Zaniz jakubowski Re-Election Statement

Tell us about your professional skills and experience

I am the Founder and Creative Director of Zaniz Studio and have more than thirty-five years of experience working across residential, hospitality, commercial and yacht design projects internationally. Throughout my career I have worked with private clients, developers, brands and institutions on projects ranging from luxury residences and hospitality environments to large-scale commercial and marine interiors.

My experience spans concept development, design strategy, project leadership, client management and multidisciplinary team coordination. I have always been interested in innovation and exploring how design can positively influence the way people live, work and experience the world around them.

Alongside my professional practice, I currently serve as a Director of the BIID and more recently as Awards Chair. These roles have provided valuable insight into the profession, the challenges facing designers and the important role the Institute plays in supporting members, maintaining standards and promoting excellence across the profession.

I bring an international perspective, strategic thinking and a collaborative approach, together with a genuine commitment to helping strengthen the profession and supporting the continued success of the BIID and its members.

Why are you standing for election to the BIID Council and what do you think you will bring to the role of the director?

I am seeking re-election because I believe strongly in the role the BIID plays in supporting members, promoting professional standards and championing the value of interior design.

Serving on Council over the past two years has given me a greater appreciation of the talent, expertise and diversity within our membership, as well as the important work undertaken by the Institute on behalf of the profession. More recently, my role as Awards Chair has reinforced the exceptional quality of work being produced by BIID designers and the diversity of talent across our membership.

I believe I bring a combination of extensive professional experience, strategic thinking and genuine curiosity about where our profession is heading. I am particularly interested in how changing technologies, evolving client expectations and new ways of working will shape the future of our profession, while ensuring that the expertise and value of professional interior designers continue to be recognised.

If re-elected, I will continue to contribute constructively to Council discussions, listen to the views of members and work collaboratively to help strengthen the Institute, support its members and ensure the BIID remains relevant, respected and forward-looking.

What activity or initiative outlined in the 2024-2027 BIID Strategic Plan would you like to focus on if you are elected?

One activity within the 2024–2027 BIID Strategic Plan that particularly interests me is exploring how AI and other digital innovations may shape the future of interior practice.

Recent experiences within my own professional network have highlighted how quickly these technologies are becoming part of the client and designer experience. Clients are already arriving with AI-generated concepts, ideas and visualisations, raising important questions about the evolving role of professional designers.

I do not believe the profession yet has all the answers, but I believe the BIID is well placed to help members understand both the opportunities and challenges these technologies present. By encouraging discussion, sharing knowledge and promoting best practice, the Institute can help members navigate change with confidence while continuing to demonstrate the unique value that professional interior designers bring.

The future will undoubtedly look different, and I believe the BIID has an important role to play in ensuring its members are well prepared to embrace it.

What do you see as the long-term strategic priorities of the BIID?

For me, one of the most important long-term priorities for the BIID is continuing to elevate the standing, recognition and value of professional interior design.

Interior designers bring creativity, technical expertise, judgement and problem-solving skills that are often not fully understood by the wider public. The BIID has an important role in raising awareness of the value professional designers bring while continuing to promote the highest standards of professionalism, competence and ethics.

Alongside this, I believe the Institute should continue to help members prepare for the future. Our profession is evolving rapidly through advances in technology, changing client expectations and new ways of working. While none of us can predict exactly what the future will look like, I believe the BIID should continue to provide leadership, support and guidance so that members feel informed, confident and equipped to thrive in a changing world.

By maintaining high professional standards while embracing innovation, the BIID can continue to strengthen its influence, attract the next generation of designers and remain the leading voice for professional interior design in the UK.