Designing Inclusive Spaces
Date Published: 05/10/2023
Join the BIID for a look into how 3 interior designers are creating inclusive environments for everyone with style and sustainability in mind
More often than not, public and private spaces can exclude individuals through layout and material decisions that have not considered the needs of all individuals, or that rely on standard finishes which create clinical and uninviting places. Join us for this 1-hour free webinar to hear from three designers that are challenging the status quo and creating exciting, enticing, and extraordinary rooms for everybody.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Both residential and commercial projects will be discussed via short case studies from interior designers Josefa Chaves, Sammy Bikoulis and Kyra Gibbs in conversation with webinar Chair, Verity Coleman. The case studies will focus on their clients’ requirements, the challenges the designers face when creating inclusive spaces, highlights of their projects and how they have positively impacted residents and visitors, and insights into materials, finishes, fixtures, and technology used in their designs that have enhanced the inclusivity, and beauty, of the spaces.
WHAT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH
Insight into how interior design can empower inhabitants through stylish solutions that don’t just meet inclusive design standards, but exceed expectations, making exceptional living a standard for all.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Anyone interested in learning more about how to design inclusively
ABOUT THE PANEL
Verity Coleman, Chair
Verity Coleman established Rascal & Roses in 2013. With a 12-year career as a British Army Officer, Verity has been able to utilise her project management and leadership skills to create a dynamic design studio as well as harness a wealth of experienced artisans and trades within the team. Clients are at the heart of everything they do, but the studio also offers a pragmatic and solution-based approach to projects. The studio has a natural lean toward traditional country style with an elegant, contemporary mix. Specialising in quirky, period properties, colour is the firm foundation on which all the studio’s design start. Whilst based in Herefordshire, projects are throughout the UK ranging from private family homes to boarding schools.
Verity is a BIID Registered Interior Designer and current BIID Director. Verity chairs the BIID Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Josefa Chaves
Jo Chaves is the founder of Louder Design, starting her interior design business after completing her master’s degree from Staffordshire University. Born in Angola and raised in North London; Jo now lives and operates her design studio in the Midlands. Jo has an optimistic outlook on life and believes that there isn’t anything that a good giggle can’t fix, loves bright colours, and speaks loudly!
As the mother and carer of an autistic son, Jo has witnessed firsthand how people with neurodivergence struggle in spaces such as restaurants, shopping centres and even friends and family’s homes. Opening her eyes to a world that does not cater for people with mental disabilities encouraged Jo to design spaces that are inclusive, functional, but also beautiful.
Sammy Bikoulis
Sammy is a lead designer and an Associate at LEP. His design skills have been developed at LEP and CZWG – both of which have combined to produce a diverse and interesting portfolio of work and numerous awards. He is now head of the Interior Design studio which is delivering the high-profile Margate Digital scheme alongside an extensive refurbishment of Grade I & II listed property and scheduled ancient monument, Wye College. Sammy runs design review panels, acts as a design mentor, and has tutored at UCA Canterbury for several years.
Sammy is a BIID Registered Interior Designer and is shortlisted in the BIID Interior Design Awards 2023 for his project Orchard School Dining Hall.
Kyra Gibbs
Kyra is an FF&E (Furniture, Fittings and Equipment) Designer at Bernard Interiors. After achieving a first class honours degree in interior and spatial design, she put her focus into blending creativity with functionality at Bernard Interiors. The main aspects of Kyra’s work revolve around residential projects and luxury later-living villages. For these villages in particular, she chooses the furnishings that will be most helpful to residents, whether these be bespoke chairs or custom-made joinery. Additionally, she is able to merge functional equipment with a wider design plan, so that measures for safety can seamlessly be blended with a beautiful interior.
A quote from Kyra: “What truly drives me is the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives through design, I love co-creating spaces alongside an amazing team, that inspire people and enhance how they live”.
This webinar is worth 1 hour of structured CPD.
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