(UK) – Web-based initiatives introduced to support interior designers during global pandemic.

With many interior designers now adapting their businesses and working remotely due to the COVID-19 lockdown regulations, the BIID has extended its online offering with new content to provide additional support and guidance to those working in the interior design industry.

“We understand the challenges and concerns that many interior designers are facing right now in these unprecedented circumstances. So, it’s vitally important, now more than ever, for our community to come together and help each other,” says BIID President Harriet Forde. “The BIID is committed to supporting its members and we have introduced a range of new, online initiatives that will enable our members to stay connected, benefit from peer-to-peer support and continue their learning and development.”

A new webinar series will discuss some of the challenges interior designers and design businesses may face during this turbulent time. The webinars will explore a range of topics including legal issues, online collaboration tools, financial support and other advice on navigating a design business through this uncertain period. The digital sessions will be hosted by BIID Council members and provide an opportunity for members to engage and ask questions in an interactive way with a dedicated Q&A.

The BIID has a comprehensive list of CPDs available to its members, but with many now postponed, the institute has looked at ways to offer this training remotely. The BIID is working closely with its CPD providers and supporting them to bring their CPDs online and a selection of these are now ready, allowing interior designers to connect with suppliers and continue to build their knowledge from the comfort and safety of their home.

A series of new Designer Digital Meetups have also been introduced. These informal sessions are designed to encourage members to connect with each other online and share their own experiences of trying to run design projects, work from home and plan long-term during these uncertain times.

Not only will this allow interior designers to support one another with business advice, but it provides a place for members to connect while working from home. These ‘virtual chats’ are designed for up to five members at a time. These initial meet-ups are open to BIID Registered Interior Designers and Associates.

The BIID’s dedicated, online Knowledge Hub is a cloud-based online platform that hosts a diverse range of educational content to help support the development of interior designers, students and other industry professionals. The flexible platform allows users to record their CPD points and to learn in their own time and at their own pace. There are a range of expert organisations providing e-learning content on this platform including: the British Woodworking Federation, CEDIA, UK Green Building, and more.

To provide interior designers with advice and support during the pandemic, the BIID also plans to regularly publish industry news, helpful features and useful resources on the news page of the BIID website. This includes advice on the strategies you might take in response to the spread of the coronavirus, financial support available to interior designers and much more.

biid.org.uk