Martin was elected in the ECIA General Assembly on 14 September 2019 in Bilbao (Spain). Martin, vice president of the Bund Östereichischer Innenarchitektur BÖIA, has been an interior architect, entrepreneur and project manager for almost 30 years. Design, planning and implementing projects in all its phases, large and small, in many different industries and countries, working from the first sketch to onsite coordination, is his daily business. Since 2010 he has also been leading workshops at the New Design University (NDU) in St. Pölten, Austria.
Martin wants to define Interior Architecture as a well-respected profession, done by professionals. He mentions digitalization, cultural change and the environment as some of the key challenges in Europe and he is convinced that the various approaches of the interior architect profession will play an indispensable role in this process.
Anja Dirks (Beroepsvereniging Nederlandse Interieurarchitecten BNI) stepped back as president after five years.
“I worked with great pleasure, passion and satisfaction for this wonderful organization. I've seen the organization grow, become more professional and I'm very proud of everything that has been achieved in the past period, with a fantastic board”.
Besides a new president, Dominic Haag-Walthert (VSI.SAI) was elected as the new treasurer. He is the successor to Marianne Daepp, who has been the treasurer for the last 6 years. Sophie Green (BAK) was elected as seventh board member and Tüüne-Kristen Vaikla (ESL) was re-elected as board member for another two years.
The ECIA is very grateful for the good work and commitment of Anja and Marianne in building and expanding the organization. The new board will continue the work and evolve to meet the challenges that ECIA will encounter.
The ECIA board now consists of: Martin Thörnblom (AT) / President, Loes Bliek (NL) / Secretary General, Dominic Haag-Walthert (CH) / Treasurer, Teresa Casas (ES), Sophie Green (DE), Tüüne-Kristin Vaikla (EST) and Jeremy Williams (NO) / board members.
General information
The European Council of Interior Architects ECIA is the representative body for the European professional organizations for Interior Architecture and Design. Founded in 1992, ECIA currently represents 16 members - national organizations, with over 14.000 practicing Interior Architects. ECIA provides a common platform for the exchange of information on best professional practices and has established common minimum standards of educational and professional profile for the associated Interior Architects in the member organizations. ECIA is the common voice of Interior Architects on European and international level, promoting this profession as vital part of society and economy. For more information please visit www.ecia.net.