Regional Ambassadors
The BIID Regional Ambassadors strengthen BIID presence across the United Kingdom. Their role is to establish a community of interior designers and work with the BIID to organise in person events throughout the UK and to signpost interior designers to use the online resources and events available to them.
You can meet our regional ambassadors below. Some regions will have more than one ambassador, with an amabassador covering sections of a region. If you would like to be put in touch with the ambassador covering your area please email info@biid.org.uk.
Anna Bennett
North and North West
Anna Bennett started her journey in interior design 8 years ago. Anna established her own practice before taking over as Design Director of Grove Design London in 2018.
Her practice has grown over time; she works with homeowners to create authentic homes and with brands in the commercial and hospitality sectors. Anna works throughout the UK and further afield. Her approach to design puts the client or the brand at the heart of the project. Using her accreditation in advanced colour and design psychology principles, she creates spaces that support the well-being of the client and, through careful consideration of sustainability, the well-being of the environment. Anna is a member of the BIID CPD Committee and has recently become a BIID Ambassador for the North and North West.
Contact Anna on: studio@grovedesign.london
Simon McIlwraith
North and North West
Simon McIlwraith is an accomplished interior designer and the visionary force behind Collective Design, a well established and leading design studio located in Newcastle. With an extensive background in creating remarkable spaces, Simon specializes in elevating hospitality and food & beverage establishments to new heights of aesthetic appeal and functionality throughout the U.K
His approach to design has earned him widespread recognition, including multiple industry awards, that serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and a passion for creating unforgettable spaces. Simon has also featured in a number of publications and reviews showcasing both his work and his unique perspective on interior design and hospitality. His views have also earned him the position as a keynote speaker at industry events which he enjoys doing immensely.
Contact Simon on: Simon@collective-design.co.uk
Anne Haimes
South East
Anne is founder and principle of Anne Haimes Interiors which she established over 20 years ago, building an enviable reputation for delivering outstanding results with very high levels of customer service. During her 30 years in the industry she has worked on residential projects throughout the Home Counties, London, the Cotswolds and beyond. Collaborating with architects, contractors and artisans and surrounding herself with people who share her passion for great design and the desire to deliver an outstanding client experience
Contact Anne through the BIID on: info@biid.org.uk
Gail Race
South East
Gail Race is the founder and creative director of Gail Race Interior Design, based in West Sussex with projects across the South Coast, London and internationally.
Specialising in full renovations, refurbishments and new build properties, from contemporary homes to listed properties, the studio has over 20 years experience, creating luxury homes and hi-end hospitality projects.
Gail Race Interior Design is known for their elegant, contemporary design aesthetic, focusing on high quality natural materials and for creating spaces that offer a sense of well-being. Whether designing a hard working family home, a country retreat or a city pied-à-terre, we create homes that our clients love.
Core to our values is creating an enjoyable, highly professional and supportive design service to our clients.
Contact Gail on: gail@gailrace.com
Ana Taylor
South West and Wales
Ana Carolina Taylor graduated with an Architecture and Urbanism degree and worked as an architect specialising in residential new builds and refurbishment projects in Brazil before relocating to the UK. After moving to the UK, she worked as a KBB designer before completing a MA in Interior Design and establishing her own practice, Forma 79 Interior Design.
Ana is specially interested in sustainable design and her studio specialises in residential design with a sustainable approach.
Contact Ana on: anacarolina@forma79.co.uk
Cathryn Bishop
South West and Wales
Cathryn Bishop graduated with a degree in Spatial and Interior Related Design and then worked for several large property developers specialising in hospitality design and latterly high end residential developments.
She then set up her own practice, Cornish Interiors, which specialises in high end residential design and luxury property development, both in the Southwest of the UK, nationally and some international projects too. Not content with just running a business, Cathryn also runs the Interior Design & Styling degree programme at Arts University Plymouth, inspiring the next generation of designers.
Contact Cathryn on: info@cornishinteriors.co.uk
Ruth Turner Jones
Midlands and East Anglia
Ruth has worked in interior design for nearly 20 years. A Milton Keynes based designer, she has worked on many homes and businesses in the area including Stadium:MK, Doubletree By Hilton Milton Keynes Veterinary Group and Schüco UK HQ.
Her love for interiors and architecture stemmed from her time studying in Paris. Her goal is to change the belief that good design is both an elite concept and that designers just do cushions and curtains! An interior designer is knowledgeable in multiple disciplines including construction, planning and using spaces to their best potential and fixtures, fittings and furniture.
Contact Ruth on: hello@ruthturnerdesign.co.uk
Sylvia Lawson Johnson
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Sylvia studied at Inchbald School of Design, followed by gaining invaluable experience working alongside Geoffrey Bennison in an antiques shop in Pimlico, London. In 1982 Syliva established her own design company with an Interior Design studio in Aberdeen. working on remarkable projects around the world, including France, Baku (Azerbaijan) and Antigua.
For nearly 20 years Sylvia ran her own curtain-making workroom employing up to six talented local seamstresses making bespoke window treatments and soft furnishings. Enjoying the diversity of projects, from wonderful homes to historic buildings, hotels to luxury office settings. Her passion is creating elegant lived-in spaces that blend textures, vibrant colours and, increasingly, thoughtfully designed lighting.
Contact Sylvia via the BIID on: info@biid.org.uk
Alex Mackenzie
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Alex has worked in Interior Design for almost 30 years and is the Head of Interiors at an Architectural practice based in Glasgow. He had been at the current practice for 13 years and prior to this has experience at various practices in Scotland and London. The practice mainly concentrates on Hospitality and Commercial projects and the interiors department work in projects throughout the UK and ROI.
Specializing in design for restaurants, cafés and golf club houses the Hospitality sector makes up most of the projects within the company but he can turn his hand to most design projects that arise from working in an Architectural Practice. He works with national restaurant chains and small independent brands but is always hands on in all aspects of the design process.
Contact Alex on: Alex@g1architects.com