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The inaugural Design Beyond Walls (DBW) Summit 2026 has called for increased recognition of interior design and housekeeping as viable professional and entrepreneurial sectors in Plateau State, with industry experts urging practitioners to combine creativity, functionality and business knowledge to unlock opportunities in the industry.

Held at the Usiju World Event Centre in Jos, the summit brought together interior designers, hospitality professionals, business owners and emerging talents to explore opportunities within the industry under the theme, “The Art and Business of Interior Design in Housekeeping.”

Speaking at the event, the convener and Chief Executive Officer of Mettaworld Interiors, Nanmet Anthony, said the summit was established to bridge the gap between creative ideas and practical industry experience by creating a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development and networking.

She described Design Beyond Walls as the beginning of a movement to promote the importance of design in shaping everyday experiences, stressing that interior design goes beyond aesthetics to include functionality, comfort, creativity and business development.

According to her, the initiative seeks to connect established professionals with emerging talents while creating opportunities for collaboration and growth across the design, environment and hospitality sectors.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Usiju World Event Centre, Mrs Naomi Gadzama, highlighted the strong relationship between interior design and housekeeping, describing both as essential to creating and maintaining comfortable, functional and sustainable spaces.

She encouraged interior designers to strengthen their business management skills while calling for improved training, professional recognition and fair remuneration for housekeeping practitioners.

Gadzama noted that housekeeping plays a critical role in preserving the quality and vision of interior designs beyond their initial presentation.

In his presentation, the Managing Director of No Limits Furniture Limited, Mr Lawrence Ngene, described interior design as the strategic organisation and arrangement of spaces to support daily activities, enhance comfort and improve productivity.

He observed that the profession was gaining increased recognition in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, calling for greater awareness and appreciation of interior design in Jos and Plateau State.

He also encouraged young entrepreneurs to remain consistent, continuously improve their skills and invest in personal development to succeed in the industry.

The 2026 Touch Bearer of Design Beyond Walls, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, described interior design as an important contributor to improved living conditions, noting that well-designed spaces promote comfort, safety, peace of mind and healthier lifestyles.

He encouraged young people in Plateau State to explore the growing opportunities in the industry, describing it as an emerging business sector with significant untapped entrepreneurial potential.

Jatau explained that the increasing demand for personalised and unique interior spaces presents opportunities for young people to establish businesses, develop professional careers and create sustainable sources of income.

He further called for greater youth participation in the private sector, noting that the Plateau State Government, under Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, was encouraging entrepreneurship as part of efforts to build a private sector-driven economy.

He urged young people to look beyond government employment and take advantage of opportunities in business and enterprise development.

A major highlight of the summit was the official commissioning of the Design Beyond Walls Experience Space by Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau. The facility provides participants with an opportunity to experience the practical application of interior design concepts and creative innovations.

One of the participants, Wenge Juliet, expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained at the summit, saying the sessions had broadened her understanding of interior design and the business opportunities available within the industry.

She added that she was looking forward to applying the practical lessons and insights gained to her work, describing the experience as valuable to her professional growth and development.

The inaugural Design Beyond Walls Summit 2026 marks a significant step towards creating awareness, promoting professional excellence and exploring new opportunities within Plateau State’s interior design, hospitality and housekeeping industries.