Debra Kacher Re-Election Statement
Tell us about your professional skills and experience
dk INTERIORS (2008 - Present ) Founder & Interior Designer
Established dk INTERIORS after gaining extensive experience in the interior design industry.
Developed a strong portfolio of projects, delivering a unique blend of creativity and managerial/ technical skills honed in previous roles with professionalism, efficiency and transparency.
July 2023 joined the Council of Directors - BIID after many years as member of the organisation, bringing past and present knowledge and experience within the industry.
Blanchard Ltd ( senior designer, 2002-2007 )
Worked within a team of 6 other creatives, designed, ran and delivered projects with budgets varying from 50k - 1m. Gained practical design experience, seamlessly delivering complex projects, forming client, supplier and other professional trades relationships
Blanchard Ltd (Internship, 2001 - 2002)Interior Design Intern
Completed a year-long internship, gaining practical experience and technical skills in interior design while undertaking and completing an interior design diploma with honors.
Marks and Spencer (1981 - 2001)Various Roles, culminating as Women’s Wear Division Manager
Started as a management trainee and advanced to buyer/ senior manager, developing expertise across lingerie, children’s wear, menswear, and womenswear.
Successfully ran the women's wear central strategic department, establishing design direction and overseeing the design process to achieve a cohesive handwriting across departments
Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, and adherence to budgets and lead times.
Transitioned from fashion to interior design due to a desire for further creative expression and a response to corporate restructuring that shifted focus towards financials over product emphasis.
Why are you standing for election to the BIID Council and what do you think you will bring to the role of the director?
In 2007 I became a full member of the BIID, with active involvement and continued interest in the body and the profession. I have over the years played an active role in the organisation , a member of the interview
panel for new members, worked with the committee for the formation of the Knowledge Hub, mentored students, an active role in the membership committee. Recently steered a student group for the BIID student design challenge. I have also sat on a mediation with a client, a designer and other BIID members.
In July 2023 I was voted to join the Council of Directors and will complete the first term in July 2025. The passion for continued professional personal development and continued growth is close to my heart , always gaining further knowledge and skills as well as mentoring other colleagues, both freelance and team members. The strive for professionalism in the industry and in my own personal practice is vital. We adhere to the BIID best practices, the handbook has been a fantastic tool in refreshing best practices and implementing new ones.
Within my first term as a Council Director I have contributed to various topics on the agendas including the formation and development of the strategic plan for 2024- 2027. I have been instrumental in developing the discussions, steering the goals and outcomes to a conclusion for the other members to approve. I feel serving a 2nd term will maximise/ utilise my experience, balance, leadership qualities & knowledge not yet fully realised
What activity or initiative outlined in the 2024-2027 BIID Strategic Plan would you like to focus on if you are elected?
Having been a member of the membership Committee for several years, becoming Chair in January 2025, enables me to work more closely with Joy Curnliffe as well as the other members of the committee to steer and develop the recently developed comittee action plan in conjunction with the main plan to deliver the strategic aims.
As chair and a Council Director if I am re elected to serve another two years, I want to focus on developing greater guidance and support for our member volunteers with the aim to grow talented individuals in volunteering in different aspects of the BIID e.g committees, events.
It is also an aim to attract student members to become more fully equipped members of the organisation through reviewing and developing the resources we offer.
It is vital to give back to the industry as well as the organisation ensuring we maximise the diverse skills and experiences of our members in order for them to benefit and grow within the organisation achieving greater professionalism and best practices for the industry as a whole and for the institute
The on boarding communication plan for new members to encourage engagement is an initiative I feel strongly about for the good of new members as well as the growth and visibilty of the BIID
What do you see as the long-term strategic priorities of the BIID?
The overriding mission for the BIID is to support, promote and grow the development of the professionalism, integrity and best practices for the industry,
Alongside the mission, the priorities for the organisation is to be an inclusive, diverse community fostering the highest standards and supporting all existing members as well as attracting new ones to maintain as well as grow their knowledge and approach to design with the very best tools the organisation can provide.
There are many challenges facing the design industry in the coming years both short and long term.
The strategic priorities for the longer term need to be focused on the continuation of developing, upholding and constantly reviewing best practices.
Fully embracing the approach and knowledge for sustainable design with continued sharing and learning for all levels of membership.
Harbouring how new technologies with the influx of AI will affect the industry.