BIID Announce ‘In Conversation with Zeev Aram’ for 2015 Conference

A further influential name has been added to The British Institute of Interior Design’s (BIID) prestigious programme for its 2015 annual conference. Renowned designer, Zeev Aram OBE, is confirmed to take part in an insightful discussion exploring the designer’s life and role in design. Aram, is owner and founder of the legendary London design store, Aram, and he will join Conference Chair, Aidan Walker “in conversation” on the conference stage. 

At the conference, Aram will also be presented with a BIID Honorary Fellowship from the association. The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) introduced Honorary Fellowships in 2012 to recognise those who have had a profound impact on the development and success of the interior design profession. BIID Honorary Fellowships are awarded to those who have inspired, enriched and influenced interior design in significant ways.

Zeev Aram moved from Israel to London in 1957 to start his career in design. After a brief spell working in architecture, Zeev opened an office and retail showroom in London’s King’s Road where he became the first in the UK to sell the work of iconic early 20th century architects and designers such as Le Corbusier Achille Castiglioni, Carlo Scarpa, and Marcel Breuer. In 1973, Aram secured the license to introduce, produce and market the designs of the celebrated Eileen Gray worldwide.

In 2002, Aram Designs opened its largest design and furniture Showroom, the ARAM Store, in Drury Lane, Covent Garden. Located in the heart of Covent Garden the ARAM store is now the capital's top destination for furniture and product design.

Although Zeev has sold some of his own designs in the new store, including the glass table he designed in the mid-sixties, and which David Hockney immortalised in an oil painting that hangs in the Royal Opera House, he sees the future of the ARAM brand in retailing new and top quality products from many sources. He is as much a curator as a designer.

Zeev's appetite for design is insatiable. He is a particularly passionate supporter of emerging new design talent. In 1988, he staged his first annual UK graduate show, which featured his pick of the best ideas and innovations from around the country, all under one roof. The shows continued until 1994, and are now an all year-round feature in the ARAM store. Zeev's show space on the third floor is designed to be a springboard for new talent, from all areas of the applied arts.

In 2014 Zeev Aram was awarded the OBE for services to Design and Architecture.

“We are delighted to express our appreciation and our considerable thanks to Zeev Aram for the enormous contribution he has made to our profession” says Daniel Hopwood, President of the BIID. “His passion for design and innovation, and the tremendous impact he has made on British design make him a very worthy recipient of this prestigious honour. We look forward to welcoming him to the stage on Thursday 18th June to share his story with us.”

For more information on the BIID Conference, keynote speakers, and more, please visit www.biid.org.uk/whodowethinkweare.