SIDS Celebrates 30 Years of Elevating Interior Design in Singapore

This year marks a significant milestone for the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS) as it celebrates 30 years of advancing the interior design profession locally. Since its establishment in 1994, SIDS has been the cornerstone of advocacy and development for interior designers in Singapore.

To commemorate its 30th anniversary, SIDS has launched a multifaceted campaign aimed at celebrating interior design and its members, while expanding outreach to non-members and design schools. As Singapore’s leading professional body for the industry, SIDS is dedicated to promoting the highest levels of professionalism and integrity within the field. By nurturing and promoting excellent design, SIDS aims to shape the future of the industry and profession.

Achievements and Growth

Over the past three decades, SIDS has made substantial contributions to the interior design profession. The Society has played a pivotal role in gaining recognition for interior designers both locally and internationally through advocacy, continuous learning, and development opportunities. Collaborations with industry stakeholders, government agencies, educational institutions, and professional bodies have been key to its success. Notably, the Singapore Interior Design Accreditation Scheme (SIDAS), launched in 2021, has enhanced the credibility of the trade.

From a modest 108 members in 2018, SIDS now boasts a membership of 1,514 as of December 31, 2023. This growth includes 453 new members in the last two years, largely accredited under the SIDAS scheme.

Celebratory Activities

SIDS has announced an exciting lineup of activities to mark this milestone:

1. Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA) 2024
   • Now in its 8th edition, SIDA 2024 is an annual competition recognizing exceptional projects and practitioners globally. Submission entries are open until August 2, 2024, with winners announced in November. The jury panel includes prominent figures from the design, architecture, and hospitality sectors.
2. Singapore’s 30 Influential Spatial / Interior Designers Award
   • This new award celebrates 30 outstanding local professionals who have significantly influenced Singapore’s design landscape. Submissions are open until December 31, 2024, with winners announced in March 2025. The jury includes leaders from the DesignSingapore Council, City Developments Limited, Singapore Institute of Architects, and Singapore Polytechnic.
3. Inaugural SIDA Youth Excellence Award
   • A new bursary program for students enrolled in spatial design courses at local institutes, offering SGD 3,000 each to three students annually. This initiative aims to support and cultivate emerging talent, with submissions open until August 2, 2024, and winners announced in October 2024.
4. Singapore Interior Design Festival (SIDFest) 2024
   • Scheduled from September 23 to October 4, 2024, SIDFest will feature a series of events, workshops, exhibitions, and design installations. A highlight includes a trade mission trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian Society of Interior Designers and Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers.

Singapore Interior Designers Accreditation Scheme (SIDAS)

Launched in November 2021 with support from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, SIDAS is the first national accreditation scheme for the interior design community in Singapore. It aims to uplift the image and professionalism of interior designers through a rigorous qualification process and continuous professional development programs. The scheme ensures clients can trust the quality and expertise of accredited interior designers, thereby reducing dubious practices in the industry.