UAE chosen to host IFI General Assembly and Design Congress 2009

The International Federation of Interior Architects and Designers (IFI), the world body of Interior Architecture and Design professionals recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE based Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID), the representative body of the industry, confirming that the United Arab Emirates will host this important biannual event.

Previous host nations include Japan, Ireland, Australia, India, S Africa and Korea. The event will comprise of the General Assembly, Design Congress, Exhibitions, Competitions and Student workshops and Master classes and will be held over 6 days. The date, the venue and other details will be finalized shortly.

Commenting at the signing ceremony of the agreement, Kenneth Laidler, President of APID, said:

"This prestigious IFI General Assembly and Design Congress 2009 will ensure the UAE in particular, and the Gulf Region are at the forefront of the professional Architecture and Design Profession. The IFI Congress will highlight the important role that professional designers in the region are playing in business today. All commercial developments, whether for domestic occupation, industrial premises, hospitality or indeed health related, now understand the true benefits interior design can offer."

"We are proud to host the IFI General Assembly and Design Congress 2009, here in the UAE," he added.

IFI was founded in Denmark in 1963 to unite and provide discussion of Interior Design issues. During its existence there has been tremendous growth in membership, representing 70 member associations, institutions and universities in 45 countries on every continent. The IFI collectively represents over 65,000 practising Interior Designers worldwide.

At the signing ceremony, Shrikant Nivasarkar, President, IFI said, "We appreciate the enthusiasm, eagerness and dedication shown by the UAE association , and I am sure APID will be able to organise this IFI in conformity to the high standards it has been held before."

APID, the first association of its kind in the Middle East, was formed to represent professional interior designers in Region. It aims to promote the highest professional ideals of Interior Design with client bodies, whether governmental or private sectors, to industry, to its membership, and to society. One of the main objectives of APID is to be recognized as the authoritative body in all matters concerning professional interior design and practice within the Middle East.