British Institute of Interior Design

The BIID is proud to both be owned and governed by its members. Our many committees, consisting of volunteering members, are always working hard to create the best BIID possible. Simon Hamilton, Director of the International Committee, is guest blogging for us to give an insight into the current activities of the committee:

"For some time there has been mystery surrounding what the International Committee actually do. We'd like to let you know we are constantly developing relationships and creating new connections for BIID interior designers abroad. Just like so many BIID members we are all hardworking designers with our own practices. We volunteer our time to spread the knowledge and experience we have beyond UK shores.

"The International Committee for 2011 members are Adrienne Chinn, Eduardo Cardenes, Lynne Hunt, Matteo Bianchi, Noriko Sawayama, Orna O'Reilly and Simon Hamilton. With such diversity, several cultures and languages are represented including Irish, English, Japanese, Spanish, Canadian and Italian. We are always open to more members being involved, as we simply cannot cover the globe with seven people.

"Whether it's visiting the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, Maison et Objet in Paris, The Interior Design Show in Toronto, Neocon in Chicago, or 100% Design in Tokyo, we are very keen to make sure we spend the time to benefit the BIID members. We continually have the chance to meet with the local design community and network creating strong foundations for business.

"Please take this as a chance to have your say about what we should do for you. BIID members have recently been on a panel discussion speaking to a distinguished audience about British Design in Russia. We have also been invited by several suppliers on factory tours in Italy, exclusive guided walks of historical buildings and local markets in Morocco and exhibiting at the most prestigious interiors show in Canada's thriving design centre, Toronto.

"We have had success in the past with missions to Tokyo in 2009 and Chicago in 2010. We aim to help give the Institute a global position. As there are so many unexplored markets we felt it was time to find out what the membership really wants. Where in the world do you already work or would like to have new clients? We have an enormous number of contacts which are increasing monthly.

"We offer our newest International members the warmest of welcomes and we can proudly say that the International Membership includes the following countries: Australia, Japan, Belgium, Lebanon, Bermuda, Qatar, Canada, Russia, France, Saudi Arabia, Germany, South Africa, Hong Kong, Switzerland, India, Turkey, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Ireland and the United States.

"As the UKTI continue to provide invaluable financial and advisory support to BIID members, we are well equipped to literally take on the world! The countries where we have been speaking to are Italy, Morocco, India, Japan, Russia, China, Spain and Canada. I would sincerely like to know how you as a member of BIID feel about our international relations.

"Let us know where should the BIID be making the most effort to create opportunities if you have a desire to seriously explore a market abroad.

"I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Simon Hamilton
BIID International Director"

International Update:

INDIA

With a strong historical and cultural relationship between the UK and India there has never been a better time to be part of this emerging market. India is a vast country with a wealth of craftmanship and local skills. Following an invitation from the Institute of Indian Interior Design (IIID) Simon Hamilton spoke at the International Design Seminar in New Delhi last month. British design is greatly respected and seriously in demand. The British Council are organising a Design Education Seminar taking place in February 2012, so we are proposing a trip to coincide with this major event. This would include visits to suppliers, cultural tours and design seminars. If you think this is a market you would like to be part of then please contact the BIID office who will direct your interest to Simon Hamilton.

MIDDLE EAST

Lynne Hunt London are currently working in Aqaba, Jordan on a couple of projects for Ayla. We have put together schemes for The Grand Hyatt in Aqaba and also luxury Ayla Island Marina Apartments. The Island Marina apartments will offer luxury living to this inspirational development on the Aqaba coast on the Red Sea which will become an Arabian Venice.

ITALY: Expocasa, Turin

Set in the vibrant and underground city of Turin, Expocasa is growing each year for being a more approachable and understated furniture fair - espcially compared to Milan. Set within the former FIAT headquarter (called "Lingotto"), Expocasa is based on the university area of Turin, a city which has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. Becoming a very cool city as opposed to the typically pictured foggy, conservative boring former Italian capital. To name a few, the following international brands are based around the area - Alessi, Giugiaro, Poninfarina, Lavazza and Kinder-Ferrero (read Nutella and Ferrero Rocher).To give you another flavour of the city, the fair is close to one of most revolutionary places which is setting a new concept in the world industry, we sell what we cook, we cook what we sell. They just opened a branch in New York. Back to the point, the next exhibition is on 3rd-11th March 2012

CANADA:The Interior Design Show

The Interior Design Show is an annual event which takes place in the design city of Canada, Toronto. The event is well respected all over Canada and even pulls visitors from Chicago, New York as well as Europe. With support form the UKTI, the BIID have been invited to participate in this high end event in January 2012, which could serve as a conduit to Canada's very healthy residential property market.

MOROCCO: Trade Mission

BIID designer Adrienne Chinn, a frequent visitor to Morocco, is researching a potential 3-day Trade Mission with the UKTI in Casablanca to meet with key design decision-makers including property developers, hoteliers and members of government. A good understanding of French would be recommended for these meetings. Please contact Adrienne if you are interested in participating.