As a previously unregulated profession, consumers were often misled by interior design hobbyists claiming to be professional designers. In order to combat this, the general public needed a way to identify and qualify an interior designer’s competence to complete their project to save costly errors or design flaws. Professional interior designers threfore needed a way to distinguish themselves from untrained practitioners.
SBID founder, Dr Vanessa Brady OBE, accepted the challenge to tackle the risks and opportunities within the professional practice of interior design with a vision to professionalise the industry. SBID was formed in 2009 to serve, promote and protect the profession of interior design in the UK.
SBID has since been working to strengthen the professional interior design industry for over a decade. As a growing organisation, SBID is now recognised around the world for its work promoting the highest professional standards.
SBID has achieved a remarkable reputation and position within the interior design and fit-out sectors, where the designers’ scheme is procured. As the UK’s leading organisation for professional interior design, SBID has supported apprenticeships in collaboration with the National Shopfitters Association since 2009.
Together, both organisations have established the new standard for the industry experience and knowledge needed in order to achieve best practices throughout the industry by developing initiatives that provide opportunities for new market entrants.
Through requests from designers seeking trustworthy, reliable and competent specialist contractors, SBID was able to form an approved national fit-out company list for designers to source other professionals for their projects. This completed SBID’s 360-degree industry vision, first submitted to the UK Government in January 2009, when the challenge to professionalise UK interior design practices was accepted.
To ensure interior designers continue learning and developing, SBID introduced the pioneering first requirement in the UK for defining professional accreditation with a 3-point combination of a degree in interior design, ongoing training and work experience. This series of measures defined interior design professionals with SBID Accreditation.
Associate Membership is also available for emerging interior designers on their journey to achieve full accreditation.
The SBID Awards is intrinsically linked with SBID brand values. Showcasing the qualities of professional practice and the value of industry innovation, the Awards demonstrate the calibre of design excellence that SBID serves to protect. Championing and promoting interior design on its global stage to inspire standards and industry growth. Widely featured in press and media, the programme gives insight into the latest developments and design trends; highlighting the value that interior design brings to businesses and homes, as well as its impact on health, wellbeing and the built environment.
Interior design standards: SBID has led the profession to drive greater collaboration between academia and design practice. It set pioneering standards for professional practice and conduct, and has consequently become a global name supporting government campaigns for public protection and design rights.
Interior design awards: SBID’s global interior design awards programme, SBID International Design Awards is recognised as a leading industry event, receiving entries from 49 countries and becoming the first interior design award scheme to be accredited with the GOLD Standard Awards Trust Mark by The Independent Awards Standards Council.
Interior design training: SBID developed criteria to accredit Continued Professional Development (CPB) content through the SBID Accredited CPD Programme, which is a pioneering training programme designed to support ongoing industry learning and development. In order to become a Member of SBID, designers must undertake annual CPD learning. This keeps designers’ skills relevant and up to date, and fosters an open and positive attitude to education and growth.
Interior design business: SBID provides members with access to a suite of Professional Service Contracts to help interior designers to establish clear contractual relationships. Contracts for large scale projects are endorsed by government and exclusively provided to SBID by NEC Contracts to facilitate project procurement and define legal agreements. SBID also provide a short contract for small projects included with annual membership fees.
REFERENCES: (1) The Design Council
The SBID champion best practice and knowledge sharing in the profession of interior design by creating routes to market in the industry for all design professionals.
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Collectively we have the experience, ability and tenacity to create a valued industry voice locally, nationally and around the world.
On behalf of its members, the SBID has protected, promoted and celebrated the interior design profession.
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