Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) hosted its ninth annual Design Symposium on Oct. 20 and 21, 2026, bringing together the interior design and architecture community from across Canada for two days of learning, networking, and celebrating the profession in downtown Toronto.
The two-day event featured keynote presentations, engaging discussions, design tours, and IDC’s Value of Design Awards (VODAs).
This year’s program explored topics including artificial intelligence, strategic foresight, workplace technology, furniture design, cultural identity, and the role of interior design in shaping inclusive and adaptable environments.
A Keynote That Challenged Perspectives
Photo: Yasea Studio
Dr. Bailey Parnell opened this year’s symposium with Super Human Leadership: How the Next Great Leaders Will Use AI to Become More Human, exploring how artificial intelligence can support more human-centred leadership.
Drawing on her research in leadership and AI, Parnell examined how technology can strengthen connection, empathy, creativity, and well-being. Through storytelling and real-world examples, attendees gained practical insights into using AI to amplify human capabilities rather than replace them.
Thought-Provoking Presentations and Conversations
Photo: Yasea Studio
This year’s programming featured a range of sessions exploring emerging challenges, opportunities, and approaches within interior design practice.
Sabrina Ash of B+H Architects presented Design Strategy: Integrating Strategic Foresight, examining how strategic foresight, systems thinking, and life-centred design can help designers anticipate complex challenges and develop resilient environments.
Courtney Elling of Cisco followed with Technology-Led Design for the Future-Proofed Workplace, exploring how a technology-forward approach to design can create more responsive and inclusive workplaces.
In the afternoon, Alyssa Coletti of Nonfiction Creative delivered Almost Bespoke: Creating More Human, Inspiring Furniture at Scale, highlighting how expressive forms, material selection, and thoughtful manufacturing can create distinctive furniture that remains practical to produce at scale.
Ekaterina Dobrokhotova, Vice President of Marketing at Miele, led the workshop Design Your Influence: Building a Brand That Stands Out, offering practical strategies for developing a recognizable brand, strengthening digital visibility, and creating new business opportunities.
Day two opened with Transformation of University Commons by Zeidler, featuring IDC Past President Sean Crawford of Zeidler Architecture in conversation with IDC CEO Trevor Kruse. The discussion examined the transformation of the University of Alberta’s historic University Commons into an inclusive, adaptable academic and social hub, highlighting the role of interior design in improving accessibility, student well-being, and connection.
The morning continued with Design for Cultural Continuity: awâsisak kâ-nîmîhtocik St. Francis School, featuring IDC Past President Keshia Caplette of Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture, in conversation with Trevor Kruse. The session explored how Cree language, storytelling, artwork, and traditional ways of knowing were integrated into the school’s design to strengthen cultural identity, support learning, and foster community connection.
Design Tours
VODA Design Tour: Limberlost Place @ George Brown Polytechnic
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in guided design tours of two IDC VODA-winning projects in Toronto. The first tour showcased Limberlost Place at George Brown Polytechnic by Moriyama Teshima Architects, a mass timber building demonstrating innovative approaches to sustainable design and low-carbon construction. The second tour featured La Maison Simons at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre by Gensler, showcasing an immersive retail environment that incorporates Canadian art, culture, and a new approach to the traditional department store experience.
IDC Value of Design Awards (VODAs)
On the evening of Oct. 20, IDC celebrated winners of the VODA Interior Projects, VODA Product Innovation, and VODA Student Competition.
The event brought together members and industry partners for a cocktail reception and sit-down dinner to celebrate achievements across Canada’s interior design community.
IDC’s 2026 Design Symposium and VODAs were presented by Ciot, Miele, Teknion, and Turner Construction Company.
This year’s program sponsors were Anatolia, Caesarstone, Centura Tile, Cloverdale Paint, Daltile, Euro Tile & Stone, Formica, HanStone, Keilhauer, Metro Wallcoverings, Midgley Tecnica, Mohawk Group, Nienkämper, POI / Steelcase, plan b office, Prolink, and Sound Solutions.
Design firm sponsors were Arcadis, Bullock+Wood Design, DS Studio Inc., Figure3, Gensler, HOK, Kasian Architecture, Retail Design Institute Canada, SDI Design, Studio Ormonde Marquies, and Zeidler Architecture. CIBC was the event’s corporate sponsor.
Media partners included AZURE, Canadian Interiors, and NextHome, DesignTO, and RGD supported the event.
2027 IDC Design Symposium and VODAs details coming soon. For more information, please contact communications@idcanada.org.
