Training of Interior Design Diploma Graduates in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This paper is premised on the findings of a study that sought to find out the challenges faced by Kenyan Interior Designers in relation to their Interior Design Diploma Programmes’ training. The thesis for this paper is that challenges are a reflection of relevant knowledge and skills resulting from having the relevant curriculum and training facilities. As such, acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills by the Kenyan Interior Designers, coupled with the right training facilities and curriculum, leads to minimized challenges thus competences of IDDGs. Consequently, the relevance of the Kenya Interior Design Diploma Programmes to the manpower needs of the industry is therefore enhanced. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and was conducted in Nairobi County, Kenya. 120 Kenyan Interior Design Diploma Graduates formed the study sample. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observation; analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25) and presented using frequencies. From the study, it was established that KIDDGs face challenges creating detailed drawings from the initial sketches, using CAD, using computer Software applications for 2D & 3D, less team work in construction projects in Kenya between architect and interior designers. Due to inadequate training, majority of KIDDGs cannot deliver given tasks effectively until after retraining. It was also noted that the KIDDGs were looked down upon byarchitects and other design practitioners during practice making it a challenge to negotiate their salaries. This paper thus calls on the government and the public technical institutions to work towards expanding their contribution of interior design to society through the exchange and development of knowledge and experience in education and practice.Keywords:Challenges, Interior Design, Diploma Graduates, Opportunities, Retraining.