The British Interior Design Association – The UK Interior Design Professional Organisation
Established in 2002 in Chelsea, London, the British Interior Design Association (BIDA) is a highly recognised association of designer, corporate, affiliate, and student members. Its sole objective is to promote, improve and support the professional role of individuals in the design and decoration industry. Formed through the amalgamation of Interior Decorators & Designers Association (IDDA) and International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the association strives to raise public awareness and understanding of the unique essence of good decorative design in all aspects of daily life.
BIDA holds membership in the International Federation of Interior Architects & Designers (IFI). This association is affiliated with other international design associations and is consulted by well known institutions, government departments, private residences, and media professionals. It also publishes a review magazine on a quarterly basis – this magazine contains all the latest news, updates, activities, products and services.
The main objectives of theBritish Interior Design Association are to:
- Promote high standards in the interior decoration and design profession.
- Facilitate education, training and scope for professional development for designers, and thereby promote excellence in this industry.
- Encourage open debate with other nationally and internationally recognised professional institutions and bodies concerned with this industry.
- Guide students and new designers to build a solid foundation for the future of this profession.
- Make the profession popularly available by taking part in voluntary community programmes and encourage members’ commitment in this regard.
- Give emphasis to the aesthetic, functional, environmental implications of design.
Registration in BIDA is open to all practicing designers, who wish to stay up-to-date with new developments in this area. BIDA members include architects, students, design firm professionals, trade press, publishers, marketing professionals, interior designers, and more. The various levels of designer membership include Members and Fellows and Associate members. The members and fellows are required to have a minimum of 6 years experience in full time employment in this field. Associate members are required to hold a three year degree or one year diploma in interior design and a minimum of one year’s full time employment.
The British Interior Design Association has more than 130 corporate members, who provide products and services ranging from antiques, beds and bedding products, appliances, blinds and shutters, fabrics and textiles, and lighting products to wall papers and wall coverings The complete list of designers and suppliers can be found on BIDA’s official website. The website has a section on careers information, where you can access details on course links, well known course establishments, work experience placements, and recruitment agencies. Details of membership application, subscriptions, and membership fees are also provided.
The British Interior Design Association is an important organisation for both professionals in this field as well as clients. Here, clients can search for their preferred designer on the basis of location, name, area(s) of expertise, and style of work. You can also browse and search for supplier members by category, county, and company name.