The European Council of Interior Architects (ECIA)
The European Council of Interior Architects is the representative body for the European professional organizations in Interior Architecture and Design.
Founded in 1992, the ECIA currently represents 16 members, national organizations, with over 7,500 practicing Interior Architects. The ECIA provides a common platform for the exchange of information on best professional practices and has established common minimum standards of educational and professional profiles for the Associated Interior Architects in the member organizations.
ECIA is the common voice of Interior Architects on a European and international level, promoting this profession as a vital part of society and economy.
ECIA Charter 2020
After two years of regular meetings and revisions, the 2020 Charter for the training of Interior Architects was finally finished, equipped with an ISBN number, and is available as an open-source document. » Download English version (PDF)
The 2020 European Charter of Interior Architecture Training Working Group worked on the new declaration regarding education and equal standards for the professional practice. bdia Interior Architect René Pier is a member of the Working Group.
The German translation is also available. » Read more (in German)
bdia member in the ECIA board
Sophie Green, Interior Architect bdia
bdia delegate for the ECIA
René Pier, Interior Archtect bdia
The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI)
Established in 1963, The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) is the preeminent and only world organization conceived to coalesce the Interior Architecture/Design community. IFI exists to foster worldwide fellowship among design professionals, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and enthusiasts.
IFI is dedicated to enhancing humanity through impactful design and supporting the profession’s visibility and growth through community engagement initiatives. With a steadfast belief in design’s transformative power, our efforts over the past six decades affirm our commitment to advancing humanity through thoughtful design considerations. As an independent International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) focusing on design advocacy and policy, IFI serves as the ‘United Nations’ of Interior Architecture/Design. Headquartered near the United Nations in New York City, we are devoted to improving lives in response to an ever-evolving world landscape
IFI is a member of the International Design Alliance (IDA). The triumvirate includes The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) and the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA). This alliance focuses on opportunities to further promote the design discipline based on multidisciplinary collaboration.
Read more about the IFI (in German)
bdia delegate for the IFI
Sylvia Leydecker, Interior Architect bdia
IFI World Interiors Day (WID)
Every year in May, IFI celebrates the World Interiors Day. Promoting global connections, perspectives and knowledge, IFI WID is akin to Earth Day. It is an annual opportunity for all designers and enthusiasts to unite through themed explorations and celebrations – large and small. IFI WID raises public awareness, recognizing the value of Interiors and all who make built environments.
Celebrated globally, IFI WID invites design professionals, industry leaders, students and enthusiasts, along with institutions, governments and the general public to organize activities and events that bring community members together to explore, learn, discover and create. In-person or virtual, anything is possible.
bdia’s activities in WID 2024: The theme chosen by IFI members worldwide for 2024 is “The Growing Generational Gap: Improved Multi-Generational Future”. The theme highlights an inherent challenge: the communication gap between different age groups. In this context, we have curated a digital exhibition that bridges the gap between generations. While older generations still value physical museum visits, younger generations have grown up in a digital world and want immediate access to content – anywhere, anytime. Our virtual gallery unites both worlds and creates a space for everyone. In addition, the gallery projects unite several generations of interior design enthusiasts: from students to interior designers.
bdia’s activities in WID 2023: In 2023, we ask bdia members to upload digital contributions inspired by WID’s motto „Sustainability, Design & Beauty“ throughout the month of May.
bdia’s activities in WID 2020: In 2020, we asked bdia members to hand in drawings and sketches to show their favourite place in this challenging times of the lockdowns.