A Charrette is a one day competition for 3rd year or post graduate students, and this year the AIA invited the BIID to take part. The BIID invited universities with Interior Design degree courses to bring teams of students to take part in the competition.

Recently held at the Architectural Association in Bedford Square, London, Charrette ‘11 challenged students to explore how architectural form can create both expressive and rich interior spaces to enhance the visitor experience. With the BIID’s support, this intensive, one-day design exercise saw interior design students from British universities taking part alongside architecture students for the first time to compete in designing a new wing to the British Museum.

I also mentored a team for the day, which was a mixed group of Architecture and Interior Design students – which was great fun for me! It was also challenging, keeping a group of people on track and making sure to get the best out of everyone was tricky some of the time. But to work with creative and enthusiastic people is partly why I enjoy my job so much.

At the end of the afternoon each team presented their designs to an expert jury, chaired by Paul Finch OBE, the renowned architectural journalist and critic and Chair of Design Council CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment). The judging panel also included Graeme Brooker, co-founder of Interior Educators and senior lecturer at the University of Brighton and architect Stephan Reinke, the first President of the AIA’s UK chapter.

The day was fun and energetic and although there could only be one winner, it was the process which was the most important part of the day. Collaboration and the ability to get your ideas across and understood is key in my job as an Interior Designer, and this is what I hope these students took away from the day.

Looking forward to next year already!

Pictures from the day:

The inside of the British Museum - London

I’ve heard the term “slow design” being used quite a lot recently, just like we had the “slow food” movement, design is following this lead. It’s not about cheap furniture or using cheap materials, it’s about purchasing things that you really love and that will last you throughout your lifetime (and possibly your children’s lifetime). It’s a sensible way to look at design, recession or no recession.

Being passionate about design means that I’ve always felt that good design improves and enriches our lives, whether it’s in our homes, businesses or recreation. I have a growing feeling that this recession has meant we designers have had to be cleverer and more thoughtful about the designs we produce, and that can’t be a bad thing!

Some of my favourite Austerity Inspired Designs:

SCP Compass Table by Matthew Hilton

Oak Day Bed by Another Day

Time Shelves by Scene

Tom Dixon’s Fan Chair with Leather Seat

Now that I have been asked to be the Director of the committee, my task will be to represent the Student & Associate members on the board. I will be taking their thoughts, concerns and ideas to the board and our new President, Diana Yakeley. Our committee has already produced a survey to glean information about what these members need most form their committee and Institute, the results will be collected at the end of this month and passed onto the Board and any other relevant committees.

This is a really exciting time for the BIID. Our annual AGM last week showed a united and strong Institute, aiming for and working towards full professionalism in the industry. Educational, government and other construction and design industry professionals are taking notice of the BIID’s leadership and determination to forge a Professional Pathway for the incoming students & associates to the Institute. The Educational Committee has been working tirelessly over the last 2 years to research and formulate a plan and this Professional Pathway is to start its trial phase this Autumn.

The BIID is even getting noticed by outside industry organisations, on a national level. Recently, the BBC called the BIID to ask if Diana Yakeley could give an interview on the BBC News Channel about the collapse of furniture retailer, Habitat. Our expertise and professionalism as an industry, through the BIID, is getting recognised and it’s a very proud feeling to be able to be a part of it!

Here’s to a bright and beautiful future!

“It was a really interesting and informative event, presenting the designer’s work in such detail and proximity and providing an opportunity to ask questions and talk to Margo.”

This month, we held an event at Margo Selby’s showroom and studio in Bloomsbury for the Student & Associate members of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). It was an opportunity for us to learn about Margo’s work in more detail and understand her career path as a textile designer.

Her 3D effect, hand woven fabrics and use of vibrant colour are what characterise her work and it’s this unique look that has won her many interesting commissions. Margo seems to be most happy when working in collaboration, be them interior, fashion, or even ceramic designers. A truly talented and inspiring designer!

“It was great to see the very personable face behind a fantastic, vibrant business. Margo is an understated yet obviously tenacious young lady who is a real inspiration.
As a designer, I found her talk very engaging and hope to incorporate some of her fabrics in to my future projects.”

There is always something new, interesting and fun in the showroom to look at (and even buy!) and she has just released her first pattern books for the Interior Design market, so get yourselves down there and immerse yourself in colour and texture!

Find out more at www.margoselby.com

The fair takes place over 6 days and I went for the first two.  My first day there was spent wondering around the main exhibition venue, Milano Fair Grounds, visiting the different exhibitors that I already know from London, but then seeing what I could find that was new and exciting.

Here are a few of my favourite things:

Poliform Linen upholstered chair with bright piping

Green glass seemed to be a big thing for accessories;
I loved these hand blown vases.

A lot of exhibitors had distressed Persian rugs on their stands, turquoise blues were very prominent.  Really love these buttoned stools.

This stand was a great find; I really enjoyed everything on it.  A lot of the lighting I saw was pretty, well…ugly, but this stand was cool and contemporary.

Just a classic and I love it!

On my second day, I visited the smaller, less commercialised, independent designer makers and this is what I found:

How many things can you do with a paperclip??!

There was a theme of the orient throughout the show.  These ornate chairs looked cool in the more contemporary setting.
And a little bit of Kitsch kept things fun!

I do have a thing for wire work, I thought these chairs were fab,
and they were comfy too.

Sculptural light show

I would definitely like to go back again next year, and this time, try to go for the entire week.  There’s so much to see and do, and even after just 2 days, I felt I was completely immersed in design. It would be great to feel like that for an entire week!

The second photo was taken very recently.  We’re very nearly complete, all that’s needed is the finishing touches, and some furniture wouldn’t go amiss either.
Stay posted for more updates soon.

Time for a little exercise:
I want you to pretend that you are thinking of buying this house, this is the very first time you have ever seen it…and I want you to be brutally honest!  This is your chance for the ultimate wish list to create your ideal home.  If you think you’ll have trouble being objective, enlist a friend or family member to accompany you.  Take a pad of paper and pen with you, head out the front door and when you’re ready, re-enter with a fresh pair of eyes and ask yourself some of the following questions:

Take note of how you feel when you approach the front door, does it feel welcoming? 
On entering, is there a place to put your keys and check your makeup and hair before heading out? 
Is there a neat way of storing shoes and coats?
As you move through the house, from room to room, does the space flow well and are the rooms big enough for their uses?
Is there any furniture that is simply too big or too small?
Is there an interesting focal point in the living room?   Like a fireplace or artwork – not the gigantic flat screen television that hubby bought himself for Christmas!
Is there enough storage?  Could you make better use of your alcoves and space underneath the stairs?
Does the kitchen function well – is there a neat triangle from oven to fridge to sink?  Is it clean looking?
What about the bathrooms or ensuite – have the services been arranged logically?  What do you see immediately in front of you when opening the door – toilet? or lovely vanity?
Is there space for any extra rooms? Maybe the loft is convertible or the back garden is big enough to nick a bit of space for an extension?

Ask yourself, “Would I buy this house?  What would I change to make it the space we need?”  If you aren’t able to see it objectively – remember to ask a friend.  And promise them you won’t be angry if they tell you they hate the wallpaper in the downstairs cloakroom!

Now go on, get cracking on that wish list!

According to Wikipedia:
“Problem solving is a mental process and is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and problem shaping. Considered the most complex of all intellectual functions, problem solving has been defined as higher-order cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills.  Problem solving occurs when an organism or an artificial intelligence system needs to move from a given state to a desired goal state.”

Gosh! And add to that, us designers are charged with making something look great as well – our job is rarely easy!  However, that’s exactly what we’re good at and why clients hire us.

All projects are different and therefore present their own set of unique problems to solve.  Things like:
• How can I get more storage out of the space I already have?
• My property is Listed, how can I get the design I want passed through planning?
• How can I achieve a luxurious look on a more modest budget?
• I use a wheelchair, how can I make sure my bathroom is stylish and accessible?

These are just a sampling of a few I’ve come across in my many years of being a practising interior designer.  Some problems crop up in all projects (issues about storage are very common problems) and that’s how I develop my experience in dealing with these types of issues.  Although, what I really enjoy is being presented with a completely new problem and developing a well designed solution for it.  That’s what gives me the most pleasure in my job and a good designer has a very “can-do” sort of personality.

All interior design projects start with a Design Brief.  This is a way of “moving from a given state to a desired goal state”.  In commercial projects, it may even outline the target market.  This is a pretty crucial stage, because if the designer doesn’t know what the problems are, how are they going to solve them?  And vice versa, it helps the client to see that the designer understands and appreciates what they need and want.

Typically, I solve problems in a project by researching, drawing, sketching and talking with other specialists and professionals.  It’s very time consuming, which is another reason why clients hire an interior designer – they simply don’t have the time to figure out how their project is going to work.

So, am I an Interior Designer or Problem Solver?  Well, I like to think I’m a Problem Solving Interior Designer Extraordinaire!

In bedrooms, custom made wardrobes that are the full height of the room, means that you can use the space above your normal reach for less used items like warmer blankets, luggage and hat boxes.  The same goes for kitchens.  Don’t just use the standard height wall cabinets of 600mm, use at least the 900mm.  That extra space right at the top can be used for your less used small appliances, platters and casserole dishes.

Hiring a joiner is not as expensive as you might think.  When deciding on how to choose, it’s always best to get a recommendation.  Check with friends and neighbours first to see if they have used anyone they like.  Make sure you check references and ask to see some recent previous work, also ask if you are able to see any of their work in the flesh.  That way you can check to see how it is holding up under use and see the finished quality up close.