat their passion as a business and build the foundational structures necessary for long-term success.
Delivering her remarks, IDAN President, Jacqueline Aki, underscored that structural reform is non-negotiable if the profession is to mature.
The IDAN CEO Roundtable Series is a cornerstone of IDAN’s broader ecosystem of initiatives. Alongside World Interiors Day, the Annual Summit, strategic CSR projects, and the IDAN Lessons Webinar Series, the Roundtable reinforces the association’s commitment to knowledge-driven, community-led, and future-forward transformation of the interior design profession in Nigeria
*Photo shows: L-R: Mr Abiodun Shonibare, IDAN Education Committee Chair; Mrs. Morenike Amoussa, Industry Designer; Mrs Linda Adeyemi, IDAN Membership and Communications Committee chair; Mr Michael Awonowo, Guest speaker; Mrs Theresa Ephraim, IDAN Secretary General; Mrs Nwamaka Okoye, Guest speaker; Mrs Adesuwa Oham, IDAN Project and Event Committee chair; and Mr Bryon Chukwudi, Guest speaker at 2025 IDAN CEOs Roundtable series in Lagos recently.
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