Nigeria’s interior design industry is steadily evolving, driven not only by changing architectural trends but also by professionals committed to developing the next generation of designers. Among them is interior architect and educator, Precious Zephyr Moses, whose work is helping reshape interior design education through practical training, professional mentorship and internationally aligned programmes.
Since beginning her career in the built environment in 2017, Moses has built experience across architectural firms and independent design projects. While she remains active in professional practice, her greatest impact has come through education, creating structured pathways for aspiring interior designers to acquire industry-relevant skills.
That vision gave birth to the Zephyr Interior Design Academy (ZIDA), established in 2020 and incorporated as Zephyr Interior Design Academy Limited in July 2021. The academy was founded to address a gap Moses personally encountered when she was unable to study interior design in Nigeria and instead pursued architecture.
Rather than allowing that experience to define her career, she set out to create an institution where future designers could receive specialised training without facing the same limitations.
Today, ZIDA has emerged as one of Nigeria’s dedicated institutions for practical interior design education.
Operating training centres in Abuja and Port Harcourt, the academy offers more than 10 specialised programmes developed around international best practices while responding to the needs of Nigeria’s expanding design industry.
A major milestone came with the academy’s approval by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to operate as a Skill Training Centre under Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative. Students also receive certification through the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), giving graduates nationally recognised vocational qualifications.
The academy has also secured accreditation from the American Council on Training and Development (ACTD), while registration with the International Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) is in progress as part of efforts to strengthen its international standing.
Beyond technical training, ZIDA seeks to introduce students to the wider professional community. Every full-time student is enrolled as a Student Member of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), enabling them to begin building professional networks while still in training.
Graduates also have an opportunity to continue their academic development through a collaboration with Obafemi Awolowo University, where qualified students can progress to a Master’s degree in Interior Design.
For Moses, education is closely linked to social impact.
Through the Lumiscape Charity Foundation x ZIDA Empowerment Initiative, the academy is currently providing professional interior design training for 40 single mothers. The programme includes fully funded scholarships for selected participants and tuition support for others, expanding opportunities for individuals who might otherwise be unable to pursue careers in the profession.
The academy has also partnered with organisations including BAFFI Furniture, C.Ceramica and The Wood Factory to deliver scholarship workshops and provide students with practical industry exposure. In addition, each workshop incorporates free virtual learning sessions, extending access to participants beyond the physical classroom.
Alongside her educational work, Moses serves as Lead Designer at Zephyr Interior Architects (ZIA), overseeing residential and commercial interior design projects while remaining actively involved in professional practice.
Her influence within the industry continues to grow. She currently serves as Public Relations Officer of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), FCT Chapter, where she advocates for professional development and contributes to discussions on sustainable interior design and the use of locally sourced materials.
She has also shared her expertise as a panellist at the Nigerian Institute of Architects Young Architects Forum and was recently appointed a Visiting Lecturer on the Executive Master’s programme in Interior Design at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she contributes to postgraduate training.
Her professional experience has further seen her provide an interior designer’s perspective on a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) project in Abuja, reflecting the increasing recognition of interior design as an important component of human-centred development.
Looking ahead, Moses plans to expand ZIDA’s Port Harcourt training centre, introduce additional student intakes, broaden the academy’s portfolio of NBTE-approved programmes and complete ongoing international accreditation processes.
She also intends to grow the academy’s ZIDA Travel Series, an initiative designed to expose Nigerian designers to global design trends through visits to major international exhibitions. Following a successful interior design excursion and sourcing tour to China, future editions are expected to include participation in leading European events such as Salone del Mobile in Milan.
As she prepares to officially launch her personal brand, Precious Zephyr Moses is emerging as one of the professionals helping redefine the future of interior design education in Nigeria.
By combining education, professional practice, mentorship, international collaboration and community empowerment, she is contributing to a growing ecosystem that is equipping the next generation of Nigerian interior designers with the skills and opportunities needed to compete on the global stage.
