Rising Demand for Interior Designers in Nepal

Nepal is witnessing a sharp rise in demand for interior designers, fueled by the boom in building construction and the hospitality sector. Industry stakeholders say professionals in this field are now earning comparatively high incomes, with opportunities expanding across hotels, restaurants, commercial buildings, and private residences.

According to Shyam Bahadur Shrestha, President of the Interior Designers Association (IDEA), experienced professionals in the sector can earn up to Rs 500,000 per month, while newcomers can still make around Rs 200,000 monthly. He noted that Nepal currently has around 3,000 graduates in interior design, many of whom studied in India, Singapore, China, and other countries, alongside graduates from local universities. At present, several colleges in Nepal, including those affiliated to Purbanchal University and foreign institutions, offer bachelor’s programs in interior design.

Shrestha highlighted that about 80 percent of graduates are employed in the field, with roughly 150 running their own firms. The rest are engaged with engineering and architectural companies. He added that growing construction in the hotel and hospitality industries, as well as the rising demand from government offices, small businesses, cafés, and households, is driving steady growth in the sector.

Former IDEA President and advisor Sanu Raja Shilpakar remarked that foreign chain hotels entering Nepal often rely on international designers for interior work. However, if given opportunities, Nepali professionals could leverage locally available raw materials such as wood, bamboo, and stone. This would not only promote indigenous craftsmanship but also contribute to the national economy.

Despite strong earnings potential, interior design still lacks formal recognition as a professional discipline at the government level. At the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the IDEA, practitioners voiced that state recognition would make it easier to advance the profession, similar to engineering. Shrestha confirmed that discussions with government agencies are ongoing to secure such recognition.

Meanwhile, the association has continued promoting the profession by honoring designers with awards such as the Professional Designer Award, Innovative Designer Award, Emerging Designer Award, Heritage Award, Sustainable Designer Award, and Designer of the Year.

New IDEA Executive Committee Elected

The IDEA’s 22nd Annual General Meeting recently elected a new executive committee under the leadership of Shyam Bahadur Shrestha as president. Other elected members include Sushil Siwakoti (Vice President), Ritesh Shrestha (General Secretary), Smrity Regmi (Treasurer), Sushovit Ranjitkar (Secretary), and Kumar Shrestha (Co-Treasurer). Committee members are Juna Bhattarai, Samikshya Agrawal, Bishwattam Shrestha, Sayana Dangol, Ashok Maharjan, Rekha Shahi, Prabin Shrestha, and Reshon Shakya.