“2025 New Year Gathering Gala” Welcomes Nearly 200 Architects, Designers, and Industry Businesses
Looking Back on 2024 & Setting Future Directions
In his opening remarks, Architect Lê Trương – Chairman of the Vietnam Interior Association – emphasized that 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Vietnamese interior design industry. Throughout the year, the Association progressively affirmed its role through a series of professional activities across the three regions of North, Central, and South Vietnam, all centered around in-depth interior design topics. These events not only provided members with opportunities to network and showcase their expertise but also served as open forums for sharing experiences and addressing challenges in business operations.
In addition, the Association co-organized several key industry events, marking a major step forward with its official establishment and launch. Notably, in the near future, the Association is planning to introduce the Economic and Financial Committee – a pivotal unit that will help shape strategic direction and ensure sustainable growth for the organization.
Chairman Lê Trương also reflected on the achievements of the past year while acknowledging the existing difficulties that still need to be addressed. The opportunities and challenges faced by the interior industry in 2024 call for the collective effort and commitment of all members moving forward.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arch. Vũ Hồng Cương presented the Vietnam Interior Association’s 2025 strategic direction, focusing on organization, finance, communications, and international cooperation.
In light of ongoing urbanization, global integration, and administrative restructuring, the architecture and interior design sectors are facing both significant opportunities and challenges, requiring flexible innovation. He further emphasized that Vietnam is entering a transformative era marked by institutional reform, economic development, advancements in science and technology, and digital transformation—demanding that the interior design industry adapt quickly and pursue sustainable growth.
In-depth Seminar: “The Central Role of Interior Design in Construction Projects”
One of the highlights of the 2025 New Year Gathering Gala was the in-depth seminar titled “The Central Role of Interior Design in Construction Projects.” This session provided an opportunity to clearly identify current realities, affirm the position of the interior design industry, and explore solutions for its role in both public and private investment projects in Vietnam.
The seminar brought together reputable experts in architecture and interior design, offering diverse perspectives on the current situation, challenges, and development solutions for the industry.
At the seminar, Architect Lê Trương – CEO of TT-As Architectural Consulting and Construction Company, and Chairman of the Vietnam Interior Association – shared his experiences and insights on the state of the interior design sector amid the current economic, political, and social context as follows:“The present moment is a golden opportunity for Vietnam’s architecture and construction industry. However, the interior design sector has yet to be officially recognized in government documents, both in terms of scope and design fees. This issue requires clear policies and concrete actions, supported by seminars and studies of experiences from regional and global counterparts. Compiling these lessons into a comprehensive document will help define the value and scope of the interior design industry. From there, we can develop a plan to engage with government agencies to promote official recognition of the interior design sector.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arch. Vũ Hồng Cương – Head of the Interior Design Department at Hanoi Architectural University and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Interior Association – emphasized the core role of interior design in construction projects. He shared: “Vietnam has only truly entered a period of peace a few decades ago. During wartime, people simply sought shelter, and interior design was merely a temporary arrangement. As we entered the renovation era, although awareness of living spaces changed, the mindset that ‘a house is just a place to live’ still dominated, causing interior design to be overlooked. People focused more on grand architecture rather than the value of interiors, which were often seen as secondary and dependent on economic conditions, trailing behind architecture.
However, amid continuous economic development, we are gradually shifting attention toward interior design as a significant destination. In my view, the quality of a building is determined not only by its architecture but also by its interior design. It is time to change our perception: when we talk about housing, we cannot ignore interior design. Before management agencies take official actions regarding the interior design sector, professionals themselves must affirm its central role and value. This is not just a trend but an inevitable step toward gaining rightful recognition for the importance of interior design.”
Besides the speakers’ presentations, the seminar welcomed contributions and feedback from members of the Vietnam Interior Association.
Architect Đoàn Phương – CEO of DPLUS Vietnam Interior Design Company – expressed the desire for specific regulations and guidelines to standardize workflows within the interior design industry. He also hoped for strong professional support from the Association to help businesses operate stably and grow robustly without being hindered by external factors.
Architect Trần Đức Toàn – CEO of VNCC – shared his views on the challenges the Vietnam Interior Association faces as a relatively young organization. He emphasized the necessity of establishing a dedicated financial committee to ensure efficient and transparent resource management, meeting the expectations of its members. Additionally, he proposed developing a set of standards and a solid foundation for the Association to protect members’ rights and promote the sustainable development of Vietnam’s interior design industry.
Exhibition: “Building Contemporary Vietnamese Interior Style”
Running alongside the seminar was the exhibition “Blooming Underconstruction,” designed by Architect Đoàn Phương, featuring a display of outstanding projects and notable interior design products.
The exhibition title “Blooming Underconstruction” reflects the intersection of two seemingly opposing concepts. “Blooming” symbolizes life, growth, beauty, and hope, while “Underconstruction” evokes movement, change, incompleteness, and sometimes even chaos.
This combination conveys a powerful message: even amid ongoing change and unfinished construction, life and beauty can still flourish. The exhibition evokes the image of a construction site, where concrete blocks, scaffolding, and rough structures are not just symbols of transformation but also embody new vitality rising with hope and potential.
The event left a lasting impression, serving not only as a platform for knowledge sharing but also as an important networking forum that drives the strong development of Vietnam’s interior design industry.