The European Council of Interior Architects is the representative body for the European professional organisations in interior architecture and design. Founded in 1992, ECIA currently represents 16 members-national organisations, with over 7000 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 organisations. ECIA is the voice of Interior Architects on European and international policy, promoting the profession as a vital part of society and economy.

The Society of British Interior Design clarifies and defines a professional designer by stating the qualification and education path to becoming or converting existing skills to meet the European Charter of the ECIA the professional body for measured standards across Europe. Membership finally aligns Britain with the rest of Europe and in doing so became for the first time the British representative body of the European Council of Interior Architects (ECIA)

A degree in interior design and two years work experience is the minimum training for a designer to be qualified to practice as a SBID full member. The guidelines are clarified further on the Membership section of the website.