As an unregulated profession, consumers were often misled by interior design hobbyists claiming to be professionals. The general public needed a way to identify and qualify an interior designer’s competence to save costly errors or design flaws, while professional interior designers needed a way to distinguish themselves from untrained practitioners.
SBID founder, Dr Vanessa Brady OBE, had a vision to professionalise the industry. In 2009, she accepted the challenge to tackle this. SBID was formed with one primary mission; to advance the interior design profession across the UK by serving, promoting and protecting professionals in practice.
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 representing the highest professional standards.
SBID actively sets and promotes industry standards for professional practice and conduct, driving greater collaboration with academia to foster a community of trained, knowledgeable and compliant experts. It consequently become a global name supporting government, campaigning for public protection and design rights.
SBID's interior design awards highlight the profession around the world, with entries from 90+ countries. Globally recognised for championing design excellence and raising the industry benchmark, it became the first interior design award scheme to receive the GOLD Standard Awards Trust Mark by The Independent Awards Standards Council.
SBID accredits training materials for interior designers (SBID Accredited CPD) to support ongoing industry learning. Members must make a commitment to Continuing Professional Development by meeting annual CPD requirements, keeping their skills relevant, and fostering a positive attitude toward continued education and growth.
SBID provides members with access to exclusive partner offers for trade events and a suite of business support services and resources, including the SBID Interior Design Short Contract to define legal agreements and facilitate client engagements, helping interior designers to establish clear contractual relationships for project procurement.
REFERENCES: (1) The Design Council
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.
SBID is the UK's largest membership body for professional interior design; representing, protecting and promoting the profession. Find out exactly what we do!
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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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