Introducing this year’s judges for three IDC VODA programs.
Jump to: VODA Interior Projects || VODA Student Competition || VODA Product Innovation
VODA INTERIOR PROJECTS
This award demonstrates the positive human and business impact of design thinking for the people and companies who hire a professional interior designer. By measuring the benefits and outcomes of design, IDC is showcasing the true value of design in Canada and beyond our borders.
Isabelle Talbot
Principal, Ray Inc.
Isabelle, one of Ray’s two principals, joined the firm in 1989 and has been a partner since 2000. Originally from Quebec City, she pursued design from an early age and leads that aspect of the firm’s business. To the role, she brings extensive expertise with product specification and strong relationships with a wealth of suppliers. And because every one of Ray’s clients is unique, she believes every design should be, too. Embodying that rare combination of being detail-oriented and passionate, Isabelle is inspired by both poring over historical architecture and travelling abroad. Fueled also by engagement with the design community, Isabelle is the current Lead of the Central ARIDO Community and volunteers on multiple ARIDO initiatives.
Carla Sorrell
Director and Co-Founder, Design Victoria
Carla is an advocate for the creative industries, arts and cultural initiatives in Victoria. She has over two decades of experience in the creative sector as a journalist, content consultant, and business coach to creative entrepreneurs in Canada and the UK.
Carla is Co-Founder of Design Victoria and Managing Editor of GRAY magazine. Since 2023, the three-day Design Victoria festival has brought together the city’s growing design and creative community for conversations, events, parties and so much more.
At GRAY magazine, she manages the editorial for the weekly digital publication of stories that inform and engage readers about the international design scene.
Additionally, she facilitates innovation through design thinking for businesses and individuals who want to create impactful products and programming. Trained by the globally recognized Danish institution KaosPilot, specialized in creative leadership and meaningful entrepreneurship, Carla helps clients design engaging and inspiring education and training programs that inspire and enable the learner to reach their fullest potential.
Gelanaz Hemati
Founder & Principal, Gelanaz & Associates Inc.
Gelanaz Hemati is an award-winning interior architectural designer and the founder of Gelanaz & Associates Inc., based in Toronto. With a Master of Architecture and over two decades of experience in design and construction, she brings a refined, detail-driven approach to high-end residential projects. Her work is rooted in strong architectural principles, seamlessly blending functionality with timeless, elegant aesthetics.
Gelanaz’s work has received multiple NKBA Design Awards, including first-place honours and People’s Choice recognition. She was also featured on the television show Property Brothers, further highlighting her expertise and design impact. Her projects have been published in leading industry platforms such as RENO + DECOR Magazine and Ontario Design Magazine.
Beyond her practice, Gelanaz has contributed to the design community as a lecturer in architecture and currently serves as Programs Chair for the NKBA Ontario Chapter. She is also engaged as a competition judge and mentor, supporting emerging talent.
Her design philosophy centers on creating thoughtful, well-balanced spaces that elevate everyday living while delivering lasting value.
VODA STUDENT COMPETITION
Founded in 2021, this competition provides students with a national platform to demonstrate the value of interior design and illustrate the positive impact design has on the users of the spaces, supported by evidence-based research.
Angela Colley
Licenced Interior Designer, T.A. Scott ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
Angela Colley is a Registered Interior Designer and a certified member of the National Council for Interior Designers. She is also a Member of the Interior Designers of Nova Scotia (IDNS), the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Angela joined T. A. Scott Architecture + Design Limited as an Interior Designer in 2023, after moving back to Nova Scotia from the United States, where she has over 20 years of experience as an Interior Designer. Prior to joining T.A. Scott ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN, she ran A Colley Interior Design soon after returning to Nova Scotia, and prior to that A C Styles Designs in Florida.
She has extensive experience in design from concept to completion. Her project experience includes government, healthcare, residential, hospitality, education, and office spaces. She currently serves on the board of the Interior Designers of Nova Scotia (IDNS) as the Registrar and served twice as president for the Florida South Chapter of ASID.
Orla Keane
Interior Design Professor, Humber Polytechnic
Órla is a full-time professor in the Bachelor of Interior Design program at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto. She has over ten years of experience in higher education across Canada and Ireland, and previously worked extensively in retail and exhibition design in Ireland.
Her teaching focuses on experiential retail, visual merchandising, and how design shapes behaviour and customer experience. She also brings a strong focus on sustainability and ethics to her work, supported by an MSc in Sustainable Development, integrating environmental thinking into both studio projects and design evaluation.
Órla is a member of the RDI (Institute of Designers in Ireland) and an Educator Member of ARIDO. Through ongoing collaboration with industry partners, guest speakers, and live projects, she connects students to current professional practice while maintaining a strong focus on mentorship.
Reviewing a high volume of student work each year has given her a sharp eye for emerging talent and what separates a strong concept from a well-resolved, buildable design.
Donna Lawson
Principal/Design Director, Lawson Design
A retail enthusiast on all fronts, Donna knows retail inside and out. For over 25 years she has worked with clients bringing life to their brands and customers into their spaces.
Most recently she led creative store design at Starbucks, overseeing the design of all Canadian stores. Previously, Donna was on the consultant side. In her role as a creative and strategic leader, at both large and small design firms including The International Design Group, Watt Intl. Perennial Inc., Fiorino Design and Citizens and Collaborators, Donna has created brand environments and experiences that work both functionally and aesthetically. A testament to her versatility and ability to deliver on-target solutions, her work in wide-ranging sectors, for clients including Canadian Tire, La Maison Simons, Aldo, Mendocino, LCBO, Air Canada and Cineplex, has been acknowledged with well over 30 industry awards.
Donna has a degree in Interior Design from Toronto Metropolitan University and is NCIDQ certified and a Registered Interior designer.
Her work has been published in Canadian Interiors, Canadian Retailer, Chain Store Age, Inspiration and Travel Retailer. She has also penned articles for Canadian Retailer and The Americas Duty Free & Travel Retailing and shares retail insights as a regular Instagrammer.
VODA PRODUCT INNOVATION
This awards program, which is exclusive to IDC’s Industry Partners, was established in 1984 to honour excellence in product design and new showroom creativity.
Jaime Holland
Founding Partner, Holland Licensed Interior Design Inc.
Jaime Holland is a Licensed Interior Designer and Founding Partner at Holland Licensed Interior Design. Operating in alignment with the Alberta Association of Architects, she oversees all technical and regulatory intricacies, ensuring adherence to high professional standards and codes of conduct.
With over 15 years of local and international experience, she brings a sharp technical lens and a collaborative spirit to every project. Her portfolio demonstrates her expertise as a designer and project manager, skillfully balancing the diverse needs of clients, consultants and contractors throughout the construction process.
A champion of human-centred design, Jaime is deeply committed to creating spaces that reflect and empower the people who use them. She advocates for accessibility, equity, and inclusion in the built environment and leads Holland’s work in delivering value-driven design—guided by research, client insight, and a belief that design should always elevate the human experience.
In 2011, Jaime co-founded Holland with her sister, Jocelyne Holland.
Steven Casey
Partner, KPMB Architects
Steven Casey joined KPMB Architects in 2002 and has contributed to projects across culture, education, workplace, and interiors. He is known for his commitment to design excellence and a collaborative approach to project delivery.
His portfolio includes Centennial College Applied Research and Innovation Centre and Gardiner Museum, alongside leading many of KPMB’s interior architecture projects. Notable work includes the Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport, offices for Torys LLP across multiple cities, and executive offices for CTV. He recently led the workplace strategy and design for Scotiabank’s headquarters at the Bay Adelaide Centre.
Steven’s work on the Centre for International Governance Innovation Campus earned an AIA Honor Award, a RIBA International Award, and a Governor General’s Medal. Since 2013, he has focused on U.S. projects, including the Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics and a corporate workplace at Hudson Yards.
He also supports marketing and business development efforts, shaping corporate communications, brand strategy, and growth across North America.
Nadia Cannataro
Principal, large medium design office
Principal and co-founder of large [medium] design office, Nadia Cannataro is a registered member of ARIDO, a LEED Accredited Professional and member of the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). Nadia holds a Bachelor of Interior Design from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and an MFA in Criticism and Curatorial Practice from OCAD University.
With experience across corporate, institutional, retail, and residential interiors, Nadia is a versatile designer who has led and contributed to projects of varying scales both across Canada and internationally. Her approach to design is rooted in creating dynamic, narrative-driven environments that respond to client needs, brand identity, and site specificity.
All award winners will be honoured at IDC VODAs this fall. In addition, all winning projects will be featured on IDC’s website and newsletter and promoted across IDC’s social media channels.
Please contact communications@idcanada.org with any inquiries.
