IFI Members Elect Leadership for 2015-2017 at the XXVIIth General Assembly

The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) held the 27th General Assembly Meeting in Gwangju, Republic of South Korea, on the 17th and 18th October. This was hosted by the Korea Craft & Design Foundation and Gwangju city. At the close of the two-day General Assembly Meeting, a new executive board for 2015-2017 was elected. The success of IFI’s biennial GA meeting and 2015 International Design Conference (IDC) was augmented by Adoption of the Interiors Declaration by the City of Gwangju. IFI continues to lead as the sole international body for the interiors profession.

Sebastiano Raneri (Italy), assumed the presidency and Steve Leung (China/Hong Kong) was announced as President-Elect. Titi Ogufere (Nigeria), will continue in her capacity as Ex-Officio Executive Committee Member. The IFI executive board for 2015-2017 is: Lila C. DeJesus (The Philippines), Dr. Albert S. Fakhoury, Ph.D (UAE), Trevor Kruse (Canada), Roberto Lucena (Puerto Rico), and Lucy Topete (Mexico).

Unanimously approved by the global membership was a proposal for an expanded regional model, which will further augment its alignment with that of the United Nations. This will represent the seven regions of the IFI to create a wider global outreach and build a world consensus. This further supports the IFI mission, “To be the voice of design for interiors and promote the contribution of design in society across the globe, by creating a platform for advocacy.” IFI’s experience and knowledge, as the sole global voice and authority for professional Interior Architects/Designers, can help to further promote the profession to create an expanded network of fellowship, friendship and participation.

Further work of the new IFI Executive Board over the 2-year term, will be to implement the refreshed IFI Advocacy Platforms – Health & Wellbeing, Resiliency, Social Responsibility, Economic Viability, Environmental Stewardship and Universal Design – which will serve as global statements for more effective impact and communication. A process open to appropriate stakeholder consultation will give members the opportunity to engage on these issues.

IFI Secretary, Will Vogel commented, “It is very exciting to have the IFI Secretariat firmly in place close to the United Nations and to consider the success of these refreshed initiatives. We very much appreciate our memberships’ staunch and continued support, and the ongoing dedication of our sponsors and donors.”

The 28th IFI General Assembly, as unanimously voted on by IFI membership, and will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, 10-12th November 2017.

The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) is the global voice and authority for professional Interior Architects/Designers. IFI is the sole international federating body for Interior Architecture/Design organizations, and acts as a global forum for the exchange and development of knowledge and experience, in worldwide education, research and practice. Often considered as the “United Nations” of the Interior Architecture/Design field, IFI connects the international community in order to further the impact, influence and application of the design of interiors, promote global social responsibility, and raise the status of the profession worldwide. For more information visit www.ifiworld.org