Presidential Duties
What Does the President of the BIID Actually Do?
As President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), I'm often asked what the role involves. The follow-up question is usually, “Do you get paid?” So let’s start there.
No, the Role Is Voluntary
The presidency is entirely voluntary, as are all positions held on the Council of Directors, our committees, and among our many valuable contributors.
This isn’t about personal gain or recognition. At a recent panel talk, I described my role as promoting professionalism, competency, and excellence in interior design. I am here as a figurehead and champion for the BIID, our members, and the wider interior design industry. I do this through media interviews, public speaking engagements, and attending awards and industry events.
The Role of BIID President
The position includes a variety of responsibilities. Some are clearly defined, such as:
Providing leadership to the Council of Directors
Chairing council meetings and supporting governance
Representing the BIID at industry and public events
Other duties are broader and more open-ended, like promoting the BIID across the entire design community. I view this as a unique opportunity — one I intend to embrace fully.
Planning Ahead with Purpose
One of the most impactful parts of the role is participating in our annual Director Planning Day. This day allows council members to:
Review progress
Share insights and ideas
Shape our strategic plan for the coming year
We also feed this work into our committees, such as Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, and long-term strategic planning. It’s one of my favourite days of the year — a time to connect, reflect, and align with our shared vision.
Sustainability and Regenerative Design
Topics like sustainability, circularity, and regenerative design are close to my heart. I regularly join panel discussions on these themes and engage with industry leaders pushing these conversations forward.
My views are continually evolving as I learn from others and reflect on how to integrate these principles into the work we do at the BIID and across the profession.
The BIID Staff Team
Our staff are the backbone of the Institute. They’re a small but passionate and hard-working team, overseen by our Chief Operating Officer, who ensures seamless internal communication and operations.
As President, I’m also involved in:
Recruitment of new team members
Annual reviews for staff
Disciplinary procedures, when necessary
These responsibilities allow me to get to know the team better and ensure everyone feels empowered to contribute to the growth and development of the BIID.
Financial Transparency and Governance
As a membership body, we exist to serve our members. As a not-for-profit organisation, transparency is essential.
At our Annual General Meeting (AGM), we share financial updates with our Registered Interior Designers, who are welcome to raise any concerns. Our council, staff team, and an independent accountant are all present to provide clarity and accountability.
I also chair the Finance Committee, which includes the past, current, and vice presidents. We meet regularly to monitor the financial health of the Institute and ensure we’re on the right path.
Looking Ahead: The Second Half of My Presidency
My term as President will conclude at our next AGM, where I will share a report reflecting on the year’s achievements. I’ll be following in the footsteps of Past President Lindsey Rendall, who delivered an inspiring final address earlier this year. I hope to do the same.
As I write this, I’m already six months into the role, and our first-ever BIID Awards are just days away. Time is moving quickly, but I plan to make the most of every remaining moment.
Let’s see what the next six months will bring.
