ARIDO and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) are partnering again this year at the Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto 2025, featuring the ARIDO + IDC Stage from January 23rd – 26th, 2025.
The event will feature trade-focused days on Thursday, January 23rd, and Friday, January 24th, followed by public access on Saturday, January 25th, and Sunday, January 26th.
The ARIDO + IDC Stage
The ARIDO + IDC stage, designed by Bryan Stone, ARIDO and his team at Stone & Associates Design, will host talks, presentations, and activations throughout the four day show. During trade days on Thursday and Friday we will have special activations, like the ARIDO + IDC VIP Lounge for members and an exclusive Photo Booth for Registered Interior Designers!
Call Out – Registered Interior Designer Volunteers are needed for « Meet the Interior Designers » Activation
During public days on Saturday January 25th and Sunday January 26th, ARIDO will be running “Meet the Interior Designers” sessions where the public can connect with the profession directly and engage in important project related dialogue.
Registered members who practice in the residential sector who are interested in participating in this will receive access to the tradeshow floor and will be showcased by the IDS 2025 in promotion leading up to the event. Those registered members looking to participate can sign up using this online form.
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
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
