British Institute of Interior Design subsumes Interior Design Association

The merger will create one leading body for interior design, which the BIID says will set national professional standards, promote learning and debate and champion the value of interior design on the national and international stage.

With immediate effect, the IDA’s 34 design practice members will make the transition to the BIID making a total membership of almost 2,000 individual and practice members.

Charles Leon, the current IDA chairman will take a position on the BIID Council of Directors.  

Established in 1966, the BIID has developed what it calls ‘rigorous entry requirements, and an industry leading code of Professional Conduct.’

It runs events and conferences and lobbies Government through its seat on the Construction Industry Council.

The IDA was established in 2009 as a business networking community for the commercial interiors sector and has worked toward facilitating commercial opportunities for its members and building relationships with manufacturers and suppliers.

The BIID says its Professional Pathway has provided the impetus for the merger. Launched in April to offer a structured route from education into professional practice, the Professional Pathway ‘has set a new standard for competency in interior design,’ according to the BIID.  

Both the BIID and IDA say they share a mutual view on the Professional Pathway forming the backbone of the merged organisation.

President of the BIID Sue Timney says, ‘With our shared vision, the only way forward is to join together as a larger collective voice for the whole interior design community. By merging our memberships and expertise, the renewed BIID will go from strength to strength.’

IDA chairman Charles Leon says, ‘Both the IDA and BIID felt that the interior design industry and the individuals who work within it will be better served, represented and supported by the strength of one unified voice. We share the same interests and merging the organisations into one was the right thing at the right time.’