By Mohamad Faisal Ghazali
ENGINEERING, computer science, occupational safety and health, graphic and multimedia design and business are among the top 10 highly sought-after professions among Malaysians, according to the Critical Occupations List 2019/2020 by TalentCorp Malaysia and the Institute of Labour Market Information and Analysis.
Within the list, the only creative-skewed profession is the field of graphic and multimedia design.
Is creativity now a lost art among the younger generation or do they only go after a job that recognises prestige?
Nurturing the next generation of design talent in Malaysia
With the aspiration to further grow the interior design profession to greater heights, it all starts with nurturing interest among the younger generation who will be the faces of the future.
The role undertaken by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) goes beyond just the organisational role but has progressed to educate both designers-to-be as well as interior design practitioners about the in-and-outs on the field of interior design as a professional practice and to keep them abreast on industry trends.
As such, MIID has placed emphasis on the roll-out of various youth-centric initiatives including the Varsity Dialogue (conducted in 2018 and 2019), the New Generation Programme, the REKA Interior Exhibition (RIX), the REKA Conference as well as the REKA Awards.
These are initiatives which were designed to educate the youth of today on the interior design industry through workshops, presentation opportunities, seminars, site visits as well as various recognition platforms for interior design practitioners.
Maintaining professionalism and credibility of the interior design profession
In line with taking into consideration the best interests of the future generation at heart, it is also one of MIID’s key priorities to provide continuous learning and development initiatives to the current pool of registered Interior Designers whilst educating aspiring interior designers.
In a joint effort with Lembaga Akitek Malaysia (LAM) – a statutory authority, ultimately, the goal is to ensure that their services as interior designers or interior design firms are registered under LAM’s governance in order to abide by ethical and fair industry best practices.
Reflecting on the current statistics by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), only 573 interior designers, 27 interior design body corporates, one interior design partnership and 48 interior design sole proprietorship were registered and licensed by LAM as of Nov 27, 2020.
There are many more graduate interior designers and practitioners in this field that are not registered with LAM.
To move the industry towards a level that is recognised and on par with other registered professionals, it is high time for all practitioners to be formally registered while raising awareness that only registered interior designers are to be engaged to ensure credible and reliable services are rendered.
Over the years, the general public has faced misconceptions as to what a proper interior design service entail.
Such proper services are carried out by registered interior design professionals who are equipped with the skills to see projects through from visualisation, conceptualisation, on-site implementation, and delivery in a manner which is compliant within the parameters of legislative provisions of interior design in Malaysia.
More often than not, unregistered interior designers typically package interior design costs as part and parcel of the overall building cost.
Consequently, another misconception is that interior design services are known to be regarded as expensive.
However, with this being said, the fee incurred includes not just the designing aspect of the job scope, but the consultation is infused with the knowledge and technique behind the design in entirety which ensures quality and sound delivery of work.
With ‘cheaper’ deals being offered by unregistered interior designers, should any problems arise due to the design structure, the onus falls on the individual and the unregistered interior designer cannot be held liable in such situations.
As such, subject to such unfortunate situations, in order to best safeguard the interests, reputation and wellbeing of the interior design community, MIID has undertaken the following initiatives and efforts:
- Working closely with LAM’s Surveillance and Enforcement Committee, by thoroughly conducting the surveillance of individuals and/or companies whom have misrepresented themselves as Interior Designers or interior design service firms.
- Completing the MIID Memorandum of Agreement, Conditions of Engagement and Fees for Interior Designers (MOA) as a guide to its current members and future members.
Should unregistered individuals or interior designers provide interior design services without the said individual or company being licensed by LAM, legal implications are incurred under Act 117, Clause 33e of the Architects Act 1967 with a hefty fine up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term (not exceeding two years) or both.
Interior design in the COVID-19 era
Aside from identifying and overcoming challenges faced, it’s also critical for MIID to adapt to the current unprecedented times in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While embracing some limitations, there are still pockets of opportunities to look forward to in the year ahead.
This current situation has propel MIID to further think out of the box to ensure that it continues to progress and adapt in such challenging times, while supporting the industry through various dialogues, engagement and consultation.
Digitisation is definitely a way forward that has greatly benefit the professionals within the interior design industry as to how they can better communicate their creative ideas with stakeholders and clients, showcasing their offerings through digital means.
In navigating through the pandemic, MIID has brought to life an online documentary series entitled MIID i-Talk Webseries with the aim of creating awareness amongst aspiring designers, fellow industry stakeholders and members of the public on the journey of interior design projects, various insights, learnings as well as the latest trends.
In addition to MIID’s pursuit towards digitalisation, it also has plans to further grow its digital presence through an online commercial portal which will pave way for interior design industry to be accessible under one roof. – Dec 5, 2020
IDr Mohamad Faisal Ghazali is the president of the Malaysian Institute of Interior Design
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
