British Institute of Interior Design

September is one of the busiest months of the year for UK interior design and September 2011 did not disappoint. The BIID was pleased to provide two vibrant sessions at 100% Design. Shashi Caan, President of the International Federation of Interior Architects and Designers (IFI) kicked off the BIID sponsored talks and captivated a packed audience with her lecture called ‘Re-thinking Design and Interiors'. The lecture was based on her new book with the same title and Shashi presented a holistic view of what interior design should be and the challenges designers face in our ever-changing world. Shashi's talk was followed by the BIID discussion panel ‘The Future of Design'. BIID' Education Director, Sue Timney, chaired the discussion which explored key-drivers in the design world, including technology, legislation, sustainability and education. Sue was joined on the panel by Shashi Caan (IFI), BIID Members Staffan Tollgard and Mark Bithrey and lighting design expert Lucy Martin.

Decorex opened its doors on the Sunday with a VIP Members breakfast hosted by the French Furniture Industries before BIID Member, Dan Hopwood, Head of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee, opened the seminar programme to yet another full house. Dan's talk, ‘The Confessions of an Interior Designer', was an insightful and humorous start to the day with the aim of educating his spectators through examining how he had grown into the experienced interior designer he is today through failing and learning.

Although100%Design and Decorex were the biggest shows London design festival still had much more to offer. BIID President Diana Yakeley was determined to take full advantage of all the shows and exhibitions and represented the BIID at multiple events.

Tent London has become a well established exhibition in east London's trendy brick lane. This year they decided to expand and opened Superbrands as an addition to the original exhibition. The BIID wanted to give its support and Superbrands offered free entry for BIID members. Tent London and Superbrands made brick lane buzz with even more life than usual and Diana Yakeley found the new exhibition very exciting.

This year also saw the exhibitions Design Junction and Tramshed making a mark during the festival. Design Junction held their UK launch party together with Architect Review (AR), showcasing designers at Victoria House. Tramshed was on its second year and had a range of young product designers on board. It will be exciting to see what these exhibitions will offer next year.

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