UK: Lester Bennett has been named as president of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) for the 2020-21 term.
The BIID Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held this year via online video conference, and provides members with the chance to learn about the Institute’s progress over the past twelve month and vote in new directors.
The AGM marked the official hand-over to Bennett as president, who takes over from Harriet Forde.
Bennett has 40 years of experience gained from running his own practice, being a design director for a plc residential developer, is a founding partner of Folio Design LLP, and is now an independent consultant.
Prior to setting up Folio Design, Bennett was design director at Westcity Developers, delivering London residential schemes such as West End Quay, Academy Gardens, Pavilion Apartments and Thornwood Gardens.
He said: “I feel very honoured to be the new president of the BIID, there have been so many amazing people who have fulfilled this role in the past, not least Harriet from whom I am taking over, that I am only too aware that these are big boots to fill.
This will certainly be a challenging year, but I am extremely lucky in that I have the support of a most excellent Council and admin staff who work tirelessly for the benefit of the Institute and its members. I look forward to continuing the work on the initiatives we already have in place, to help our members through this difficult time, and to help develop further ideas to benefit and expand our membership,” he added.
Established in 1965, the BIID is the UK’s only professional institute for interior designers. It sets the national professional standards and promotes learning and debate. BIID is also a member of the Construction Industry Council, and is therefore part of government consultations to advise on new policy and legislation.
