Titi Ogufere

Titi Ogufere is a renowned thinker, advocate and influential figure in the world of contemporary African design. Her dedication to harnessing the potential of design as a catalyst for societal change and economic development has made her an inspiring force both on the global stage and within the African design community.

Titi Ogufere: A Trailblazing Editor & Advocate

Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Titi serves as the CEO of Essential Media Group (EMG), a design-led conglomerate operating in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. Under her leadership, EMG has emerged as a powerhouse in the industry, publishing a leading interior design magazine called Essential Interiors Magazine, which is circulated all over Africa and translated into French, English, and Portuguese

EMG is not only a media enterprise but also a hub for creating and organizing a design festival, exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops, conferences, and an awards program.

Author & Publisher: Contributions to Literature and Media

As a publisher, Titi’s influence transcends traditional boundaries, evident in the publication of 27 remarkable books delving deep into the essence and celebration of African design. Among these notable titles are This is Africa: Traditional, Design, Modern and Contemporary, In Conversation with Demas Nwoko, Celebrating Fashion Today, IDEA Book of Design and Vernacular Design: Redefining the Narrative. However, Titi’s latest venture, the “Interior Design Professional Guide Africa and the Middle East,” serves as a culmination of her extensive experience and expertise. This comprehensive resource is tailored to empower professionals in navigating and excelling in interior projects within these dynamic regions. Featuring practical insights gleaned from Titi’s years of dedication and contributions, the book is enriched by the wisdom of 25 leading global experts who have revolutionized the industry with their groundbreaking ideas.

Titi Ogufere: Elevating African Design through Global Events

Titi stands is the visionary behind Design Week Lagos, a citywide celebration aimed at elevating Lagos into an international hub design. Since its inception, the festival has partnered with 250 events across the city, turning it into a vibrant canvas for design exploration. The heartbeat of Design Week Lagos lies in its three flagship events. The Design and Innovation Exhibition unveils cutting-edge ideas from product, furniture, and industrial designers. The Made by Design Show meticulously curates 100 Nigerian brands, showcasing the richness of local manufacturing and brands. The IDEA Awards, a pinnacle, applauds contributions to architecture, interiors, product design, furniture design, and innovation. These events embody the festivals commitment to nurturing innovation, fostering economic growth, and propelling Lagos onto the international design stage.

Celebrating Titi Ogufere's Impactful Leadership Journey

In 2006, she founded the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria. In 2007, the Abuja chapter was established. In 2008, efforts began towards developing health and safety laws for interiors. In 2009, during the African Culture and Design Festival, she served as the director of the event where 110 nations gathered in Lagos, supported by the Lagos State Government. The same year, she won the bid to host the World Design Congress in Lagos. In 2010, the association initiated the development of an interior design curriculum at the University of Lagos, a project realized in 2016. In 2012, she led the association to sign the IFI declaration, marking Nigeria as the first nation to do so. She also established the Guide Design Exhibition. These achievements reflect her dedication to advancing the field of interior design in Nigeria.

In 2012, Titi Ogufere conceived the vision of establishing a regional body for Africa. Fast forward to 2017, during the IFI General Assembly and World Design Congress in Lagos, Nigeria, she was voted as the president-elect of the International Federation of Interior Architects and Designers. Recognizing that only three African countries – Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa – were represented out of the 54, she made it the agenda of her presidency to unite the continent. The vision to create a regional body for African interior architecture/design professional associations took shape at the IFI Regional Roundtable during Design Week Lagos in 2021. In early 2023, at the Build in Africa conference in Tunisia, representatives from 13 African nations agreed to launch the African Council of Interior Architects/Designers. The declaration for the new Council was officially signed in November 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Titi, the 21st president of the International Federation of Interior Architects and Designers (IFI), made history as the first president of African descent. Invited to the board in 2012, she became president in 2020, holding the title as the longest-standing board member in IFI’s history. Titi’s impactful journey saw a focus on education, professionalism, and policy-making, starting from her regional dedication to eventually leading on the international stage. Her presidency not only brought recognition to the region but also led to the initiation of a crucial regional body for Africa.

Notably, during her tenure as IFI President, Titi Ogufere championed significant advancements in policy and education. She held the distinction of being both the youngest and the first person of African descent to hold the prestigious position, where one of her impactful contributions she co-chaired the revision of the IFI Interior Architecture/Design Education Policy alongside two renowned professors and a taskforce panel comprising 18 design professors from five continents. Her leadership ensured a comprehensive and inclusive approach in shaping the future of design education on a global scale.
she has been advocating to licence the Interior Architecture/ Design profession in Nigeria for 5 years.

A Champion of Design and Innovation

As a fervent advocate for African creativity, she led the Made by Design Series on Netflix, spotlighting African-inspired content across film, TV, and digital platforms. With multiple successful seasons and documentaries, she celebrates Africa’s artistic brilliance globally, aiming to elevate its diverse narratives and creative expressions internationally.

As a passionate champion, Titi fosters young creatives’ growth by funding prototypes, providing design education, and showcasing talents internationally. Her support extends beyond finances, connecting designers to the global community through trips, training, workshops, and mentorship programs.

Brands

Essential Interiors Magazine