What is the BIID referral service?

The BIID Referral Service allows individuals and companies looking for an interior designer for a particular project to find BIID Registered Interior Designers via our website. It’s a service of which we receive plenty of positive feedback from clients . Here’s an insight into a couple of projects that began this way.

Case Study 1: ‘They demonstrated they have the skills we need’

The Referral Service put a Glasgow-based enquirer in touch with Anna Saroukhanova of Heckmann Design.

Designer's Perspective

“The Client has prepared a brief, featured on the BIID Referral Service. This brief has stood out for the way it was written- very clear, in so much detail and consideration, but also inviting the designers to open a dialogue on the project and its direction, which is a great start for the collaboration. This project immediately attracted us also for the reason that it would reconnect us with the City of Glasgow and the love for the unique tenements architecture. We have felt there was an instant connection with the client. We have now completed the design coordination and have moved the project to site and we look forward to seeing the project realised. It is a special project for a very special client to us.  The process of design coordination and working closely with the client has been interesting and refreshingly smooth and fun. We feel extremely lucky to have had such an opportunity to connect with the client via the BIID platform. A very easy, and efficient way to connect prospective clients and designers, and this was a truly perfect project for us. We hope to be able to share the complete project results soon.”

Client's Perspective

"She and her partner Ralf Heckmann have lived and studied in Glasgow, where our property is located, and displayed a lot of enthusiasm to work there, despite being based in London," said the client. "They also clearly demonstrated that they have the skills that we need for this project. We contacted Anna, interviewed her and Ralf, and got a proposal from her, which we accepted and is being developed into a contract. Their communication, speed and thoroughness of responses have been excellent, and we are looking forward to working with them."

Case Study 2: 'She captured my desired style completely’

The BIID received a request from someone looking for an interior designer for her new retirement flat, and we provided the details of designers interested in the project.

Designer's Perspective

After I met the client through BIID's referral service, I visited her to find out what she needed and what the requirements were. She had recently moved into a new apartment in a senior housing complex. There were a lot of flats that looked the same, and she wanted her flat to be personalised to make her feel at home. We've focused on the living area and the bedroom. Since the kitchen and living room were open plan, the whole space needed to be organised for a dining area, a study corner, and a welcoming space for guests. Using the existing sofa as a starting point, we recommended new furniture and accessories to make the room cosier and aesthetically functional. After the initial design meeting, the mood boards and layout plans were created according to the client's feedback, and we prepared product combinations according to the desired mood. It was great knowing her, and I hope she feels happy and comfortable in her new home.

Client's Perspective

I chose Gokce Ozkaya Alpay (G Method),’ said the client. ‘She has been excellent and I am in the process of purchasing the furniture and accessories she has recommended. She has captured my desired style completely and created room plans which are easy to follow with a variety of options for each room. All the items are affordable and stylish and have been in stock. Gokce was always available to help me with any queries I had, and she would do as much research as necessary to find particular products."

How does the Referral Service work?

From the point of view of those who have never worked with an interior designer before, or may have moved to a new area and don’t have local contacts, the Referral Service is an excellent way to find an interior designer to fulfil a brief.

For designers, the advantage is that the service provides a source of motivated and serious potential clients. Additionally, because enquirers are asked to fill in the client referral form which asks them to seriously consider their brief or wishlist, they may be much further along the path of deciding on what they want than other prospective clients.

Before responding to an enquirer, designers already know details such as the location of the potential project; whether it is residential or commercial; if the building is a new build, an older home, or a listed property; the size of the project; and the total budget for the work, making it easy to decide whether the project is one that is appropriate for your practice.

Clients using the BIID website also have access to our Client’s Guide to Working with an Interior Designer and Choosing an Interior Designer Checklist, so they often have an excellent understanding of the process even if they have never worked with a designer before, and that can help make the project run more smoothly.

Respond to Enquirers

On Friday mornings, referrals received by the BIID are emailed to Registered Interior Designers. Remember to check your inbox, and respond to any referrals you are interested in before 11am on the following Monday morning. More detailed guidance on responding to referrals can be found in our earlier resource Responding to referrals: how best to approach it.

If you are not yet a Registered Interior Designer, review our entry requirements to see if you are eligible for this level of membership.