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IDAK history and founding team.

Born From Research

Our History

The Spark

IDAK was not born from convenience. It was born from research, professional concern and a bold question asked by one designer who refused to accept that interior designers were invisible on Kenya's construction sites.

Our Journey

Road to Recognition

2010

Dr. Karani begins MA in Design

Research title: "Promoting Teamwork in Project Development in Kenya". Focus: collaboration and professional participation in the construction sector.

2011

The gap is identified

On project signage boards across Kenya, architects, engineers and quantity surveyors are listed. Interior designers are nowhere to be seen. Dr. Karani raises the question: why are interior designers excluded from the construction team?

2012

IDAK is established

Dr. George Washington Karani gathers fellow designers and founds the Interior Designers Association of Kenya. He becomes Founder and Founding President. The mission: recognition, regulation, unity and professional advancement.

2013

First advocacy push

IDAK begins its campaign for interior designers to be recognized as essential members of the construction industry and listed on construction signage boards alongside other professionals.

2023

New leadership installed

President, Secretariat and CEO take office. The digital member directory is launched. IDAK's public presence expands.

Present

The profession advances

IDAK continues to push for formal regulation, public awareness, professional standards and the elevation of interior design as an indispensable discipline in Kenya's built environment.

Message from the President

A Vision for Kenya's Interior Design Profession

Dear Members, Partners, Stakeholders and Friends of Interior Design,

Many years ago, while undertaking my Master of Arts in Design, I carried out research titled "Promoting Teamwork in Project Development in Kenya." During that journey, one observation deeply disturbed me. Across construction sites in Kenya, project signage boards would proudly display architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors and project managers - yet one critical professional was often missing: the interior designer.

Be Part of What Comes Next.

Every IDAK member is a continuation of this story.