Conclusion

Many practitioners feel that at present, there is great variance in the quality of interior designers in Hong Kong. This survey reveals that there are many different types of interior design education programs in Hong Kong, yielding graduates with different types of training and levels of academic qualifications. Among practitioners, we find that 27% only has secondary school education, 23% has bachelor’s degree while 51% has diploma, higher diploma, certificate or associate degree. This shows that there is a wide discrepancy in the academic qualifications of interior design practitioners. As one of our focus group participants commented, “The barrier of entry to interior design is low, yet the industry requires a high level of professionalism.”

Indeed, as society develops, the job requirements of interior designers become ever more complex. Our survey indicates that Hong Kong interior designers are engaged in many different kinds of projects including private residential, commercial, offices, hospitality, food and beverage, public facilities and exhibition, which involve a wide variety of skills and knowledge. Practitioners must continually upgrade themselves in order to meet the ever more stringent demands of the market.

Throughout the world, it is apparent that professionalisation of the interior design industry is a growing trend. Many countries including the United States, Germany, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia have passed legislation regulating the interior design profession, and in some of these countries practitioners have to pass examinations before being able to practice. These and other countries have also taken steps to codify the body of knowledge of interior design and have incorporated it into interior design curriculum.

According to our industry survey, most practitioners agree that the standards of the Hong Kong interior design industry needs to be enhanced if it were to remain competitive, particularly in Mainland China which represents a sizable market for Hong Kong interior designers. China itself has already taken steps to regulate the interior design industry, and have in place a multi-tiered system for distinguishing interior design companies according to the company’s scale and staff expertise.

As yet, there is no general consensus on ways to improve the Hong Kong interior design industry. Our industry survey reveals that only 53% of practitioners (including both employees and employers) find it somewhat necessary or very necessary to establish is registration system in Hong Kong. Practitioners are equally sceptical of continuing education as the means to raise professional standards. Most people (58%) claim the long work hours typical of the industry as the main deterrent to seeking continuing education, while 30% claim that the interior design courses offered on the market are too expensive. Other suggestions include promoting the industry through the media and other means, as well as seeking greater assistance from the government.