2024 IDC Design Symposium

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

IDC Annual General Meeting

The 52nd Annual Meeting for Interior Designers of Canada will be held on Nov. 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. ET. Join members from across Canada at IDC’s 52nd Annual General Meeting. This is an opportunity to hear a report on IDC’s activities over the past year and connect with IDC CEO, Trevor Kruse and meet the 2024-2025 Board of Directors.

Location:

Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square
“The Hall of Fame” room
75 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5J 0A7
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.; registration opens at 3:30 p.m.

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

KEYNOTE – AI and the Future of Interior Design: Transforming Education, Practice, and the Built Environment

Dive into an illuminating exploration of how artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies are set to revolutionize the world of interior design. This keynote addresses the profound ways AI is redefining education, how this impacts design, is reshaping workplaces, and reinventing our built environments. Together we will uncover a few non-obvious insights into how AI and technology are set to profoundly transform interior design education and the world around us. Join us to explore an emerging future of AI enhanced interior design—a future where innovation, technology and human intelligence harmoniously blend to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also intelligent, adaptive, and responsive to human needs.

Presenter:

Dwayne Matthews, Future of Education and Work Strategist | Innovation Evangelist

In an era where the skills necessary for the future of work are constantly evolving, how can we ensure our workforce is future-ready? Dwayne Matthews is an education strategist and innovation evangelist who explores the impact of disruptive innovation on the future of education and the future of work. He offers a roadmap for creating a robust, future-ready education system that cultivates a skilled and adaptable workforce in order to drive continued innovation, productivity, and economic prosperity.

Matthews is the founder of TomorrowNow Learning Labs, where he creates future-focused learning lab models that emphasize metaverse learning experiences, personalized learning, and student success innovations. These include AI education assistants, simulations, and cognitive enhancements. He’s been a featured guest on national Canadian television programs including CTV’s Your Morning and The Marilyn Denis Show.

Prior to this, Matthews was the Chief Innovation Evangelist and President of NeuroEdX, a company using neurotechnology and AI to prepare students for the fourth industrial revolution. The technology platform, created by neuroscientist Dr Jocelyn Faubert, was used to train US Air Force Pilots and Navy Seals and has over 38 peer-reviewed published papers, 40 ongoing research projects, and eight patents, making it the most scientifically validated cognitive technology in the world.

Matthews has addressed senior representatives from 54 African countries at the United Nations and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on education’s future and digital literacy. He currently serves as an XPRIZE Education Domain Brain Trust Advisor, advising the XPRIZE Global Visioneering Team and Connect Education Team on multi-million-dollar education prizes, challenges, and disruptive education models. He has also consulted on strategic partnerships and innovations at Ontario Virtual School and served as the Senior Education Lead for the Faubert Applied Research Centre.

Over the last 24 months, Matthews social media posts exploring AI, the future of education, and the digital transformation of work and the economy have been viewed over 1.8 million times. His unique career path over the last two decades has given him a unique perspective on future technologies and their impact on education and work.

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Networking Break

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

PANEL – Working with Canadian Makers by Joel Berman Design

This discussion, moderated by artist Joel Berman will center on how Canadian makers and design professionals can integrate their practices. The panel of experts will share their experiences and advice as it relates to processes for new makers to grow and the many pathways to success

Moderator:

Joel Berman, President, Joel Berman Design

Joel Berman, a renowned glass artist and product designer, has dedicated over 40 years to pushing the boundaries of glass art. His innovative and creative designs have revolutionized the field, and he continuously seeks new ways to reinvent art in public spaces. With a background in architectural glass design and a commitment to accessibility, Joel has successfully worked on global projects of all sizes—including the notable Doha Airport project—showcasing his expertise in creating contemporary glass works that reflect the design objectives of each setting.

Panelists:

Kate MacNeill, Owner + Founder, Concord

Concord is a Toronto-based lighting design and manufacturing studio founded by Kate MacNeill in 2018. Concord’s mission is to create sophisticated, high quality custom light fixtures and to be a trusted partner for designers and trade professionals in their pursuit of exceptional lighting.

Working closely with a team of local manufacturers, Concord is proud to create pieces that are 100% Canadian made. We design, prototype and build in our Toronto studio, while our team of local manufacturers produce custom parts. Each of our fixtures combines traditional manufacturing methods along with the use of leading-edge technology. Concord has led the design development and manufacturing of feature fixtures for high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial projects.

Peter Coolican, Founder, Coolican & Company

Peter Coolican first discovered his passion for furniture design while studying Urban Systems and Economics at McGill University. Inspired by makers like George Nakashima and Wharton Esherick, he connected his academic foundation in business and analytical thinking with the craftsmanship he grew up admiring in his family’s historic home in Morrisburg, Ontario.

At Rosewood Studio, Peter honed his technical expertise in woodworking, learning joinery, process design, and the philosophy of perfectionism. His work emphasizes the balance between form and function, with a focus on solving design challenges through iterative, thoughtful craftsmanship. Coolican & Company’s modern approach reimagines the business model of traditional studio furniture, making Peter’s work both timeless and commercially viable.

Collaborating with renowned architects like Omar Gandhi, brands like Canada Goose, and institutions like the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Peter has created bespoke pieces that complement contemporary spaces while addressing practical needs. His dedication to quality and creative problem-solving continues to drive Coolican & Company forward as a leader in thoughtful, enduring design.

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Networking Break

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

PANEL – Canadian Chic & Color Palettes: Celebrating Design from Cottage Charm to Urban Sophistication by Benjamin Moore

Join Benjamin Moore as they celebrate Canadian design from cottage charm to urban sophistication. Hear from design luminaries Jeffrey Douglas, Sam Sacks, and Colette van den Thillart along with Sharon Grech as they discuss what it means to be Canadian Chic. Panelists will share how the Canadian culture and landscape impact their designs both locally and abroad. Panelists will also share their thoughts on colour and the impact it can make on a space!

Moderator:

Sharon Grech, Colour and Design Spokesperson, Benajmin Moore

Sharon Grech is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Art & Art History Program and has since dedicated her career to exploring and celebrating the world of colour.
During its long run, Sharon was a popular guest expert on tv’s Cityline for 25 years, demonstrating the power of colour and paint to unify and beautify any space.
As an in-house spokesperson for Benjamin Moore & Co., Sharon works with their Colour Marketing & Development Team researching colour trends, which they distill each year into the company’s annual Colour of the Year and Colour Trends Palette. Sharon is also a member of the Color Marketing Group, the premier international association for color design professionals.

Panelists:

Sam Sacks, Principal + Interior Designer, Sam Sacks Design

A former magazine editor and consummate storyteller, Sam’s work reflects a deep understanding of her client’s needs, paired with a fundamental knowledge of architectural history, and backed by wild inspiration. A mother of three, Sam gets kids, loves decorating for families and knows how to design around a hairy dog. Sam Sacks Design marries fierce creativity with top-tier business acumen, offering a strong creative vision and a wealth of experience. Their services include detailed drawing packages, visually sophisticated presentations and global sourcing to satisfy both the creative and the business minded.

Jeffrey Douglas, Interior Designer, Owner, Douglas Design Studio

Sole owner of Douglas Design Studio, Jeffrey is an award-winning interior designer with a unique combination of creative and design leadership skills and a track record of achieving extraordinary results for his clients.

Colette van den Thillart, Interior Designer, CVDT Interior Design

Colette van den Thillart has a long-established reputation in the international world of interior design. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, Milieu, Wall Street Journal, Canadian House and Home, Style at Home, House and Garden, World of Interiors, NUVO, and other cosmopolitan magazines. She currently resides between Toronto Canada, New York and Los Angeles.

An impressive portfolio honed over twenty-five years features high profile residences and model suites. She holds ‘Residential Gold’ as well as ‘Loft Conversion Gold’ awards from ARIDO for work done in Canada. Van den Thillart is a sought-after public speaker, having lectured at LCDQ Los Angeles, Chelsea Harbour in London, Decorex UK, and at numerous ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario) engagements. Her work has been featured on CBC Television in a segment titled ‘Interior Designer to the Stars’.

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Networking Lunch

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

WORKSHOP (HSW) – Interior Design and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action by Ojiibik

Reconciliation and Indigenous awareness efforts have become tied to purposeful business over the last couple years. However, navigating this area and incorporating tangible changes day-to-day can be challenging for Interior Designers who are daunted by entering an unfamiliar space.

In this workshop, Ojiibik co-founder and VP of sales Chris Lefebvre will discuss the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action, educate participants on the meaning behind them, and how they can be used to help guide professionals on their journeys of reconciliation to implement meaningful practices.

Presenters:

Chris Lefebvre, Ojiibik Co-Founder, Mattagami First Nation, Advocate for Indigenous Economic

Chris is a proud member of Mattagami First Nation, with over 16 years of experience working with Indigenous communities in various capacities. His extensive career includes roles at the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Shell Canada, Scotiabank, and his Nation of Mattagami First Nation. Chris’ diverse background and deep understanding of Indigenous issues make him a dynamic leader in promoting economic inclusion and advancing economic reconciliation.

Magnolia Perron, Indigenous Women and Youth Program Manager, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association
Magnolia Perron is the Indigenous Women and Youth Program Manager at the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA). She holds a Masters in Indigenous Nationhood from the University of Victoria and a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Policy and Administration from Carleton University. Magnolia has experience in advocacy, research, policy, and program development and has worked with many Indigenous non-profit organizations. Magnolia is from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and a proud member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Networking Break

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

PRESENTATION – From Vacancy to Vibrancy by Gensler

As cities around the world continue to struggle with rising office vacancy rates, and an alarming lack of affordable housing, office-to-residential conversions stand out as a realistic method to form part of the solution.

With years of experience analyzing office buildings for conversion across the country—even advising the White House on the subject—Gensler has developed an algorithm to determine which properties make for suitable conversion candidates.

To explore the office-to-residential conversion algorithm and how the solution can help to lower vacancy rates and unlock affordable housing in our cities, Gensler’s Duanne Render will use real project examples and research to make the case for conversion.

Presenter:

Duanne Render, Building Transformation & Adaptive Reuse Leader, Gensler

Duanne’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing Gensler’s expertise in office-to-residential conversions. He has driven the analysis of hundreds of buildings for suitability for conversion, ranging from individual buildings to entire portfolios for both the public and private sectors. A leader within a studio of 40+ architects and designers, he is responsible for projects that span large-scale master planning, complex adaptive reuse and repositioning projects, and new, ground-up buildings.

His leadership within the firm further extends to his role as a regional Associate leader of the Building Transformation & Adaptive Reuse practice, based in Toronto. In this role, he focuses on growing the region’s thought leadership and market positioning around the most pressing challenges facing landlords and developers. Duanne’s breadth of experience as an architect includes major residential and mixed-use developments across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Africa.

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Networking, Wrap-up Cocktails

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

DESIGN TOUR – Waterworks Food Hall (Registration required)

Please only attend tours if you have received a separate registration confirmation to attend. Secure your spot now. 

Retail Design Institute Canada and Interior Designers of Canada are thrilled to invite you to join an exclusive design walking tour of Toronto’s Water Works Food Hall.

As part of IDC’s 7th Annual Design Symposium, this coming Wednesday, November 6th, guests are invited to a guided tour inside a 55,000-square-foot heritage Art Deco building, currently home to a lineup of the city’s favorite food vendors. This project was crafted by an illustrious group of Toronto developers, architects, and designers, celebrating an equally impressive array of culinary talent from the city.

Don’t miss out! Registration is now open, and spots are limited – secure your spot and be part of this exclusive walking tour! Register Now

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our guest speakers for graciously agreeing to guide this event and share their invaluable insights about the project.

Location:
50 Brant Street
Toronto, ON M5V 3G9 (View Map)

Tour Guides:

Paul Dydula, Vice President of Development, Woodcliffe Landmark Properties
Paul oversees Woodcliffe’s award-winning development portfolio, combining skills in city planning and architecture. With experience managing major projects in Toronto and Chicago, he also has a background as a land development consultant.

Kieran Roberts, Asset Manager, Waterworks Food Hall, Woodcliffe Landmark Properties
Kieran manages daily operations of the Waterworks Food Hall, focusing on profitability and stakeholder relations. His extensive background includes roles in the hotel and restaurant sectors, with over 15 years in mixed-use asset management.

Marie Girolamo, Director of Design, MOD Developments Inc.
As Director of Design, Marie oversees all design outputs for MOD’s projects. With 16 years in interior design, she has established design guidelines that ensure project integrity from inception to construction.

Aidan Ball, Vice President of Construction, MOD Developments Inc.
Aidan supervises all construction aspects at MOD, with a focus on design excellence. He brings over 14 years of experience, previously managing high-rise projects with Camrost Felcorp.

Ali McQuaid, Creative Director, Futurestudio
Ali is the founder of Futurestudio, known for creating innovative spaces that reflect clients’ lifestyles. Her forward-thinking approach blends contemporary design with environmental considerations.

Reuben Barkin, Director of Operations, Build It
Reuben leads operations at Build It, which has completed over 600 projects since 2008. The firm focuses on creating iconic spaces that inspire success through quality and integrity.

Bram Atlin, Principal, Smith + Andersen
Bram leads the multi-unit residential team at Smith + Andersen, providing innovative solutions for high-rise developments with extensive retail and commercial components.

Samantha Dhama, Associate, Smith + Andersen
Samantha heads the retail team at Smith + Andersen, specializing in high-end fit-ups and national rollouts across various sectors, including hospitality and commercial redevelopment.

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Dine with the Designer – Florette (Separate ticket required to attend)

New this year, don’t miss the ‘Dine with the Designer’ event! Enjoy a curated menu and learn about what goes into the planning and design process of the project.

This is a unique opportunity to enjoy good company and wonderful food while immersed in the work of Denizens of Design, the talented team behind Florette.

Location:
Florette
1168 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1J5

Dinner includes a tasting menu provided by the chef at $80 per person. Reserve your spot by Oct. 31.

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

FIRESIDE CHAT (HSW)– Leading with Empathy: From the Clinical to the Practical by Teknion

Join us for an engaging ‘fireside chat’ exploring the role of empathy in today’s workplace. We’ll dive into the qualities that define empathic leaders and the positive impact of fostering empathic interactions with your teams and clients. The participants will share valuable insights from both clinical and design perspectives, equipping you with practical strategies to cultivate new empathic rituals in your work and life.

Participants:

Tracy Wymer, Vice President, Insights & Inspiration, Teknion

Tracy Wymer innovates at the nexus of people, places, and behaviours. Connecting disparate patterns across these leads him to define content and opportunities that enrich customer experiences. These experiences build a narrative that drives co-created experiences across multiple industries, geographies, and scales.

Tracy’s career stretches from Knoll to Miller Knoll and is currently VP of Insights and Inspiration at Teknion.

Chantal Frenette, Director, Head of Office at M Moser Associates

An accomplished, bilingual leader with over 20 years of experience in workplace strategy and design, Chantal thrives on collaborating with clients and team members to breakdown the complex challenges facing organizations as she leads the development of human-centered design solutions that further her clients’ goals, culture, and brand.

Chantal applies a creative and purpose-driven approach to support meaningful, enduring workplace transformations that connect physical, social and digital elements to deliver long-term value for her clients. Her thoughtful, empathetic, and engaging approach has helped her build strong connections both internally with the teams that she has built and led and externally with her many long-term clients and industry partners.

Jade Franklin, Vice President, Architecture & Design, Teknion

Jade is the Vice President of A&D at Teknion, where she focuses on building innovative strategies and program direction for the Architecture & Design markets in the US and Canada.

With nearly 20 years of industry experience, including positions at Knoll and MillerKnoll, she has a deep understanding of sales and workplace strategy.

Passionate about the impact of the built environment on the human experience, Jade enjoys partnering with clients and internal teams to create inspiring workplaces where people can thrive. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and empathy, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages team members to share ideas. By prioritizing authentic communication, Jade cultivates a culture of trust and creativity

Michael Inzlicht, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto, Founder, Work and Play Lab

Michael Inzlicht is a Research Excellence Faculty Scholar at the University of Toronto. His primary appointment is as Professor in the Department of Psychology, but he is also cross-appointed as Professor in the Department of Marketing at the Rotman School of Management. Michael conducts research that sits at the boundaries of social psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. Although he has published papers on numerous topics, his current research interests concern work and play. His research on work or effort is mostly on the topics of self-control and motivation, but also includes research on the mentally demanding nature of empathy and compassion.

Michael completed his B.Sc. in Anatomical Sciences at McGill University in 1994, his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at Brown University in 2001, and his postdoctoral fellowship in Applied Psychology at New York University in 2004. He has published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and edited two books. His work has been featured in media outlets around the world, including The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, BBC News, TIME, The Daily Telegraph, and the CBC, among many others.

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Networking Break

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

PRESENTATION – Material Bank & The Market

This presentation provides an overview of Material Bank, a platform that has revolutionized how architecture and design professionals research and sample materials. It begins with the platform’s history and how it has evolved from an overnight sampling platform into a vital free research tool offering accessible data and workflow tools to support informed decision-making. The presentation will also highlight how Material Bank currently supports the Canadian design community and will share future opportunities to provide valuable data and tools that help firms navigate projects more efficiently. Statistics on the number of members and projects created will demonstrate the platform’s role in enhancing productivity and collaboration across the industry. Lastly, it will cover sustainability trends, focusing on Material Bank’s innovative filters, programs, and reporting tools that support sustainable practices.

Presenter:

Rebecca Best, RESET AP, EVP Sustainability & Firm Engagement, Material Bank

Rebecca has 20+ years’ experience developing and leading corporate sustainability and marketing strategies within different facets of the construction & design industry. She displays incredible passion and knowledge in her efforts to integrate sustainability and CSR initiatives into strategic business decisions. Currently, as EVP at Material Bank, her focus leads Material Bank’s commitments to support climate action, as a part of responsible corporate governance. She develops strategies and programs to practically integrate sustainability into design tools. She is consistently driven to create intersections between ROI and sustainability and to uncover new opportunities to bring decarbonization tactics and education directly into construction & design project

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

KEYNOTE (HSW) – Constructing Health: How the Built Environment Enhances Your Mind’s Health by Tye Farrow

How do buildings make us feel? How can they make us feel better?
Through research at the emerging intersection of neuroscience and architecture, Tye Farrow will explore how our mind, and its various sensory systems, interacts with our built environment to enhance or harm our health and well-being. Tye bridges the gap in knowledge between the therapeutic medical world and the design community to reveal how the intentional shaping of our environment can support our physical and neurological well-being, through recent discoveries in cognitive psychology (the science of the mind) and neuroscience (the science of the brain).

Presenter:

Tye Farrow, Senior Partner, Farrow Partners Architects
FRAIC, B.Arch., M.Arch.U.D., M.Neuro.Appl.Arch.Des., OAA, MAIBC, AIA Assoc, LEED AP

Working at the intersection of architecture and neuroscience, Tye is a world-recognized pioneer in tackling how our built environments either give or cause health. The first Canadian architect to earn a Master of Neuroscience Applied to Architecture, he is a much sought-after speaker, having presented to respected organizations in over forty-five cities on six continents.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Networking Lunch

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

PRESENTATION (HSW) – Embodied Carbon & Materials by Material Bank

Often when we think about carbon footprint and construction, we think about architecture, core & shell, concrete, steel, operational carbon, etc. The role of interior design and material specifications don’t always rise to the forefront. We will raise awareness to the incredible impact of reducing a building’s carbon footprint with responsible interior material selections and help guide future actions with more thoughtful consideration of the impact of embodied carbon within our interior spaces.

We will share the Metropolis Climate Toolkit created as a comprehensive resource on decarbonizing interior design, containing strategies and suggestions relevant to different roles and team members, including specifiers, project managers, and project leads. Become an embodied carbon change maker!

Presenter:

Rebecca Best, RESET AP, EVP Sustainability & Firm Engagement, Material Bank

Rebecca has 20+ years’ experience developing and leading corporate sustainability and marketing strategies within different facets of the construction & design industry. She displays incredible passion and knowledge in her efforts to integrate sustainability and CSR initiatives into strategic business decisions. Currently, as EVP at Material Bank, her focus leads Material Bank’s commitments to support climate action, as a part of responsible corporate governance. She develops strategies and programs to practically integrate sustainability into design tools. She is consistently driven to create intersections between ROI and sustainability and to uncover new opportunities to bring decarbonization tactics and education directly into construction & design projects.

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Break

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Awards Celebration Cocktails (Separate ticket required)

Enjoy a delicious cocktail and capture the moment in IDC’s photo booth, before the Awards Celebration kicks off at Carlu.

Please note, Design Symposium registration does not include attendance to IDC’s Awards Celebration. Attendees must have a separate ticket to attend the event at Carlu.

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Awards Celebration Gala (Separate ticket required)

Join IDC at Carlu in Toronto, Ont. to celebrate and honour our members’ achievements at this year’s live and in-person awards celebration. The event will celebrate winners of the 2024 Value of Design Awards (VODA), winners of the Industry Partners-exclusive Innovation Awards, winners of the Innovation in Design Thinking Student Competition, and recipient of the Legacy Award for Distinguished Service.

IDC awards will be presented during a sit-down dinner. Dress code is business attire.

Please note, Design Symposium registration does not include attendance to IDC’s Awards Celebration. Attendees must have a separate ticket to attend the event at Carlu.