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IDC + ARIDO Stage at IDS 2025
January 23 - January 26
ARIDO and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) are partnering again at the Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto 2025, featuring the ARIDO + IDC Stage. This collaboration aims to cater to various aspects of the design profession, including education, professional development, and community building, creating a well-rounded program that can appeal to a diverse audience within the interior design community.
Learn about last year’s successful event!
The Program
Several ARIDO members are bringing their voices to IDS’ programming, and ARIDO’s Executive Director Sharon Portelli will be participating in two talks; a panel on the Examination Alternative Project (EAP) with Daniel Zanth on Friday at 12 PM, and a talk about Interior Design Contracts on Sunday at 12 PM.
Thursday, January 23rd
Panel: Intern Competency Review System (ICRS) 3:00pm-4:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
This panel discussion delves into the journey of becoming a Registered Interior Designer in Ontario for internationally trained interior designers, architects, and other related professionals. Focusing on the Intern Competency Review System (ICRS), a distinctive pathway for experienced professionals aspiring to join ARIDO, the panel features ARIDO Members who have successfully navigated this route. The panelists will share insights on the process, highlighting the kinds of evidence – such as relevant work experience, education, or training – required to demonstrate the minimum competencies needed for membership.
Speakers: Zinnia Bookwala, ARIDO and Alessandro Caselli, Intern ARIDO
ARIDO Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) Student Activation 10:00am – 4:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
As future designers, this is a platform for ARIDO BID students to present and facilitate discussion with the public around a conceptual design they have created.
ARIDO + IDC VIP Lounge 10:00am – 4:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
Introducing a VIP Lounge exclusively for ARIDO and IDC members—a relaxing spot to network and unwind during the show. A unique opportunity for students and interns to connect directly with Registered Members for valuable portfolio reviews and mentorship.
Friday, January 24
Panel: Examination Alternative Project (EAP) – An Introduction to Equity-Centered Assessment for Interior Design
12:00 pm-1:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
In January 2023, ARIDO launched the Examination Alternative Project (EAP), the final development project in ARIDO’s 10-year journey of competency assessment development. This examination alternative will be a second option, in addition to the NCIDQ exams, for satisfying ARIDO’s examination requirement to become a Registered Interior Designer in Ontario.
The goal of the project has centered around ensuring a fair and equitable path to qualification as an Interior Designer in Ontario, along with an assessment approach that is reflective of the interior design practice in Canada.
This presentation will walk the audience to the details of the new assessment and how it upholds the rigorous standards required for qualifications while paving the way for fair access for assessment candidates.
Speakers: Sharon Portelli, ARIDO Executive Director and Daniel Zanth, Independent Consultant
Speaker: Badr Salhia
With 13 years at Ciot, Badr Salhia is a leading expert in large format porcelain and ultra-compact materials. He has trained hundreds of fabrication shops across North America on best practices for handling and cutting these advanced surfaces. Holding a background in Mechanical Engineering, Badr continuously seeks out innovative technologies to advance the fabrication process. He has been actively involved in R&D testing with top manufacturers worldwide, contributing to the evolution of ultra-compact surfaces. Badr is also a dedicated industry advocate, serving on the Board of Directors for the Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC). He chairs the Tech Talk Committee and co-chairs the committee developing Canada’s first official manual for Gauged Porcelain Tiles and Panel.
ARIDO Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) Student Activation 10:00am – 4:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
As future designers, this is a platform for ARIDO BID students to present and facilitate discussion with the public around a conceptual design they have created.
ARIDO + IDC VIP Lounge 10:00am – 4:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
Introducing a VIP Lounge exclusively for ARIDO and IDC members—a relaxing spot to network and unwind during the show. A unique opportunity for students and interns to connect directly with Registered Members for valuable portfolio reviews and mentorship.
Saturday, January 25
Design Consultations: Meet the Interior Designers 11:00am-4:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
Always wanted to speak to an Interior Designer about your project? Now’s your chance! Registered Interior Designers will be offering design consultations on interior design projects and answer any questions you may have.
Activation: Reimagining Spaces 12:00pm-1:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
When hiring a qualified Interior Designer, clients are often unaware of the breadth of scope of work that their designer manages. From the re-redesign of the interior space to the technical design and permitting requirements; a Registered Interior Designer has the qualifications to handle all of it.
Our Reimagining Spaces Activations will include Registered Interior Designers walking clients through the redesign of an interior space from start of project to permit application.
Presenter: Jeremy Cheff, ARIDO
Panel: Demystifying Permits 2:00pm-3:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
Are you daunted by the Permit process? You don’t need to be. Registered Interior Designer, Michelle Mawby, outlines the different permit requirements for residential properties, including how clients can navigate when a permit is required or not. For clients considering a home project in 2024, this session will provide all the permitting information you need to get your project started right.
Speaker: Michelle Mawby, ARIDO
Sunday, January 26
Design Consultations: Meet the Interior Designers 11:00am-4:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
Always wanted to speak to an Interior Designer about your project? Now’s your chance! Registered Interior Designers will be offering design consultations on interior design projects and answer any questions you may have.
Panel: Interior Design Contracts 12:00pm-1:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
When hiring an Interior Designer, the contract clients enter for interior design services can be complicated. This session will walk clients through key aspects of an interior design contract that should be included to ensure a successful project that is on schedule and budget. Clients considering a home renovation or build project in 2025 will find this session informative to ensuring their scope of work and contract conditions are in their favor.
Speaker: Sharon Portelli, ARIDO Executive Director
Activation: Reimagining Spaces 2:00pm-3:00pm
ARIDO+IDC Stage
When hiring a qualified Interior Designer, clients are often unaware of the breadth of scope of work that their designer manages. From the re-redesign of the interior space to the technical design and permitting requirements; a Registered Interior Designer has the qualifications to handle all of it.
Our Reimagining Spaces Activations will include Registered Interior Designers walking clients through the redesign of an interior space from start of project to permit application.
Presenter: Michelle Mawby, ARIDO
Partners and Sponsors:
Stage Design by
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Design Product Sponsors
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Stage Furniture Sponsor
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Guest Seating and Lounge Sponsor
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Supporting Sponsors
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Industry Partners are invited to explore exciting sponsorship opportunities. For inquiries and any questions, please contact bkrsiakova@idcanada.org.
