January 2012
PAUL SMITH ANNOUNCED AS A BIID HONORARY FELLOW
The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) has announced the first of their Honorary
Fellowships for 2012. Iconic designer Sir Paul Smith will be recognized as an inspiration
to the interior design profession by the BIID at the their “Celebrating British Design”
Conference that will take place immediately prior to the Institute’s Annual General
Meeting (AGM) at RIBA’s London HQ, Portland Place, London on 21st June 2012.
Sir Paul Smith, the hugely influential British designer who is both commercially
successful and highly respected in the fashion and design industries, will be
acknowledged for his profound impact on the development and success of the interior
design profession.
Alongside Sir Paul Smith, the BIID will also be recognizing the achievements of Dr Paul
Thompson, Rector of the Royal College of Art, Andreas von Einsiedel, the renowned
interiors and lifestyle photographer, and Graham Watts OBE, Chief Executive of the
Construction Industry Council, of which BIID are full members.
“The Honorary Fellowships are a way for us to show our gratitude to those who
inspire, enrich and influence our profession in significant ways,” explains Diana Yakeley,
BIID President. “Paul Smith, Paul Thompson, Andreas von Einsiedel and Graham Watts
are from wide ranging design disciplines but are all significant influencers and supporters,
who have helped shape our profession.”
The BIID’s Honorary Fellowships were inaugurated in 2005. More information on the
2012 BIID Honorary Fellowships will be revealed shortly on the BIID website
www.biid.org.uk
-ends238 words
Editor’s notes:
About the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
Established in 1966, the BIID is the professional Institute for interior designers in the UK.
The BIID’s growing national and international membership represents both the commercial and
residential sectors, from heritage to cutting edge. In addition to rigorous entry requirements
that assess training, experience and professionalism, the Institute requires members to continue
their professional development throughout their career, ensuring their continued expertise in
design process, practice and regulatory matters.
The BIID is the only professional organisation for interior designers that has been granted the
prestigious and rare accolade of Institute status by the Minister of State as the pre-eminent body
in its field. The Institute’s mission is to encourage and support creativity and competence in the
field of interior design through facilitating best practice, practical professional support,
development opportunities and education.
On the national stage, the BIID is a full member of the Construction Industry Council and, as a
result, is now part of Government consultations to advise on new policy and legislation.
Internationally, the BIID is represented on the board of the International Federation of Interior
Architects and Designers; the global voice and authority for professional interior architects and
designers. More details at www.biid.org.uk.
For further information, please contact:
Jeff Hayward / Lauren Rees
Wildwood Public Relations
The Stables, Meadow Court
Faygate Lane, Faygate
West Sussex
RH12 4SJ
Tel : +44 (0)1293 851115
Email: jeff.hayward@wildwoodpr.co.uk / lauren.rees@wildwoodpr.co.uk