BIID CONGRATULATES AWARD WINNERS AT AGM

As part of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at RIBA’s HQ, London on Thursday 18th June, the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) revealed that Rosemary Hamilton is the worthy recipient of its prestigious Merit Award.

Each year members of the BIID nominate a fellow member they believe has particularly exceed in 3 key criteria: excellence in interior design practice; a contribution to the development of the Institute and a commitment to the wider field of design education. The awards committee unanimously agreed that the winner of this year’s award, Rosemary Hamilton, has excelled in all three areas.

Before her recent retirement, Rosemary had an illustrious interior design career, working for loyal clients both in the UK and abroad, on a huge variety of projects from boardrooms to drawing rooms. She started as an Architect’s assistant before branching out on her own. From her eponymous shop and studio in Pimlico she grew into a renowned designer, included in House and Garden’s Top 100 Decorators.

She joined the Institute in 1980, in its former incarnation as the Interior Designers and Decorators Association, and quickly became further involved in volunteering. She made history in 1996 when she became the BIID’s first female President. In her 2 year term as President, and as Past President, Rosemary was one of the driving forces behind the landmark merger of the IDDA with the UK chapter of the International Interior Designers Association which resulted in the formation of the British Interior Design Association.

After Rosemary stepped down from Council she continued to volunteer on behalf of the Institute right up to her retirement. In addition to serving on the International Committee for many years, Rosemary was a longstanding membership interview panel member and is remembered by BIID members for her calm and patient presence across the table.

Daniel Hopwood, President of the BIID commented “We are delighted to honour Rosemary with our Merit Award this year, to recognise her longstanding dedication and leadership of the Institute at a pivotal period in its history.  Not only has she worked incredibly hard in her professional achievements and her work with the Institute, but throughout her career, Rosemary has devoted many hours of her time to mentoring up and coming designers. Rosemary really epitomises one of the most wonderful aspects of the BIID – the camaraderie and support we give each other. I am honoured to present her with this well-deserved award.”

Commenting on her award, Rosemary said: “I am so pleased and grateful to be the recipient of the Institute’s Award of Merit for 2015. I have been associated with the Institute and its predecessors for several decades – indeed, getting on for its full 50 years of life. I am thrilled to see what our little Association of the 1960s has become by 2015. Today we have in the BIID an important and successful Institute which is going from strength to strength and represents all that is good about the British interior design profession.”

Also as part of the AGM, Rowena Vaughan, Director of RJV Designs was awarded the BIID CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Award for her achievement in earning the most points out of all BIID members in the calendar year, accumulating 111 CPD points.  With over 20 years’ interior design experience, Rowena is known for her innovative design solutions and creative talent. This award recognises her outstanding commitment to continually refreshing and updating her professional skills.

The AGM provided BIID members with the chance to learn about the institute’s progress over the past twelve months; and join in conversation with the committee about the future plans for the Institute.