Why interior designers should be involved earlier in construction
Interior designers should be involved in construction projects from the earliest planning stages. However, many projects bring them in after walls, electrical systems and plumbing services are already installed. At that point, their role is often reduced to selecting colours, furniture and decorative finishes. Interior design is much broader than decoration. It covers space planning, […]
How interior spaces affect health, comfort and productivity
Lighting, ventilation, acoustics, layout and accessibility influence how people work, learn, recover and live within buildings. People often judge an interior by how it looks when they first enter it. However, after spending several hours in the space, other qualities become more important. Can people move around comfortably? Is there enough light to work without […]
Interior design graduates need more exposure to real projects
Interior design education provides an important creative foundation. However, graduates also need construction-site experience, business knowledge and stronger connections with practicing professionals. The interior design skills gap in Kenya becomes clear when graduates move from classroom assignments to active construction projects. Although many emerging designers have strong creative and digital abilities, some have limited experience […]
How interior designers can grow demand for Kenyan-made products
Every material and product specified for a project represents a business opportunity. Stronger links between designers and local manufacturers could redirect more of that opportunity into Kenya’s economy. Every time an interior designer selects furniture, lighting, flooring, textiles, fittings or finishes, a purchasing decision follows. Across residential, hospitality, retail, office and public projects, these decisions […]
Cecilia Mbati Leads “Shaping Spaces & Futures” IIP Career Talk at NIBS Ruiru
Cecilia Nakhungu Mbati, President of the Interior Design Society of Kenya (IDSK), was invited to speak to interior design students at the NIBS Ruiru Campus on Friday, 31 July 2026. Delivered under the IDSK Industry Integration Programme (IIP), the career talk was titled “Shaping Spaces & Futures: Navigating the Modern Interior Design Industry.” The session […]
IDSK President Cecilia Mbati Joins Industry Stakeholders at Luxury Living & Design Expo 2026 Launch
Cecilia Nakhungu Mbati, President of the Interior Design Society of Kenya (IDSK), joined property, architecture, construction and design stakeholders at the launch of the sixth Luxury Living & Design Expo 2026 in Nairobi. Held at the Village Market Rooftop from 31 July to 2 August 2026, the three-day expo brought together professionals and businesses working […]
Healthy Housing by Design: What KEMRI’s Cooling and Malaria Study Means for Kenya’s Built Environment
Housing design affects more than appearance, comfort and property value. It can also influence health, indoor temperature, energy use and exposure to disease. New research highlighted by the Kenya Medical Research Institute demonstrates how relatively simple housing improvements can help homes remain cooler while reducing the entry of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The findings strengthen the case […]
Interior Design Summit Kenya 2026: Building the Platform Kenya’s Interior Design Industry Has Been Waiting For
Kenya’s interior design industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. From residential developments and commercial offices to hospitality, healthcare, education and retail spaces, interior design has become an essential component of the country’s built environment. Yet despite this growth, the profession has lacked a dedicated national platform where practitioners, suppliers, educators, manufacturers and […]
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Interior Designer in Kenya? (2026 Pricing Guide)
One of the most common questions clients ask is: “How much does an interior designer cost in Kenya?” The answer depends on project size, scope, designer experience, and execution level. In 2026, Kenya’s interior design industry evolves rapidly, offering services from basic consultations to full turnkey delivery. Understanding pricing helps clients and professionals create realistic […]
Why Design Circles Matter in Kenya’s Interior Design Industry
As Kenya’s interior design industry continues to grow, the need for stronger collaboration between designers, suppliers, brands, and industry professionals has become more important than ever. Design Circles are emerging as one of the most effective ways to build these connections in a more meaningful and impactful way. Led by organizations such as Interior Designers […]