Thomas Seifert (BE)

President

Thomas holds a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture from the University of Antwerp (2011) and a degree in Business Economics from the Antwerp Management School (2013). After several years of professional practice as an interior architect—working on private residences and hospitality projects—he developed extensive expertise in BIM and project management. He is currently a consultant at SECO Belgium, serving as a Project Engineer in Fire Safety.

Board member since 2023

Milan Illes (SK)

Board member

Milan Illes is a Slovak interior architect and project consultant with over two decades of experience in architecture, design, and construction. A founding member of the Slovak Association of Interior Designers and Architects (SAID), Milan has been instrumental in advancing the profession in Slovakia. He specializes in project management, strategic planning, and design innovation, often integrating artificial intelligence into new workflows.

With a global portfolio, including projects in London, Sydney, Dubai, or Kuwait, Milan also leads educational initiatives like the Intebold Academy and Intebold Festival, focusing on sustainable and inclusive design. He holds degree in architecture and civil engineering from Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava.

Board member since 2024

Davina Preca (MT)

Secretary General

Having completed the International Baccalaureate in Oxford, UK, Davina graduated with a BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture & Design from Nottingham Trent University, UK, in 2001. She founded her own interior design studio in Malta, in 2003. Over time her portfolio ranges from commercial, residential, hospitality, retail and leisure projects. A deeply rooted family business in the hotel and restaurant industry led an evolution towards specializing in hospitality and restaurant design. As founder and past president of MIDA, the Malta Interior Design Association, she is a firm believer in continued learning and the importance of interior design as a reputed profession.

Board member since 2023

Loes Bliek (NL)

Executive Officer (board appointed)

Loes has a long career as allround executive and deputy director of Bureau Architectenregister (BA), the architects registration board of the Netherlands. She is specialized in the recognition of EU and foreign qualifications and European cooperation, was seconded to the European Commission for five months (DG Markt, current DG Grow, Professional Qualifications Directive) and was representing BA in several European organisations and networks.

Past Secretary General since 2018

Andoni Diaz (ES)

Communications Officer

Andoni holds a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design from the Basque Country (Spain), he completed his third year of studies in Porto (Portugal). He also earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching with a specialization in drawing. From 2022 to 2025, he served as President of the Spanish Council of Interior Design. Based in Bilbao (Spain), Andoni leads his own studio, working on interior design and architectuRe projects across residential, retail, and educational spaces.


Board member since 2025

Kristina Jonasson (SE)

Treasurer

Kristina Jonasson is a practicing interior architect with nearly 25 years of experience in the profession. Currently she works as a Studio Manager at Tengbom Architects in Stockholm, Sweden. In recent years she has been a member of Konstfack (University of Art, Crafts and Design) advisory council for the content of the Interior Architecture program. Additionally she is a member of the Educational Committee of Sveriges Arkitekter, she has a also been part of the Academy for Interior Architeture. She is involved in the 100 Gruppen, an organization that has been promoting sustainable interior design for the past 20 years.

Board member since 2024

May Fawzy (UK)

Board member

May Fawzy, MA in Interior Architecture with Honours, has built a successful career in multinational architecture firms across the Middle East, Africa, and the UK. In 2011, she founded MF Design Studio, specializing in commercial interiors and delivering multi-million-pound projects. As a WELL Accredited Professional, May focuses on enhancing health and well-being in design. She served asthe President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) and has been instrumental in launching its awards scheme. A strong advocate for sustainability, May is also a member of the Sustainable Design Collective, promoting eco-friendly, timeless design solutions.

Board member since 2024

Rene Pier (DEU)

Board Member
Board member since 2025
Former Presidents
Martin Thörnblom (AT) President of ECIA 2019-2025

Martin Thörnblom originally from Stockholm, Interior Architect, founder and owner of studio thörnblom – büro für innenarchitektur in Vienna.

He has been Vice President of the Bund Östereichischer Innenarchitektur BÖIA and since 2010 he is also leading workshops at the New Design University NDU in St. Pölten, Austria.

Anja Dirks (NL) President of ECIA 2015-2019

Architect / interior architect and owner of Studio id+. Former board member of Dutch Federation of Interior Architects. (BNI); currently commission member at Dutch Architects Registration Bureau.

Per Reinholtz (SE) President of ECIA 2014-2015

Director of Reinholtz & Ronnemark architects. Former ECIA boardmember and past president of the Swedish organization.

Joke Van Hengstum (NL) President of ECIA 2008-2014

Director of Van Hengstum Interieurarchitekten. Several years she was secretary and president of BNI. She was president of ECIA from 2008-2014.

Kees Spanjers (NL) President of ECIA 2004 - 2008

Director of BV Zaanen Spanjers Architects in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is the past president of BNI, and a past board member in IFI, the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers. He served as ECIA president from 2004-2008.

Christine Borella (F) President of ECIA 1999 - 2004.

Director of Borella Art and Design, based in Paris, France, together with her husband Nicola Borella Interior Architect. She has been involved in ECIA since 1995. She was a member of the board of IFI, the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers 2001-2003.

Roeland van der Hidde (NL) President of ECIA 1992 - 1999.

Director of Hidde Consultants in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He was ECIA's first president, and is also a past president and now a honourable member of BNI, the Netherlands.