British Institute of Interior Design

Following its recent AGM, the British Interior Design Association (BIDA) has revealed the composition of the newly elected BIDA Board, which will be headed by incoming Chairman Dean Keyworth. The BIDA Board Members also provided the AGM audience with information on the Association’s future plans, including the 2007 Professional Development Day following the success of the day held this year in October, the launch of an International search section on the BIDA website, upgrading their Associate membership of IFI (International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers) to full Member status and the rejuvenation of the BIDA Foundation.

Dean Keyworth, from Armstrong Keyworth Ltd, takes up the position of BIDA Chairman. He joined the BIDA very early on, initially as a student member while completing a Diploma in Interior Design with Rhodec International. He gradually became more involved with the BIDA and joined the Marketing sub-committee. In 2004 he was elected on to the BIDA Board serving most recently as Vice Chairman and Marketing Director. Dean brings to the position of Chairman 10 years of running his own successful design practice, but also, the business and management skills developed in his previous career in travel and hotel marketing.

New to the Board are: Doug Atherley, who recently transferred his practice from New York to London; George Bond who has returned to the Board having previously served on the IDDA Council; Vanessa Brady who acts as an advisor to the Grosvenor Estate as well as running her own design practice and Eliska Sapera, who brings a wealth of experience from both the fashion and interior design industries. Also co-opted on to the board as Corporate representatives are Alan Purchase of Brunschwig & Fils and Tim Walters of Nobilis-Fontan.

The full Board is as follows, with their assigned responsibilities:

Dean Keyworth (Armstrong Keyworth Ltd): Chairman
Lori Pinkerton-Rolet (Park Grove Design): Vice Chairman & International Director
Diana Yakeley (Yakeley Associates Ltd): Past Chairman
Karin Verzariu (Key Interiors): Company Secretary & Membership Director
Vanessa Brady (Interior Design Services Ltd): Finance Director
Paul Goodchild (Goodchild Interiors Ltd): Development Director
Iris Dunbar (The Interior Design School): Education & CPD Director
Doug Atherley (Kinari Design Ltd): Marketing Director
George Bond (Omega Designer Workshop Limited): Regional Director
Eliska Sapera (Eliska Design Associates Ltd): Exhibitions Director
Michelle Kauffmann (MK Interior Design): Co-opted Associate Director
Alan Purchase (Brunschwig & Fils): Co-opted Corporate Director
Tim Walters (Nobilis-Fontan Ltd): Co-opted Corporate Director

Dean Keyworth is keen to continue the hard work of now Past Chairman, Diana Yakeley. At the AGM he commented that “Diana’s professionalism and attention to detail has, I believe brought increased respect to the BIDA and has been instrumental in attracting a wider selection of designers to become members”. Diana’s aim as Chairman was to develop the professionalism both of the industry and the Association; her involvement with the creation of the Form of Appointment for Interior Design Services (ID/05) published with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the concentration on professional practice in lectures and seminars throughout 2006 are testament to this.

Dean’s aim as Chairman is to build on the solid foundation left by Diana and to expand the BIDA’s membership both in the UK and abroad. His main focus will be very much on increasing member numbers. He is however keen to reassure “that this does not mean a reduction in standards or entry requirements…. Being stringent in our admissions procedure does not mean we have to appear unapproachable, I am keen to attract a wider variety of designers and suppliers to the Association”. He also intends to gain further recognition and possibly funding from the UK government in order to develop a more powerful voice for the interior design industry.

During the AGM, several Board members highlighted their plans for Continued Professional Development (CPD) seminars and events in 2007. Following the overwhelming success of the BIDA International Breakfast “Avoid Getting “Lost in Translation”-How to Design Abroad” the opening event of Decorex in September, International Director, Lori Pinkerton-Rolet announced her committees intention to repeat this again in 2007 possibly focusing on European interior design. Education Director, Iris Dunbar responsible for this years full day Professional Development Seminar day which included lectures from leading manufactures, lawyers, contractors and insurers announced her intention to repeat this format in 2007 looking at the issue of fees and charging. In addition the Regional Committee will continue to organise events and lectures around the country to encourage learning and networking in the regions.

With regard to membership, in response to the BIDA’s presence at Decorex and 100% Design the BIDA had over 300 enquiries expressing interest in membership. Membership Director, Karin Verzariu is organising a networking event for potential new members of all categories in the Spring. She also intends to continue the highly successful Student & Associate Evenings which have proved to be an encouragement to those due to upgrade their membership.

The strength of the BIDA brand, both within the industry and among the general public continues to grow. This increased recognition has brought record numbers of visitors to the BIDA website and an unprecedented level of press and TV enquires interested in both the BIDA and its members. For 2007, the intention is to continue participating at relevant exhibitions, to further develop the BIDA website and continue to strengthen links with other influential trade associations, such as the RIBA, IFI and CEDIA.

The revived BIDA Foundation is actively seeking artist/craftsmen who need financial assistance with their studies. In 2007 they will be launching their website, an expanded student competition and at least three events raising money for the next generation of crafts people and designers.

“On behalf of the BIDA, we would like to say a special thank you to outgoing board members: Ann Louise Little, Annie Stevens, Caro Hill and Ian Thompson for their contributions, unrelenting commitment and support over the last few years. They will be greatly missed” added Dean Keyworth.

The BIDA AGM took place on Wednesday15th November in The Chambers, Chelsea Harbour, London.

----- Ends -----

Editor’s Note:

The British Interior Design Association (BIDA) is a membership association that exists to promote and support the interior design and decoration professions. The BIDA is committed to the advancement of the professional practice of interior design and to the creation of a comprehensive vision for the design challenges of the future. It is essential that interior designers keep up to date in this increasingly regulated and litigious world. It is the policy of the BIDA as a matter of general good professional practice that members undertake Continuing Professional Development to keep abreast of the latest regulations and technology. BIDA members must obtain a minimum of 12 CPD points per year, commencing at time of membership renewal. www.bida.org

The BIDA Foundation is a charity founded in 1985 to promote and improve the art and practice of Interior Design for the benefit of the community at large. We recognise and encourage the importance of using old skills in new and innovative ways. Whilst our main activity is the granting of bursaries to students of the crafts upon which Interior designers depend such as carving, gilding, stained glass, textile conservation or furniture design, we also make awards to Interior Design Students. The BIDA Foundation receives no government funding and relies on private donations in order to create a maximum of three bursaries annually, along with the student awards. The Foundation is a registered charity and most donations are made through Gift Aid, thus enabling the foundation to recover substantial amounts of tax paid by donors.

Further Information:

Annelise Fullbrook
Marketing Executive
British Interior Design Association
3/18 Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London, SW10 0XE
Tel: 020 7349 0800
Fax: 020 7349 0500
Email: marketing@bida.org
Web: www.bida.org