British Institute of Interior Design

In conjunction with World Interiors Day, organised by the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI), the BIID recently completed its 3rd Annual Student Mentoring Programme. Nearly 40 students participated this year with placements across the UK and abroad. Students participating undertook a wide variety of tasks such as space planning, sourcing products, checking prices, assisting with CAD and hand drawings, attending site visits and updating reference libraries, all of which enabled them to experience the day to day work of being an interior designer. BIID members based in the UK, Australia and Qatar have also undertaken email mentoring, giving students a unique insight into international interior design practice. Here is a sample of some of the feedback we received:

“I completed my mentoring placement with Rosemary Hamilton and I just wanted to say that I had a fantastic 2 days.  Rosemary was lovely and very informative and I just wanted to thank you for organising this event as it has been an invaluable experience.”

Amanda McCorkell, student

“The students who come to our company on the Student Mentoring Programme are always genuinely enthusiastic about our work.  We encourage the students to take with them as much information as possible, including trade publications, details of suppliers and specialist products, so that they can digest the information at their leisure.”

Georgina Hoyle, BIID, Redbridge Interiors

“During my 2 day placement with Caz Myers she kindly lined up a variety of meetings so that we had a busy schedule to maximize our time. We went sofa and flooring sourcing with one of her clients and subsequently visited the clients property with a supplier to measure up for the flooring that was selected. I helped Caz to prepare a cost comparison document for some kitchen appliances which was a great exercise and then she talked me through one of her projects start to finish, including her standard business procedures. I found the experience utterly brilliant and wanted to thank the BIID and Caz for such an amazing opportunity. I really appreciated Caz making the time for me in her busy schedule and it was a real privilege to spend some time with such a talented and inspiring person. It also confirmed to me that I am taking the right path in terms of my career choice and I am very excited about the future.”

Emma Diffey, student

“I really enjoyed the mentoring experience.   It is always good to help the younger generation along. Nicola Chesham was marvellous - what a bright spark! She is definitely one to watch.”

Genny Henderson, BIID, The Room Company

"The student mentoring week organised by BIID was hugely anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed. I spent my day with Beverley Barnett who spent the day answering my thousand questions and took me along on all her meetings of the day. This work experience gave me a vital insight into the amount of administration and project management which goes on in the daily life of an interior designer. I learnt that organisational and people skills are as important as the creative side of things. The day gave me valuable insight into the activities we can't possibly learn on an Open-Learning Diploma and which made me all the more determined to succeed."

Stephanie Baker, student

“We are really committed to taking students at Tessuto. After 18 years in our wonderful, complex, fast changing industry it is so important to give something back to those who are keen to enter the profession. Society is just beginning to wake up to the impact that the built environment has on all of us. Interior designers will spearhead this force for change, and it is essential that we nurture and encourage talented and passionate individuals who wish to join us.”

Susie Rumbold, BIID, Tessuto

"I was offered a five day placement with Taylor Howes Designs and I remember how delighted I was to hear the news. During these five days spent there I was very pleased to meet the two founders of the company, Gail Taylor and Karen Howes, both very friendly and generous in giving me the opportunity to work with their team of devoted designers. I spent my time working with a wide range of samples, sourcing materials, drawing sketches and printing out specifications for clients. They were in the middle of an important project and I could see what it is the routine of work in a design company. I also could gather new suppliers and retailers. It was a unique and enriching experience which helps students studying interior design having a first contact with their future profession. "

Laura Dragoi, student

“We regularly take on work experience at Taylor Howes as it gives us an insight into new talent and as it keeps us closely connected with the student body. We are therefore very happy that the BIID has established the Student Mentoring Programme.  It enables us to get exposed to fresh energy - which is very important - and to see what direction education takes in the field of interior design.”

Sandra Dreschler, BIID, Taylor Howes

We would like to thank the following members for their participation in the Student Mentoring Programme:

Annie Stevens, At Home Interior Design, Bevery Barnett, Blanchard, Blanchard Dubai, Caz Myers Design, Christina Fallah Designs, Di Henshall, Eduardo Cardenes, Falchi Interiors Ltd, Fox Linton, Heidi Larson Design, Koubou Interiors, Margaret Sheridan, Oakeve, Overbury Interiors, Porous Designs, Redbridge Interiors Ltd, Rosemary Hamilton, Simon Hamilton Associates, Spacetherapy Design, Spencer-Churchill Designs, Taylor Howes, Tessuto, The Room Company, Veere Grenney Associates, Vicky Bordewich