British Institute of Interior Design

Ref: BIDAHon Fellowship2005

The British Interior Design Association is this year celebrating its 40th anniversary. Originally set up in 1965 as the Interior Designers’ and Decorators’ Association (IDDA) it merged in 2003 with the UK chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) to become Britain’s only association dedicated to the representation of professional interior designers: The British Interior Design Association. To mark this milestone the first Honorary Fellowships of the BIDA were awarded to David Mlinaric, Sylvia Odam-Mitchell, Vernon Mark and Tim Hammond.

Tim started the Association as a way of recognising interior decoration, as it was then described, and of encouraging excellence in those who were joining the industry at a time where there was very little formal training as such. Hammonds was a wonderful training ground for young designers where traditional skills of a very high standard were learned, and many of our members benefited from serving their time there before going on to set up their own companies. Tim served as Chairman of IDDA for five years.

David Mlinaric is one of our most illustrious designers, having worked on some of the best known historical buildings and on some of the great British Institutions. The V&A, The National Portrait Gallery, Spencer House, Lord Rothschild’s homes, Aspreys, the National Trust are just some of his clients who have appreciated his meticulous approach to historical detail and colour sense. A delicious psychedelic corduroy suit made for him by Mr Fish in the 1960’s, and an exquisite pair of green lizard skin shoes held in V&A’s costume collection give an insight into a truly creative, humorous and original man whom we are very proud to have as a member.

Sylvia Odam-Mitchell was trained as an architect and interior designer and who with her husband John Odam, taught the diploma course at the Inchbald School of Design in the 1970’s. Many a BIDA member can thank Sylvia for drumming the need for good professional practice and attention to detail into them. She has been a tireless supporter of our Association and responsible for setting up the requirement for Continuing Professional Development, CPD in the association.

Vernon Mark fled Nazi Germany as a child and came to England to join his brother. He found work with Hammonds at a time when young Germans were viewed with some suspicion in most places and certainly in one of the grandest of all decorating establishments. It says much about both Hammonds and Vernon that the relationship lasted for years, and Vernon’s influence in editing some of the great fabric designs continues today. He became a director of Decorex, and an advisor to the Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture.

----- 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.

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: enquiries@bida.org
Web: www.bida.org