Best Wishes from Martin Thörnblom, ECIA President

Dear ECIA members,

As the year gracefully draws to a close, I would like to reflect on our collective achievements in 2023.

It has been an exciting year but also turbulent, with the increasing construction and energy costs and then also, not far away, another war.

This, of course, has had an effect on our business and the willingness of our clients to initiate new projects. Some segments in our industry have experienced a decline while others have succeeded better. Anyhow I believe that now is the time to invest so we can be ready for the next period of growth - which will come, especially in sustainable interior architecture. It is great to see the new ideas and projects among our members, students and partners.

The ECIA’s primary focus for 2023 has been the BCSP project, compromising of its six sub-projects.

Sub-project No.1. “Spider Models Research” (a great overview of our profession in the member countries) was presented during the General Assembly in Stockholm and the final document will be finished in 2024.

Also, with sub-project No.2 “Growing the Network” we are proud that Britain, Slovakia & Bulgaria joined the ECIA this year and other countries are in the process of member application.

I am also very pleased that our new BCSP-Project Coordinator, Ina Ciumakova, has joined the team which will assure its success. Our board is now complete with the addition of our two newest members Davina & Thomas.

The General Assembly in Stockholm was a great success (which was very special for me being originally from Sweden) thanks to the work and support of the Swedish national organization. I would like to thank them for all the time and energy they invested to create such a memorable weekend.

I am honoured by my re-election for the last term of my presidency. This will aid us with the continuation of our work in the board, especially with the update of the statues, building a new website, a new branding strategy and organising sponsoring etc.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thanks to all our member organizations as well as to my excellent board members. Your continued support is the backbone of our success and I am truly appreciative of your unwavering commitment to the ECIA.

Wishing you and your families a happy, safe and healthy break!

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year for 2024.

Martin Thörnblom

ECIA President