Nepal’s Interior Design Industry Booms Amid Construction Surge
7th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a flourishing development for Nepal’s creative economy, the demand for interior designers has seen a remarkable surge, driven by a booming construction sector and a growing appetite for sophisticated aesthetics in residential and commercial spaces.
Nepal Interior Design demand
Industry experts and professional associations report that this growth has transformed interior design into a highly lucrative career, attracting a new generation of skilled professionals.
According to Shyam Bahadur Shrestha, President of the Interior Designers Association (IDEA), the profession is now a significant source of high-income employment.
He states that experienced interior designers in Nepal can command monthly earnings of up to Rs 500,000, while even new graduates can expect to earn around Rs 200,000 per month.
This impressive earning potential has made the profession a magnet for talent, with approximately 3,000 graduates already working in the field.
Many of these professionals have gained valuable experience from international institutions in India, Singapore, and China, while a growing number are graduating from local universities affiliated with institutions like Purbanchal University.
A Thriving Ecosystem of Design Professionals
The data from IDEA paints a picture of a healthy and expanding professional landscape. Roughly 80 percent of interior design graduates are actively employed in their field, a testament to the strong market demand.
Of these, around 150 graduates have successfully established their own design firms, while the rest are contributing to the industry by working with established engineering and architectural companies.
The steady growth is propelled by demand from a diverse range of clients, including new hotels and hospitality venues, commercial buildings, government offices, cafes, and private households seeking to enhance their living spaces.
Despite the influx of foreign chain hotels that often bring their own international design teams, there is a strong push to promote local talent.
Former IDEA President Sanu Raja Shilpakar believes that providing more opportunities to Nepali designers could have a dual benefit.
He emphasizes that local professionals can effectively utilize indigenous raw materials such as wood, bamboo, and stone, which not only showcases and promotes Nepali craftsmanship but also makes a significant contribution to the national economy.
The Push for Professional Recognition
While the economic prospects for interior designers are bright, the profession faces a key challenge: the lack of formal government recognition.
This status, if granted, would elevate interior design to a professional discipline on par with engineering, making it easier to regulate, standardize, and advance the field.
At its recent 22nd Annual General Meeting, IDEA members reiterated their call for state recognition, which would help secure the profession’s future and provide a clearer path for its growth.
President Shyam Bahadur Shrestha confirmed that the association is in ongoing discussions with government agencies to achieve this critical milestone.
In the interim, the Interior Designers Association continues its efforts to professionalize the sector. The organization holds annual award ceremonies to recognize and celebrate the talent within its ranks, with accolades such as the Professional Designer Award, Innovative Designer Award, and Sustainable Designer Award.
These initiatives not only boost morale but also help to set a standard of excellence for the industry. The meeting also saw the election of a new IDEA executive committee, underscoring the association’s commitment to strong leadership.
The new committee, led by President Shyam Bahadur Shrestha, includes Sushil Siwakoti (Vice President), Ritesh Shrestha (General Secretary), and others, signaling a concerted effort to guide the industry through its next phase of growth.
The rising demand for interior designers in Nepal is a clear indicator of the country’s evolving economic and social landscape. As construction projects multiply and living standards rise, the need for skilled professionals who can blend functionality with aesthetics will only continue to grow, solidifying interior design as a respected and rewarding career path in the country.
For more: Nepal Interior Design demand
