Get to know Liz Bell, President of the British Institute of Interior Design
What’s your favourite style of design and why?
Styles and what I like change all the time, but my favourite house is Coleton Fishachre (National Trust) which is in the arts and crafts style. I love it because it is modern and clean whilst being really in touch with nature through its beautiful use of natural materials, light and wonderful views out onto the garden. I never tire of visiting it.
If you could be in any fictional world, where would it be and why?
Lord of the rings, for the nature, the architecture and the eventual triumph over evil!
Who is sitting at your dream dinner table?
I could give a list as long as my arm of interesting celebrities dead and alive but, if we’re wishing for impossible things- I’d actually love to have my parents and grandparents at the same dinner but with everyone in their early 20s. It would be so interesting to see their perspectives at that age and also have a good party together without the hangover!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Try not to worry so much. (I should probably take this advice now too.)
What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?
A lay in, then family time with my partner and toddler- ideally seeing an art exhibition in London somewhere.
What three traits define you?
Creativeness, Empathy, Integrity (at least this is what I strive for!)
What three items would you take to a desert island and why?
Sunscreen (as a ginger I once got sunburned from the reflection of sun on my bifold doors!), water and probably a satellite phone so I can get the hell out of there. If I could have a fourth item, I’d take my kindle to read while I wait.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your CV?
I have a plethora previous jobs that I probably wouldn’t put on my CV… I once worked as a paintball marshal (and that’s definitely not even close to the weirdest job I’ve had)…
What’s your approach to change? Do you like change?
Change can be jarring but it almost always works out in the end- try to go with the flow, see the positives and use it as an opportunity.
Do you have a creative outlet?
My job mainly, but also playing with my toddler, it’s amazing seeing the world fresh through a child’s eyes- it is endlessly inspiring (and tiring!!)
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully with another wonderful child, healthy family, the same brilliant, happy and successful team around me at work and seeing the BIID continuing to grow in success and membership.
