10 hours ago
Inside Titi Ogufere's bold mission to redefine African design
From the moment you step into Titi Ogufere's orbit, one thing becomes clear — she's not just a designer but a visionary.
The Lagos-based trailblazer is the founder of Design Week Lagos and the first African president of the International Federation of Interior Architects and Designers. Her work is more than creative — it's anchored in purpose and driven by her belief that design can be a powerful tool for societal change.
'We (Africans) have a strong cultural identity, and I think we haven't really been able to show that to the world,' Ogufere tells CNN.
'I see design as a tool for economic and societal transformation. My vision is to see African products in stores around the world.'
Ogufere is not just dreaming — she's doing. From her bustling home office in Lagos she oversees Essential Media Group. This creative enterprise includes 'Essential Interiors Magazine,' the Neflix show 'Made by Design' and the Design Week Lagos event, all forming part of a growing ecosystem dedicated to African design.
'Africa is ripe for an industrial revolution with new authentic designs that the world hasn't seen,' she explains. 'With our local craftsmanship … and being able to create with technology, I feel like it's important to begin to use our local raw materials to create products and create pieces that we can use locally and export.'
When Ogufere began her career, interior design was barely recognized in Nigeria. 'At the time I started, it was new,' she recalls. 'I had to go away to school in Dublin (Ireland) to get certified.'
Her return to Nigeria in 2006 found a market craving Western aesthetics. 'Clients wanted Italian-style homes,' she says. 'But I knew African design could offer just as much elegance and depth, if not more.'
Ogufere founded the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria in 2007, and has since released 27 design publications and books, including 'Vernacular Design,' and 'This is Africa.' Most recently, she debuted the Design and Innovation Hub of Nigeria that connects designers, artisans, and manufacturers.
'It's a whole ecosystem for interiors and product invention,' she says. 'We need a manufacturing hub to create original African products for the world.'
In her role as design curator at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba History and Culture in Lagos, Ogufere is embracing tradition while propelling innovation. Walking through the museum she points out intricately carved traditional doorposts, and looms, marveling at their craftsmanship and relevance
'We have the materials here in Africa,' she says. 'But we need technology. We need thinkers to reimagine and develop these traditional crafts for today.'
Ogufere is actively making a difference. In April, she hosted a pop-up shop during the Lagos Homecoming Festival, an annual cultural exchange event that brings together artists, designers, and creatives across Africa. Her pop-up shop featured handcrafted steel furniture, hand-dyed textiles, and locally quarried marble pieces; all proudly made in Nigeria.
'We had a lot of international interest, especially from America,' she said at the event. 'Now we're developing an online store to give these products a global platform.'
For Ogufere, every piece of design is a story waiting to be told.
'I love any design that involves storytelling,' she says. 'It's not just about deep pockets. I want to create something meaningful — something my clients can be proud of.'
Whether it's a centuries-old stool from Ekiti State or a locally woven fabric lampshade, Ogufere believes interiors can speak volumes about African identity, innovation, and pride.
'We need to rethink what African design is,' she adds. 'It's not just Dutch wax or a specific look. Africa is diverse, and there are so many untold stories through material, craft, and design.'
From shaping museum spaces to mentoring young designers, Ogufere is building more than beautiful rooms — she's building a movement. And she's just getting started.
'We've done a lot to educate the public, but we need to do more,' she says. 'I believe African design deserves a seat at the global table.'
