Spotlight On: Incoming BIID President Liz Bell

We sat down with incoming BIID President Liz Bell to chat about her career to date, the future of the BIID, and changes ahead for the wider design industry.

Congratulations on your upcoming election to BIID President! What can you tell us about your career so far?

Thanks, I feel very honoured to be given this opportunity to lead our fabulous institute over the next year. 

I came to the construction industry from a degree in Architecture. After graduating during a recession, I decided to take a year out to travel, which turned into 3 years, 4 continents and lots of odd jobs along the way… but I always wanted to come back to design in some form. Once back in the UK, I applied for a wide variety of design / construction based jobs, landing an assistant role at Absolute Project Management in 2014. We work on residential renovations, guiding clients through the whole process from start to finish, including (but not necessarily limited to) interior design, helping them to engage the necessary specialists / get any necessary permissions and project managing the works on site.  After returning from maternity leave, I bought the business from Founder, Cat Hoad, and took over as Director in summer 2024. I now work with an amazing team of 5 Interior Designers and Project Managers (and with the support of a lovely/ hands on partner and nursery childcare!)

But my career wouldn’t be where it is without the BIID. I joined in 2018 as I was impressed with the professional standards promoted and upheld for our industry, but it was the welcoming and driven community of likeminded Interior Designers that made me get involved!  Once registered, I joined the Professional Practice Committee and wrote the BIID 2021 code of conduct, working with committee and council to refine it, before it was approved by the membership. I then chaired the Sustainability Committee for a number of years, working with many other talented and driven designers on the Sustainable Specifying Guide and sustainability strategy, after which I joined the BIID Council.

I’m thrilled to be leading the BIID during this time of change, improvement and growth, which will ensure a strong future for the Institute and its members.
 

Tell us about some of your standout projects to date, what made them so exciting to work on?

Each project is different and has it’s highlights and low points. I think my favourites, are ones which have been most challenging and therefore most rewarding- both for me as the Designer but also for the client. 

Other easy favourites are those where we’ve been able to install energy saving technologies such as Solar PVs and/or ASHPs (air source heat pump). I find these projects exciting and rewarding as we’re helping clients reduce their carbon footprint and future proofing their home for years to come. Though we work on lots of different sized projects, we love working with clients to bring sustainable principles or ideas into their brief, to ensure that their home is practical as well as beautiful.

I also really enjoy designing bathrooms or adapting layouts (including staircases) to make the best use of space- sometimes a key challenge in London where every inch of space is precious! It’s important to say that we always have the support and guidance of various specialists as needed; Architect/ Building control, Principal Designer when undertaking these sorts of projects- working closely with others to solve problems is a big part of what I love about my job. 
 

Why is having a professional home so important for designers at all stages of their careers and why should they choose the BIID?

Interior Design is not an easy job (despite what is sometimes shown on TV) to do competently. Interior Design courses vary hugely in content/ depth and there are many responsibilities which we legally must undertake as part of our role (or engage other competent parties to undertake this role)- whether that’s on small residential projects or large commercial. The BIID not only supports Interior Designers to be competent and informed professionals, it also raises the standard of our industry as a whole by sharing this knowledge.

But more than that- the BIID cultivates a community of designers who are hugely supportive of each other, deeply engaged in improving our industry, promoting brilliant design and building our Institute so we can continue to support more and more designers at all levels of their career and education. 
  

In an ever-changing world, what are some of the biggest challenges designers will need to embrace in the coming years?

I think Sustainability continues to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds when it comes to designing and sourcing. I’m excited to see what new/ improved products, technologies and practices we will be adopting in our projects over the coming years which lessen the impact of our work on the environment, without compromising on great and impactful design.

AI is also likely to impact how we work and how we run our businesses. Many designers are already harnessing AI to make their business processes more efficient or in their designs which is great, though I am personally quite concerned about AI’s impact both on the environment and on the availability/ application process for entry level jobs which could impact our industry’s pool of experienced designers in years to come. 
 

What is your vision for the BIID this year?

The BIID is comprised of its members, volunteers and excellent staff team- and together we set the BIID’s strategic aims over 3 year periods. This year we’re embarking on a big review of the BIID’s governance and looking to make improvements where necessary, so we can better serve our existing membership, grow our community and ensure that we’re set up to continue well into the future. 

I’m excited about how we can continue to encourage and educate designers and suppliers on the positive impact they can have on our industry regarding sustainability. I’m also passionate about inspiring and supporting the next generation of designers and can’t wait to see the incredible entries to our student competitions.

I will only be president for 1 year, which I am sure will fly by, and as one person (with a business and a toddler), there is only so much I can do during my tenure. But what I know I can do is be a great facilitator.  If you have an idea or want to get involved, then do come and speak to me at an event. The BIID is always interested in how we can better support our members and we start planning the next strategic goals well in advance. I would love to meet you and listen to your ideas or concerns and of course I will do all I can to ensure, that in time, the BIID puts these conversations into action. But be warned I will almost certainly be roping you in to get involved too! 
 

Lastly, what advice do you have for designers starting their careers?

Take every opportunity given to you and make the absolute most of it! Do every task to the best of your ability and with a can-do attitude- and you’ll go far!