Jenniez School of African Interior Designers (JSAID), first accredited interior design institution, has committed to raising and nurturing Africa’s next generation of interior designers.
Memuna Falade, chief operating officer, JSAID, while speaking at the school’s 9th anniversary and graduation ceremony in Lagos, said the institution is committed to empowering students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the industry.
She described the event as a celebration of passion and explained that interior design goes beyond mere decoration while thanking the faculty and team for ensuring a successful academic session.
Jennifer Chukwujekwe, founder of JSAID, described the school’s journey as having grown “from a dream to a movement” aimed at bridging the gap in the interior design and decoration industry in Africa.
She urged the graduates to understand their worth in a global competitive market that is increasingly paying attention to African designers.
Chukwujekwe stated that the institution has prepared the graduates for the reality of the industry. She said,
“There will be tough times; clients will stress you, orders might go wrong, and mistakes will happen, but only the strongest will survive.”
Read also: Organisation urges interior designers to embrace AI, emotive design
She charged the graduating students to get stronger, wiser, and more creative as they step into their professional careers.
Providing a global perspective, Desmond Laubscher, the chairman board of advisors, JSAID and founder Greenside Design School SouthAfrica, in a virtual presentation, emphasized that “listening is the heart of interior design.”
Laubscher, who is also a professor, addressed the rising influence of technology, assuring the new designers that Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot replace their work.
He said, “Every amazing design always has that human touch that cannot be replaced by AI.”
He advised the graduates to prioritise inspiration over money when starting out, urging them to design with curiosity, design with courage, share knowledge, and embrace collaboration.
The high point of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduands, with special recognition given to the ten overall best students for their outstanding performance.
The ceremony was graced by several notable figures and executives, including Charles Chukwujekwe, chairman; Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu; Wassim from Problind, Creative and Folakemi Oloye among others.
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