British Institute of Interior Design

Membership Criteria for Designer

Minimum requirements for full Member are as follows:

• A full time interior design degree plus three years work experience

  Or

• A Level 5 interior design diploma plus five years work experience

  Or

• A minimum of six years work experience

Interview for full Membership is mandatory. Applicants who wish to apply for full 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 Insurance, 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 satisfactory 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 the following information to the meeting:

1. A minimum of one complete project including
• Working drawings, detailed drawings and, if available, visuals and sample or concept boards
• 'Before and after' photographs of selected spaces
2. Administrative files to show good professional practice, i.e. contracts, estimates, job file, etc
3. Photographs of three other projects to show diversity and style
4. An example of a contract with a client
5. Publicity material on the applicant's practice, including business cards, letterheads etc, if available

The Membership Interview Panel will make the final decision on which category would be the most appropriate for the applicant.

2011/2012 Subscription Rate

£405 + VAT (£486)

Application Fee

£50 + VAT (£60)

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 Application Form
• 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 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, lectures and regional events
• Regular up-dates via our E-Newsletter on Institute activities and industry news
• Access to the Members' Area on the website: 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 the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) 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.