Research, innovation key to uplifting standards of design: SLIID President

Wednesday, 3 September 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers (SLIID) is now in the process of moving towards greater heights under the guidance of the new Management Council that was appointed in January 2014. The newly-appointed President Prasanna Aluthge and his new team are currently busying themselves with new goals and action plans to make the institute one which is recognised not only within the interior designing community as the prime foundation that supports and guides designers but in society as a whole.

SLIID is the apex body and the national organisation for interior design in Sri Lanka. It was founded by a group of interior designers in 1984 as the Association of Interior Designers and incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1998 as the Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers. The vision the founders had continued for decades and the institute has become the driving force of the industry during past 30 years. According to Aluthge, the following have been identified as main focus areas: n Creating awareness – this is of utmost importance since SLIID, despite being the prime institute for interior designers, has more or less been under the radar for a significant period. n Enhancing knowledge – Enhancement of knowledge about the industry and institute among all stakeholders, especially members and the customers of SLIID, is a factor that needs much attention. n Target marketing – The institute has recognised this as another focus area if it is to broaden its reach within the industry. Identifying and reaching the correct market segment would result in better results for the effort put in. n Academic research – An area has not been touched within the industry. Aluthge has set his sights on taking the industry to the next step by focusing on new avenues. Further, sub focus areas such as providing learning facilities for interior design enthusiasts, CSR initiatives and regulatory work within the institute to ensure work is done smoothly have been drawn up. Focusing on the action plan, there has been a marked rise in activity within the institute with the instalment of the new council. The past six months saw two general meetings, three workshops for members/students under the leadership of Chairman – Education and Training Committee Pamuditha Wasala and Treasurer Kamila Nizar, a special conceptual workshop on ‘Design Thinking’ celebrating World Interiors Day on 31 May by Interior and Furniture Designer Ranil Mendis, who is also the Chairman of the Professional Advancement Committee, and a Grand Fellowship Dinner at Mirage Colombo for the stakeholders of the Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers, organised by the Events and Promotion Committee under the guidance of its Chairman Erandha Bandara. This can be seen as a definite step towards a better future for SLIID, its stakeholders and all interior designers. Events such as a business forum, public forum and training sessions are to be held in the months ahead, stated Secretary Niranshinee Herath. The exhibition ‘Living Designs 2014’ will be held at the BMICH on 7, 8 and 9 November. This event will be held on a grand scale and is a continuation of the series of exhibitions held since 1985 under Swarna Obeyesekera the present Patron and the Founder President of SLIID, with many opportunities for all stakeholders and interested parties. For further details visit the official site www.sliid.lk.