Tobias Trigg Election Statement
Tell us about your professional skills and experience
I am a dynamic Managing Director with a proven track record in successfully founding and expanding Tobias Oliver Interiors into both retail and online sales, while simultaneously growing an internationally acclaimed interior design agency. My expertise encompasses strategic business development, project management, and sustainable practices within the design industry.
With a focus on delivering high-quality results, I oversee a portfolio of numerous seven-figure projects, prioritising sustainability for discerning high-net-worth clients, which has directly contributed to exceptional client retention and satisfaction.
I orchestrated the launch of a global online e-commerce business, utilising meticulous strategic planning and sustainable digital marketing practices to achieve our growth objectives. I firmly believe that the success of an organisation hinges on the strength and dedication of its individuals, and I am committed to fostering an environment that promotes TOI’s core values and manifesto.
My leadership style is collaborative and values-driven, encouraging team engagement and input, which I believe is essential in inspiring others and driving success.
Last year I undertook an intensive 8 month Personal Executive Coaching course with Courvello Coaching which has developed my leadership style including creating and nurturing career pathways for my employees through monthly 1:1 sessions and various goal orientated systems.
Being from Berkhamsted, it felt natural for me to join the chambers of commerce when my business relocated here in 2019. I was asked to serve on the committee where I carried out a four year term.
Why are you standing for election to the BIID Council and what do you think you will bring to the role of the director?
Ultimately, it would be an honour to share my twenty years of being an interior and ten years of running a business to offer my passion and experience to the industry I love.
I admire the reputation the BIID has built and I would like to continue to contribute to the ongoing success however also offer new ideas and insights to the role from my experience of an interior designer as well as a business owner.
Through a blend of creative and analytical thinking I believe I can add new suggestions or feedback on group discussions that would benefit the BIID Council. I also feel like my businesses core values are in sync with the BIID Councils' and therefore these transferable attributes would be a natural fit:
https://www.tobiasoliverinteriors.com/about-tobias-oliver-interiors
What activity or initiative outlined in the 2024-2027 BIID Strategic Plan would you like to focus on if you are elected?
If elected, I would prioritise focusing on the strategic aim to maintain, protect, and raise the standards of professional practice within the interior design industry, as outlined in the 2024-2027 BIID Strategic Plan. Ensuring high standards is fundamental to elevating the profession’s reputation, fostering client trust, and supporting members’ continued growth and credibility.
It often feels like a distant goal; however, being formally qualified as an interior designer should establish a recognised professional standard, allowing individuals to confidently refer to themselves as interior designers in a manner comparable to other regulated professions, such as architecture.
I am particularly interested in initiatives that promote ethical standards, transparent processes, and best practices. By advocating for ongoing professional development, mentorship programs, and setting clear guidelines for ethical conduct, we can strengthen the integrity of the industry. Additionally, I would support the development of resources and tools that help members demonstrate competence and uphold quality standards in their work, as well as protecting BIID members from unfair disputes.
Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to initiatives that not only preserve the credibility of interior design as a profession but also foster a culture of continuous improvement. These efforts will help ensure that the BIID remains a leader in setting industry standards and supporting its members to achieve excellence in their practice.
What do you see as the long-term strategic priorities of the BIID?
I believe the long-term goals for the BIID should focus on building the profession’s reputation and ensuring high standards of practice. It’s about helping clients see the value of working with qualified interior designers and making sure our members have the support they need to stay at the top of their game.
Providing ongoing training, resources, and opportunities for collaboration will be key to helping members adapt to industry changes and keep improving. At the same time, raising awareness among the public and industry partners about the expertise and professionalism that qualified designers bring is essential.
Ultimately, I see the future of the BIID as a place where professionalism, innovation, and ethics are at the core. By focusing on these areas, we can create a sustainable, forward-thinking organisation that supports its members, elevates the industry, and strengthens the reputation of interior design as a respected profession.