Polola Oladipo’s Vision for a Future Design Collaborative Inspires Design Community on World Interiors Day 2024

As the architectural landscape continues to evolve, the importance of bridging the generational gap in the industry cannot be overstated. This year, in celebration of World Interiors Day, the Future Design Collaborative (FDC) was introduced by Lisa Interiors Ltd., aimed at enhancing intergenerational knowledge transfer and collaboration within the design community.
Polola Oladipo, an Architect with over 15 years of experience in interior design, explained how her journey has been deeply intertwined with the rapid technological advancements that have transformed the profession. From the early days of transitioning from analogue to digital modalities to the current integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence in architectural practice, she has witnessed firsthand the widening gap between academic training and professional practice. Recognizing the need to address this gap, Polola initiated the Future Design Collaborative (FDC). The Future Design Collaborative facilitates comprehensive training sessions, mentorship platforms, and webinars designed to empower designers and ensure that both emerging and experienced professionals remain competitive in a rapidly evolving field.

At the event celebrating World Interiors Day, Polola shared how the FDC united a diverse community of designers to embark on this exciting journey of intergenerational collaboration. On a day like this, the International Federation of Interior Architects and Designers (IFI) partners with design professionals, industry leaders, students, and enthusiasts through themed celebrations, whether large or small. Hosted by Lisa Interiors Ltd., the event marked a significant milestone in realizing the vision of FDC.

Acknowledging the invaluable support and event sponsorship by ACTIU, Polola noted how the company has been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing innovative office solutions for both national and international projects since 1968.

The brand manager of Actiu Nigeria, Mahmoud Saleh mentioned that as Actiu continues to expand across Nigeria, they are thrilled to offer interior designers exclusive benefits and industry discounts that can significantly enhance their projects. The manager highlighted Actiu’s commitment to quality and innovation in office furniture, emphasizing their dedication to supporting the design community. Designers were invited to leverage these opportunities to elevate their work and stay at the forefront of industry trends, as Actiu grows together with them in this dynamic market.

ACTIU’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices sets them apart as a leading office furniture company, represented in over 90 countries across five continents, including showrooms in Lagos, Abuja, and Port-Harcourt. Their sponsorship of the event underscores their dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the future of the design industry.
