BINDRA KACHHAPATI (PRADHAN) is the director of Keen Enterprises Pvt Ltd, an interior designing firm.
After graduating in 1995 from International Polytechnic for Women located in Delhi, she has established herself as a skilled interior designer, with over a decade's experience under her belt. Her portfolio includes corporate houses like Kasthamandap Development Bank at Newroad, DCBL Bank at Ganabahal, Smart Telecom at Kumaripati and Prudential Insurance Company at Putalisadak. She has also embellished interiors of Midat Hospital at Lagankhel and Absolute Bar at Pulchowk. She spoke with THT Property Plus about the concept of interior designing as a profession. Excerpts:

What is the scope of interior design studies in Nepal? Are there any differences in teaching methodology and curriculum of India and Nepal?
In comparison to previous years, the scope of interior design studies has improved a lot -but is still far from satisfactory. Back then, interior designing courses lasted for barely six months, which were only adequate to provide basic knowledge about the subject matter. It left students in a quandary as to whether or not they could pursue the field as a profession. At present, the situation is better as there are some universities which offer three-year courses in interior designing. But I feel that they still concentrate more on theoretical instead of practical knowledge. This tendency can be detrimental for future professionals. However, the curriculum is almost the same in India and Nepal.

Talking about the interior designing sector in India, the government has recognised its course as a professional one but sadly, government of Nepal seems to be least bothered about the recogntion process. This creates a kind of professional insecurity and people are hesitant to pursue it as their career. Things are, nonetheless, looking hopeful now with the new changes.

What are the challenges facing this sector? How has Interior Designers Association (IDEA) helped cope with the problems?
The main problem is that interior designing courses are not recognised by the government, which has become a hurdle for this sector's progress. Once this profession is duly recognised, the number of professionals will increase. But the scenario does not look promising.

Though IDEA sent a letter for approval to the government, there is no response from the latter. Neither the government nor IDEA is enthusiastic regarding recognition. The main job of IDEA is to provide guidelines for practicing interior designing and licence to work, to maintain minimum wages, come up with criteria for authenticity of the interior designing sector, create supportive packages and assemble all interior designers under one roof. In the absence of such restrictions, a negative culture has been spreading -people complete a three-month course and proclaim themselves as professionals in this sector.

Is IDEA making any effort for collective benefit of interior designers?
It is very sad to say that IDEA has not been able to do anything concrete till date, since there is a lack of coordination among members. Moreover, there is scant involvement of senior profes sionals in the management. The common attitude is that

What are your suggestions for students who are considering to opt for interior de signing as a career? What is the scope in this field?
I feel there are plenty of opportunities in this sector, as its demand is growing. One of the causes for this is that the amount of open spaces is shrinking. This has resulted in the construction of personal residences and commercial areas in smaller spaces. In such a scenario, interior designers are handed the task of utilising space in the most optimum manner. The growing culture of housing and apartments also calls for involvement of interior designers.

I would recommend fresh graduates to work under seniors for at least two years.

This will broaden the horizon of their knowledge and also sharpen their practical skills. they do not want to waste their time being involved in the association. This has left IDEA in a state of disarray. If only it had been properly managed and organised, fresh graduates would have gotten better leadership through the organisation. For instance, we come to hear of cases where fresh interior designers are working free of cost. If only the association had been strong, novices would have been guided and would face fewer problems.There are architects who also practice interior designing.

Do you think architects are intruding upon your field of work?
I think every profession has clearly defined work fields.Architects have their own limitations while practicing interior designing. They deal with technical solutions like designing a structure and planning its space, but the final touch has to be given by the designer. The job of architect is to design a building but to set up and utilise the space to its maximum potential is the job of interior designer.

The detailing of colour, tone, fabrics, design and placement of furniture, floorings, and other accessories has to be done by interior designers. In other words, interior designing breathes life into constructions and makes them feel like home. It is a positive sign that people are gradually beginning to understand the difference between architects and interior designers.

source: The Himalayan Times(2011),"Interior designing breathes life into constructions", The Himalayan Times,30 April 2011

photo: The Himalayan Times