Membership Criteria for Design Practice
Design Practice membership is a simple and affordable scheme that will enable all the employees in your practice to be affiliated with the BIID, take advantage of Continued Professional Development (CPD) seminars and receive industry updates.
The Principal Designer must complete the application form and meet the following requirements:
A full time interior design degree plus three years work experience
Or
A full-time interior design diploma plus five years work experience
Or
A minimum of six years work experience
Interview for membership is mandatory. The Membership Panel may, at the discretion of the Institute, also visit the premises of the applicant. Applicants who wish to apply for Design Practice membership should ensure they provide, with their application form, a client list and a list of projects undertaken over the previous 24 month period, a detailed curriculum vitae and copies of current professional insurance certificates (Professional Indemnity, Public, Product and Employers' Liability). Two copies of a passport-sized portrait photograph and a completed direct debit mandate should also be included.
The Interview
Upon receipt of the application, the Institute will contact the chosen referees. Once replies have been received, the applicant will be given a proposed interview date.
The interview will consist of a discussion about current or recent projects and explore the applicant's depth of knowledge about regulations, working practices and the design process.
All applicants are requested to bring as much as possible of the following information to the meeting:
- A minimum of one complete project including
- Technical drawings, detailed drawings and, if available, visuals and sample or concept boards
- 'Before and after' photographs of selected spaces
- Your or your employer's supporting documents to show good professional practice, i.e. correspondence, estimates, orders, schedule of works, schedule of FF&E, invoice to a client, sample planning permission application etc.
- An example your or your employer's letter of appointment and or contract with a client.
- Photographs of three other projects to show diversity and style
- An example of a contract with a client
- Publicity material on the applicant's practice, including business cards, letterheads etc.
The Membership Interview Panel will make the final decision on which category would be the most appropriate for the applicant.
2011/2012 Subscription Rates
| Amount | VAT | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Practice | Band 1 (1-3 Staff) | £550.00 | £110.00 | £660.00 |
| Design Practice | Band 2 (4-8 Staff) | £750.00 | £150.00 | £900.00 |
| Design Practice | Band 3 (9-15 Staff) | £1000.00 | £200.00 | £1200.00 |
| Design Practice | Band 4 (16-20 Staff) | £1500.00 | £300.00 | £1800.00 |
| Design Practice | Band 5 (20 + Staff) | £2000.00 | £400.00 | £2400.00 |
| Application Fee | £50.00 | £10.00 | £60.00 |
The non-refundable Application Fee is to be submitted with your application
- VAT is not payable by organisations based outside the UK
- Rates for part of a year are calculated monthly on a pro-rata basis
- The application fee is a one off payment that covers the cost of administration
- Payment of your subscription is not due until you are elected to membership
- Membership fees are invoiced on an annual basis. Our financial year runs from 1st April to 31st March
Download and complete
- Designer Practice Application Form
- Interview Guidance Information
- Declaration Form
- Direct Debit Mandate
Benefits of membership
Why Join?
- Be part of an established, highly respected and professional body
- The British Institute of Interior Design is the only body for interior design to be called an Institute as granted by the Secretary of State in 2009.
Membership provides numerous benefits, no matter what stage you are at in your career or where you are based in the world. These include:
Marketing
- Permission to use the well recognised Logo on all marketing materials
- Your Design Practice profile on our website, where clients search for interior design professionals and the press for designer contacts and ideas. It is also the main search tool used by interior designers looking for products and services
- Spin-off media and frequent editorial opportunities
- The chance to 'market' your service through the 'referrals' post
Professional Development
- Opportunity to network and collaborate with other designers and suppliers
- Endless possibilities to learn more through a wide and varied range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars, events and lectures
- Regular up-dates via our E-Newsletter on Institute activities and industry news
- Access to the Members' Area on the website: benefits, news, diary listings, staff vacancies and referrals for potential jobs are frequently posted
Legal
- Support and advice on many issues (e.g. legal and insurance) from an authoritative body
- BIID/RIBA Publications on Contracts
Discounts
- Trade Account Discounts with various Industry Partners
- Dual Membership with selected International Interior Design Associations at a discounted rate
- Complimentary industry/fair tickets and discounts on trade magazines, hotel/restaurant, the Design Club, Chelsea Harbour, ACID and several other money-savers.
Need help?
Telephone us on 020 7349 0800, email info@BIID.org.uk or visit www.BIID.org.uk. A member of the team will swiftly take you through the process.