Shashi Caan looks forward to the day when interior designers get more respect around the world.

Shashi, the president-elect of the International Federation of Interior Designers/Architects (IFI), hopes her organization can help establish the “intrinsic value and relevance” of the design profession.

“In every nation, there is a question of how seriously interior design is taken by the public,” said Shashi, who’s organization represents  70 member groups and 65,000 interior design professionals in 45 countries. “Too often design is confused with architecture and decorating.”

I spoke with her recently in preparation for my presentation next week at IFI’s World Interior Design Congress in Dubai, U.A.E.

I present a program entitled “Supersize Your Success! 8 Steps to Peak Profits in Challenging Economic Times” on Monday, than serve as emcee at the event for the next two days.

Shashi pointed out how the economic slowdown continues to take its toll on design professionals the world over.

“Designers in many countries are hard-pressed to sustain their business,” said Shashi, a design professional for more than 20 years and the former chair of the interior design program at Parsons.