Regional Ambassadors

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.