Miss Freda Anegbe is a design entrepreneur, the CEO Panto Interiors and the National Vice President for the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN). Her company, Panto Interiors, will be hosting the 2023 IFI World Interiors Day two-part webinar series in partnership with the International Academy for Design and Health, on 27 May between 12.30pm and 2pm (WAT) on all online platforms to feature world renowned designers and architects from across the globe. Anegbe had an interview session with NatureNews. Excerpts:
Why the theme, “sustainability, design and beauty”?
Sustainability is about protecting our future, human connection with the environment (emotions and experience), use of nature inspired materials. It is so important for us to promote human-centred designs, to improve the quality of our lives.
Why did you elect to have a live talk show and why is Panto Interiors hosting it?
We had actually planned to just have only the international panel session, where we listen to world renowned designers and architects talk about their achievements in promoting design and health, across the globe. As a Nigerian who is totally committed to being a part of the solution, I thought it would be wise to bring major stakeholders in the design and built industry in Nigeria, to dissect the challenges behind implementing sustainable designs, then learn from those who have succeeded in promoting it, globally.
Panto interiors is hosting this two-part virtual event because we are a design firm that is totally committed to promoting design and health, and the design industry in Nigeria. Our only goal is to solve problems.
How would you rate the awareness about the existence of your industry in the country and how virile is the coordinating body?
To be honest, we are the toddler stage. Why? Because there are fundamental or foundational issues, from the lack of design education in Nigeria, to the government’s lack of interest in the industry, and little or no awareness on the part of Nigerians.
The coordinating body for the interior design industry in Nigeria is the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria have actually been working behind the scenes to promote the industry and create the awareness needed. A lot has been done by IDAN, and this is not because I am the national vice president, the association has supported designers, private organisations and worked with some government agencies to ensuring that design is promoted here in Nigeria. Like I earlier said, there are fundamental issues like the lack of design education. In a country where we have over 120 million youths, only one school offers Interior Design as a course, in Nigeria, an industry that other nations have used as a tool to develop, grow their economy, engaged their youths via employment, curb health issues, etc.
What informed the choice of the resource persons for the talk show and panel session?
Design knowledge and experience. For the talkshow we chose renowned stakeholders who cut across interior design administration and education, design manufacturing, arts and craft, construction, architecture. For the panel session, we wanted people who have succeeded globally, in promoting sustainable designs and beauty; we wanted people with wealth of design experience and knowledge, also considered having different perspectives so we touched different continents and culture.
Interior design also has a lot to do with climate change. What do you think can be done to promote a healthier environment that can help Nigerians adjust to the changes in our climate?
You’re absolutely right that interior design can play a role in promoting a healthier environment and helping people adapt to the changes in climate. To promote a healthier environment in Nigeria through interior design, we need to opt for eco-friendly and locally sourced materials for furniture, flooring, and other interior elements. Choose materials with low embodied energy and consider using recycled or upcycled materials whenever possible. We design spaces using natural lighting, proper insulation, and efficient appliances. Nigerians assume the constant use of air conditioning system is a sign of wealth, but I always advise clients to incorporate incorporate windows, skylights, and louvers to allow for cross-ventilation and cooling. You cannot survive without indoor plants, so integrate indoor plants into interior design to improve air quality, regulate humidity, and enhance the overall ambiance. Plants can also help mitigate the effects of air pollution.
As a design entrepreneur, I owe it to my world to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable interior design practices through education campaigns and seminars/webinars. Encourage designers, architects, and homeowners to consider the environmental and human impact of their design choices.
By implementing these strategies, interior design can contribute to creating healthier and more sustainable spaces in Nigeria, ultimately helping people adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
What are the challenges in the design and built industry in Nigeria?
The only challenge I see in the design and built industry in Nigeria is government and private sector. The government needs to come up with policies that promote and protect the design and built industry. Private sector must come up with ideas and solution towards building the industry.
Are Nigerians ready for sustainable designs (interior design and construction)?
To be honest, Nigerians are not ready, but once the public and private sector plays their role in promoting sustainability, I mean from educational sector to formulation and implementation of policies, also creating awareness, I am sure Nigerians would cooperate.
Why are you so passionate about design and health?
As a design entrepreneur from Nigeria, one who lives in a country with little or no design education, poor structural building standards, poor environmental and sanitation condition, lack of basic social amenities, lack of awareness on the impact of our internal and external environment on our physical mental emotional spiritual and financial health, the list is endless. I believe we are a product of our environment (internal and external), so, for us to live our best lives on earth as God has designed, we need to become conscious of our environment and its impact on our total wellbeing.
To join the conversation towards promoting a more sustainable future, please visit www.pantointeriors.com/events to register.
