Titi Ogufere is a formidable figure in contemporary African design. Her journey, marked by significant contributions to local and international design communities, has established her as a thought leader, advocate, and influencer. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Titi serves as the CEO of Essential Media Group (EMG), a conglomerate that has redefined African design through its ventures in media, events, and education.
Championing African Design
With an unwavering dedication to showcasing African creativity, Titi founded Essential Interiors Magazine, a leading publication that has become a staple in the design industry across Africa. The magazine, translated into English, French, and Portuguese, reflects her commitment to celebrating African design on a global scale. Beyond publishing, EMG has expanded its influence by organizing design festivals, exhibitions, and conferences, thus creating platforms for African designers to shine.
Pioneering Interior Design in Nigeria
Titi’s leadership extends beyond media. In 2006, she founded the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria, which has since grown to play a pivotal role in the country’s design landscape. Her efforts were instrumental in establishing the first health and safety laws for interiors in Nigeria and developing an interior design curriculum at the University of Lagos. Under her leadership, Nigeria also became the first African nation to sign the IFI declaration, marking a significant milestone in interior design on the continent.
Global Influence and Leadership
Titi’s influence transcends Africa. In 2020, she became the first president of African descent for the International Federation of Interior Architects and Designers (IFI), making history as both the youngest and longest-standing board member. Her tenure focused on advancing policy and education, particularly in shaping the future of design education globally. She also championed the unification of African interior design professionals, leading to the formation of the African Council of Interior Architects/Designers.
Empowering Young Creatives
Titi’s passion for design extends to nurturing the next generation of African creatives. Through her initiatives, she provides financial support, mentorship, and international exposure to young designers, helping them navigate and succeed in the global design industry. Her efforts are a testament to her vision of fostering a thriving community of African design talent.
A Vision for Africa on the Global Stage
As the founder of Design Week Lagos, Titi has turned the city into a hub for design innovation, celebrating local talent and drawing international attention to Nigerian design. The festival’s success reflects her broader mission of positioning Africa as a global design leader. Through projects like the Made by Design series on Netflix and documentaries celebrating African art and culture, Titi continues to amplify African voices on a worldwide stage.
Titi Ogufere’s work exemplifies the power of design to drive societal change and economic growth. Through her leadership, advocacy, and passion for African creativity, she is not only transforming the design industry in Nigeria but also elevating African design to its rightful place on the global stage.
Advocating for Design as a Catalyst for Societal Impact
Titi Ogufere’s contributions go beyond aesthetics and creativity; she views design as a powerful tool for societal transformation. Her leadership in organizing the African Culture and Design Festival in Lagos, where 110 nations gathered, underscored her belief that design has the potential to shape not just communities but entire economies. This event, backed by the Lagos State Government, showcased African culture and design on a grand scale, reinforcing the idea that design can be a driving force in Africa’s development.
In addition to her advocacy for African creativity, Titi has been a staunch proponent of creating safety and professionalism standards in the interior design industry. Her long-term efforts to advocate for the licensing of the interior architecture and design profession in Nigeria reflect her commitment to elevating the standards of practice. This has ensured that interior designers in Nigeria are recognized for their contributions and operate within a framework that ensures safety and excellence in their work.
An Advocate for Design Education
Education has always been at the core of Titi’s mission. During her presidency at IFI, she played a pivotal role in revising the Interior Architecture/Design Education Policy on a global level. By working alongside a task force panel of professors from five continents, she ensured that the policy was inclusive, forward-thinking, and reflective of the changing needs of the design industry. This policy revision serves as a foundation for the next generation of designers, preparing them to excel in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world.
Her impact on education is also evident in her role in the development of an interior design curriculum at the University of Lagos. By collaborating with academic institutions, Titi has ensured that future designers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a highly competitive field.
Promoting African Design Through Media
Titi’s media ventures have played a critical role in promoting African design on a global platform. The success of the Made by Design series on Netflix, now in its third season, has introduced millions of viewers worldwide to the brilliance of African-inspired design. Through this series, Titi has not only showcased the work of talented African designers but also highlighted the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit that define the continent’s design narrative.
Documentaries like Mama Nike: Queen of Adire and Nsibidi: The Art of Victor Ekpuk further exemplify her commitment to documenting and celebrating African art. These projects allow audiences to experience the stories behind the art, offering a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of African design.
A Lasting Legacy
Titi Ogufere’s vision and tireless advocacy have left an indelible mark on the design world. Her work as a thinker, creator, and advocate has redefined how African design is perceived and valued globally. By creating opportunities for emerging designers, influencing policy, and elevating African design to the global stage, she has ensured that her legacy will endure for generations to come.
Titi’s journey serves as an inspiration to designers, creators, and entrepreneurs, not only in Africa but around the world. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of vision, dedication, and a deep belief in the potential of design to change lives and communities. As she continues to lead, inspire, and innovate, Titi Ogufere remains at the forefront of a global movement to celebrate the richness and diversity of African design.
