The President of the Interior Designers and Decorators Association of Ghana (IDDG), Audrey Forson, has underscored the importance of industry collaboration in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice within the architecture and design sectors.
She emphasized that providing students with hands-on experience and expert insights into modern interior design and architecture is essential for propelling the country’s development through innovative practices.
“Our goal is to empower young designers with practical skills and knowledge. By partnering with KNUST, we are fostering a generation of architects who understand the dynamic nature of interior design.”
“IDDG remains committed to fostering industry connections, promoting educational initiatives, and preparing young professionals to shape Ghana’s design landscape with creativity, innovation, and technical expertise,” Audrey Forson stated.”
She made these remarks on the sidelines of a workshop organized by IDDG in partnership with DFWI for sixth-year architecture students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on February 5, 2025.
The workshop aimed to provide students with practical knowledge, industry insights, and exposure to modern trends and tools in the field of architecture and interior design.
Pierre Marawi, Managing Director of DFWI Ghana, also highlighted the broader implications of bridging the gap between academia and industry practice.
He noted that Ghana’s architecture and interior design sectors are poised for significant growth while influencing the future work of students is key to contributing to more innovative and sustainable design practices across the country.
“Such practical workshops are crucial in ensuring that Ghana’s architectural landscape remains competitive and innovative,” Pierre Marawi told the media.”
The workshop featured interactive sessions where students applied design principles to real-world projects. Topics covered included Smart Storage & Functional Design, Sustainable Materials, Technology & Innovation in Storage, and Practical Demonstrations.
Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and gain a deeper understanding of how theoretical knowledge is applied in practical, real-world scenarios.
The event, held on the KNUST campus, also featured presentations by industry leaders from BLUM and EGGER, with sessions focused on the latest advancements in storage solutions, sustainable materials, and innovative design technologies.
The collaboration between academia and industry is seen as a strategic move to prepare the next generation of architects and interior designers to meet global standards while contributing to Ghana’s development through cutting-edge design and innovation.
MA