01
Conference
One day of keynote presentations, panels, programme launches and industry dialogue.
Convened by the Interior Design Society of Kenya
Interior Design Summit 2026
Building the Interior Design Economy
A five-day national industry platform connecting interior designers with manufacturers, suppliers, developers, investors, educators, students and built-environment partners.
Summit Overview
Building a stronger interior design economy
Interior design supports construction, manufacturing, property development, hospitality, retail, education and the creative economy. The Summit brings the industry together to strengthen professional practice, grow businesses, create project opportunities, improve education–industry connections and advance responsible material use.
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Workshops
Three days of practical sessions held within the Interior Design Pavilion.
03
Homes & Gardens Expo
A five-day exhibition organised by Sarit Expo Centre.
04
Investment Dinner
A focused engagement for industry leaders, developers, investors and partners.
Strategic Focus
What the Summit will advance
Professional Practice
Standards, credibility, business systems and industry recognition.
Projects & Enterprise
Access to clients, project pipelines, finance and profitable growth.
Manufacturing
Designer–manufacturer collaboration, innovation, jobs and competitive products.
Circular Economy
Responsible sourcing, durability, reuse, recovery and waste reduction.
Working Together
Summit and Programme Partners
The Interior Design Summit 2026 is held alongside the Homes & Gardens Expo at Sarit Expo Centre, with programme support from Beaux Monde Africa and Spatial Design Resource Centre.
Conference Programme
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Master of Ceremonies: Vanessa Okello
8:00–11:00 a.m.
Opening & Manufacturing
8:00–9:00
Registration, Coffee & Networking
9:00–9:15
Opening & Introductions
9:15–9:30
IDSK Welcoming Address
Directory & Bill 2026 update9:30–10:00
Opening Keynote
10:00–10:20
Circular Manufacturing
10:20–11:00
Manufacturing & Financing Panel
Design Advantage Programme11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Design & Wellbeing
11:00–11:15
Break
11:15–11:45
Beyond Aesthetics
11:45–12:30
Design & Wellbeing Panel
IDSK Learning Hub12:30–2:00
Break
2:00–4:30 p.m.
Projects & Business
2:00–2:45
Project Opportunities Panel
Workforce Placement Programme2:45–3:00
Industry Partner Presentation
3:00–3:45
Business Growth Panel
Industry Integration Programme3:45–4:15
Industry Roundtable
4:15–4:30
Closing & Next Steps
Three-Day Workshop Programme
More learning, practical engagement and direct access to mentors
The Interior Design Pavilion will operate as a dedicated workshop and presentation room for approximately 55 participants per session. Professional and industry sessions will run in the mornings. Thursday and Friday afternoons will offer shorter, highly interactive Emerging Designers Workshops. Saturday afternoon will host the Women in Design Workshop.
Thursday, 27 August
Compliance, Finance & Career Readiness
Morning · Industry Workshops
- Business formalisation and contracts
- Pricing, cash flow and profitable delivery
- Access to finance and investment readiness
Afternoon · Emerging Designers Workshop
- Entering the interior design profession
- Portfolio improvement workshop
- Technical drawings and site documentation
- Mentor Q&A and career clinic
- Internship and placement connections
Friday, 28 August
Technology, Digital Skills & Visibility
Morning · Industry Workshops
- AI and professional design workflows
- 3D visualisation and collaboration
- Digital marketing and client acquisition
Afternoon · Emerging Designers Workshop
- Quick AI tools demonstration
- Better 3D and client presentations
- Building a professional online presence
- Live portfolio reviews with mentors
- Digital career clinic and open questions
Saturday, 29 August
Materials, Specification & Circular Design
Morning · Industry Workshops
- Material and product innovation
- Responsible sourcing and specification
- Reuse, recovery and waste reduction
Afternoon · Women in Design Workshop
- Building confidence and professional presence
- Pricing, negotiation and protecting project value
- Leadership and managing project teams
- Practical conversations with women industry leaders
- Interactive mentor circles and career connections
Afternoon Format
Short sessions with more participation
Thursday and Friday will combine brief expert presentations, demonstrations, practical exercises, portfolio feedback and mentor Q&As for emerging designers. Saturday will use short talks, practical discussions and mentor circles to connect women in design with experienced professionals and industry leaders.
Workshop Booking
Reserve each workshop separately
- Paid Conference delegates may reserve any morning workshop at no additional cost.
- Morning workshops cost KES 1,000 each when booked without a Conference ticket.
- The Emerging Designers Workshop on 27 August requires a separate booking.
- The Emerging Designers Workshop on 28 August requires a separate booking.
- The Women in Design Workshop on 29 August requires a separate booking.
- Places are confirmed only after registration and are subject to availability.
IDSK Programme Launches
Building permanent industry infrastructure
Interior Design Directory
Connecting clients and project partners with designers, firms and verified suppliers.
Design Advantage Programme
Building stronger commercial relationships between designers, manufacturers, suppliers and showrooms.
IDSK Learning Hub
Practical professional learning, workshops and industry resources.
Workforce Placement Programme
Connecting students, graduates and professionals with employers and project opportunities.
Industry Integration Programme
Strengthening education–industry connections, mentorship and workplace exposure.
Interior Design Bill 2026
An industry briefing on the proposed framework for professional recognition.
Who Should Attend
One connected industry
Expected Value
Projects, knowledge and long-term relationships
- New project and procurement connections
- Designer–supplier and designer–manufacturer relationships
- Practical business and technical knowledge
- Stronger education and employment pathways
- Greater visibility for professional interior design