On the 23rd of September, great minds from all over the country gathered together at the Exhibition Pavilion, Central Area- Abuja, and it’s not at all hard to tell that all the attendees, facilitators and exhibitors had a wonderful time learning together. The highlights of the event were the paper presentations, panel session, exhibitions and business clinic. It wasn’t all work and no play, though. There were a lot of fun moments in-between. Here’s all you need to know about the Defining the Interior Design Market (DENIM) 2017 event:
Getting Settled In…
The event began by the participants getting registered. They received their tags, folders, event program and other materials needed to help them enjoy the learning experience.
Welcome Address and Introduction
Next was the Introductory Speech by, followed by the Introduction to Design Nigeria by Binta Suleiman, CEO and Proprietress of Albedo Designs Ltd. and Albedo Design School. “Our designs should speak and breathe Nigeria in every creative detail”, she explained, “Design Nigeria aims at drawing parallels with different creatives in the design industry, most importantly, interior design, towards charting pathways for the continued growth of design in Nigeria with an indigenous twist “. This was followed by the Keynote Speech by Haj. Halima Idris.
Paper Presentations 1 and 2
The first two presentations were given by Arc. Gbolahan Olaniyi (Entrepreneurship in the Interior Design Industry) and Miss Comfort Sakoma (Starting a business in the 21st Century). Arc. Olaniyi’s session was as interesting as it was informative. Speaking about the need to conduct one’s affairs in a professional manner, he emphasized the need to be business savvy, the importance of “branding” yourself and creating multiple streams of income.
Miss Sakoma’s message was also direct and inspiring. In a day and age where sustainability has become a buzzword in almost all spheres, business owners shouldn’t be found slacking off on this all too important concept. We must look beyond today in order not to start something that will go out of vogue in the next 5 years. She further emphasized the need to brand and nurture one’s business.
Panel Session
The first two presentations were followed by a panel discussion moderated by Henry Okelue. The members of the panel were Emmanuel ‘Blaze’ Otakpe, Jamilu Abdulsallam, Zuhra Zuhair, Binta Shuaibu and John Oboh Onya.
The discussion was aimed at showing the relationship between interior designers and allied professionals; and how collaboration between members of both parties can be achieved in designing for Nigeria.
Paper Presentations 3 and 4
Two more paper presentations were given by Mr. Raymond Umeh and Mr. Dotun Mabo. Mr. Umeh, speaking about designing for Nigeria (Furniture), stressed the importance of context in furniture design. He implored designers to factor in the Nigerian culture and climate as major considerations for their work. Mr. Mabo, who was the last speaker, talked about communicating design ideas in his presentation titled 3D Visualisation and Interior Design.
Dotun Mabo is a renowned 3D visualizer in Nigeria. He gave insights into why 3D visualization is an essential tool for interior designers. Not only is the use of software (which varies for different user skill levels) effective in communicating design ideas and expressing your creativity, it allows you to show as much detail as possible (in terms of textures and lighting effects etc.) in order to convince clients you are the best person to handle their projects.
Finally…
The Closing Remarks and Vote of thanks were given and it was on to the Exhibitions and Business Clinic.
Exhibitions
Yes, it’s true that “all good things must come to an end”, but we are absolutely positive that the DENIM 2017 event is an experience we won’t forget in a hurry. You can’t afford to miss the next one!
Keep your eyes and ears open for the next DENIM event! It will most definitely be bigger and better. You can also read about the previous event which was held on the 22nd of April, 2017 (Click Here).
