Immediate past Chairman of the BIDA, Diana Yakeley is the interior design partner in an architectural practice. Her work covers all aspects of high end contemporary design both commercial and luxury residential both in the UK and abroad. Her strength is in planning spaces and services, and in using materials such as leather, wood, stone and glass and keeping the amount of applied decoration to a minimum. Imaginative lighting is of particular interest, as is integrating the interior with the outside space. The ability to design gardens combined with interior design and architecture makes Diana’s practice particularly useful for clients undertaking larger projects. Her work is understated, elegant and luxurious, without imposing a ‘look’ on clients.

Working on a daily basis with other consultants, Diana understands the problems of undertaking structural work and is well informed on new technology. Her work is done on computer enabling her to incorporate information from other consultants and email them worldwide if necessary.

Past interior work has included Crown Courts, offices for international clients, private houses and apartments as well as an award winning corporate jet. Stand design for exhibitions has included two for the Daily Telegraph and for the BIDA. The Practice has also designed large housing schemes.

Diana has also written a book on interiors and planting, which has been sold worldwide. Responsible too for setting up the working party to produce the new BIDA/RIBA Form of Appointment, ID/05, she was previously the director responsible for the CPD programme for BIDA .

Current projects include several prestigious penthouses both in London and abroad, as well as work to listed buildings and city gardens. A new book is currently in the pipeline.