\n
Value of Design Awards<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nThese awards shine a spotlight on Canadian interior designers by providing a forum to showcase the benefits of design thinking: an empathetic, inventive, and iterative process focused on the human experience within interior spaces.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Mardi-Najafi-150x150.png\")
Mardi Najafi <\/strong><\/p>\nPrincipal, Chief Creative Officer, Retail + Hospitality Practice Lead, <\/strong>SDI Design<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMardi Najafi is a highly accomplished, award-winning designer with over three decades of trailblazing experience at the forefront of the design world. Renowned for his multi-disciplinary approach, Mardi is deeply passionate about the transformative power of design. A visionary leader and creative force, Mardi sees design as a tool to evoke powerful emotions, craft unforgettable experiences, and create a lasting impact that transcends spaces.<\/p>\n
His impressive career spans a wide range of high-profile projects, from bespoke retail boutiques to expansive branded environments for some of the world\u2019s most iconic companies, including Adidas, Coca-Cola, Telus, Loblaws, Mattel, Nike, Penguin, Keilhauer, Virgin Mobile, and Versace. With a diverse global portfolio that stretches across Paris, New York, Toronto, and beyond, Mardi has a unique talent for blending cutting-edge innovation with cultural relevance.<\/p>\n
As the Principal, Chief Creative Officer, and Retail & Hospitality Practice Lead at SDI Design, Mardi is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design, consistently striving to create immersive, dynamic environments that engage and inspire. He\u2019s known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to fuse art with commerce, ensuring that every space is not only visually captivating but also deeply meaningful. His work continues to redefine the way brands connect with their audiences, setting new standards for customer experiences that extend far beyond the physical space.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Laney-Stewart-150x150.png\")
Laney Stewart<\/strong><\/p>\nExecutive Director, <\/strong>The Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba (PIDIM)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nLaney Stewart is the Executive Director of PIDIM and a seasoned Professional Interior Designer with experience in both residential and commercial interior design. Laney\u2019s involvement with various industry organizations, including serving as PIDIM President, has allowed her to shape the future of design while mentoring the next generation of professionals.<\/p>\n
As a volunteer and board member of different non-design organizations, Laney is a firm believer in the power of giving back. She advocates for the importance of volunteering and networking, viewing them as critical to personal and professional success.<\/p>\n
Outside of her career, Laney enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their dog and cat. A lover of road trips and swimming, she seeks out adventure and relaxation by the water, all while enjoying the joys of family life.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Nancy-Logan-150x150.png\")
Nancy Logan<\/strong><\/p>\nAssociate, Senior Interior Designer, Intern Interior Designer AAA, BAID, CHID, NCIDQ, IDAA, <\/strong>Dialog<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nDIALOG Associate and Certified Healthcare Interior Designer with the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers, Nancy Logan has the unique gift of transforming complex, highly technical interior spaces into environments that foster a sense of wellbeing and delight. With over 17 years of experience, she has contributed to the design of a variety of large-scale healthcare facilities and smaller medical centers across Canada.<\/p>\n
Nancy is dedicated to empowering the healthcare design community by fostering knowledge sharing and connections among passionate designers. Her focus on infection prevention, accessibility, detailing, and creating healing environments is evident in every project.\u00a0 A central figure of the DIALOG healthcare team, she is a collaborative and supportive leader and mentor who inspires those around her with her meticulous nature and dedication to craft, embodying a commitment to community wellbeing and design excellence.<\/p>\n
Nancy\u2019s deep passion for healthcare has contributed to projects including but not limited to the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre\u2019s Brain Centre Redevelopment, Toronto Western Hospital\u2019s New Patient Tower, Medical Imaging Consultants, Canadian Blood Services, and Markdale Hospital.<\/p>\n
\nInnovation in Design Thinking: Student Competition<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nFounded 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.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Juliana-Kaiser-150x150.png\")
Julianna Kaiser<\/strong><\/p>\nFounder and Registered Interior Designer, <\/strong>Studio Kaiser<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nStudio Kaiser, founded by Julianna Kaiser, brings modern interior design solutions to residential and commercial projects across the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.<\/p>\n
Julianna was born in Penticton and raised on the Naramata Bench therefore the Okanagan Valley has always been home. Upon moving to Toronto in 2010, Julianna obtained a Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) degree from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2014. When she returned to the Okanagan Valley in 2020, she received a National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) designation in 2023. Over the past decade, she has gained valuable experience in the architecture and design field across Canada, collaborating with allied professionals, vendors and trades to provide practical design solutions for public, commercial and residential clients. The studio prioritizes the use of sustainable and functional materials, following a design philosophy of \u00ab\u00a0less is more\u00a0\u00bb that is rooted in modernist architecture and design. Each project by Studio Kaiser is unique and tailored to fit the specific requirements, preferences, budget, and goals of the client.<\/p>\n
Julianna is a Registered Interior Designer with the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC) and is an active professional member of the Okanagan Society of Interior Designers (OSID) and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC).<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Vera-Gisarov-150x150.png\")
Vera Gisarov <\/strong><\/p>\nProject Director, Principal, MCR, ARIDO, IDC, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP<\/strong><\/p>\nWith over 25 years in Interior Design and Architecture, Vera Gisarov is a distinguished design leader based in Toronto, specializing in complex commercial interiors. She has extensive experience in North America and globally, delivering workplace headquarters and retail flagships that seamlessly blend functionality and design.<\/p>\n
Vera is a published author, contributing insightful articles on wellness and design to notable publications such as The Globe and Mail, National Post, and Canadian Facility Management. Her thought leadership reflects her commitment to integrating wellness into design, promoting environments that foster productivity and well-being.<\/p>\n
An active leader in the Toronto real estate community, Vera has held significant roles in organizations including NAIOP, CoreNet, ARIDO and CREW, the Commercial Real Estate Women’s Toronto Chapter, where she is currently President Elect. Her dedication to advancing women to positions of leadership and influence, continues to strengthen and expand diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout Toronto\u2019s design, architecture and real estate communities.<\/p>\n
\nInnovation Awards<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nThis awards program, which is exclusive to IDC\u2019s Industry Partners, was established in 1984 to honour excellence in product design and new showroom creativity.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Amanda-Lwanga-150x150.png\")
Amanda Lwanga <\/strong><\/p>\nCreative Director, <\/strong>Linger Design Studio<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nWith over 17 years of experience as a licensed Professional Environmental Engineer, and a masters in sustainable architecture, Amanda has transformed her passion for the sciences into an art form.<\/p>\n
Her unique background has been a tremendous asset in her ability to take on complex projects, as she understands that great interiors are not possible without great architecture and vice versa.<\/p>\n
Amanda’s unique perspective is rooted in her love of fine arts, and her methodical approach to problem-solving. She believes that art, science, and design are all governed by similar principles and that interdisciplinary problem-solving leads to the most meaningful results.<\/p>\n
Her design practice is a culmination of her life experiences, and she approaches each project with a balance of creativity and practicality. Her work is a symphony of colors, textures, and movement, creating a three-dimensional art that elicits an emotional response from her clients.<\/p>\n
Amanda has built a reputation for excellence and serves homeowners and businesses across Canada who are seeking to reduce their impact on the environment while basking in an elevated space. She takes great pride in creating something out of nothing, and the joy and purpose she derives from her work are evident in every project she undertakes.<\/p>\n
Amanda\u2019s work has been featured in Ella Canada, House and Home, Refinery 29, Western Living Magazine and The Globe and Mail. She has also been a guest expert on Cityline TV, Global News and CTV Edmonton.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Peter-Sobchak-150x150.png\")
Peter Sobchak<\/strong><\/p>\nEditor in Chief, <\/strong>Canadian Interiors<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>&\u00a0<\/strong>Building<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>magazines<\/strong><\/p>\nPeter Sobchak has been examining and discussing topics related to design, architecture and real estate development in Canada through various mediums for over 20 years. He is Editor in Chief of Canadian Interiors<\/em> and Building<\/em> magazines, his writing has appeared in publications in England, Germany, the Netherlands, China and elsewhere, and his work has won several National Magazine Awards.<\/p>\nBeyond the realm of publishing, he was also the host and producer of Building Toronto<\/em>, a limited-run series which aired on Rogers TV, and is currently hosting and producing the podcast series Bevel: Canadian Interiors Conversations, <\/em>which is available on a variety of streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.<\/p>\n
Mardi Najafi <\/strong><\/p>\nPrincipal, Chief Creative Officer, Retail + Hospitality Practice Lead, <\/strong>SDI Design<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Mardi Najafi is a highly accomplished, award-winning designer with over three decades of trailblazing experience at the forefront of the design world. Renowned for his multi-disciplinary approach, Mardi is deeply passionate about the transformative power of design. A visionary leader and creative force, Mardi sees design as a tool to evoke powerful emotions, craft unforgettable experiences, and create a lasting impact that transcends spaces.<\/p>\n His impressive career spans a wide range of high-profile projects, from bespoke retail boutiques to expansive branded environments for some of the world\u2019s most iconic companies, including Adidas, Coca-Cola, Telus, Loblaws, Mattel, Nike, Penguin, Keilhauer, Virgin Mobile, and Versace. With a diverse global portfolio that stretches across Paris, New York, Toronto, and beyond, Mardi has a unique talent for blending cutting-edge innovation with cultural relevance.<\/p>\n As the Principal, Chief Creative Officer, and Retail & Hospitality Practice Lead at SDI Design, Mardi is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design, consistently striving to create immersive, dynamic environments that engage and inspire. He\u2019s known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to fuse art with commerce, ensuring that every space is not only visually captivating but also deeply meaningful. His work continues to redefine the way brands connect with their audiences, setting new standards for customer experiences that extend far beyond the physical space.<\/p>\n Executive Director, <\/strong>The Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba (PIDIM)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Laney Stewart is the Executive Director of PIDIM and a seasoned Professional Interior Designer with experience in both residential and commercial interior design. Laney\u2019s involvement with various industry organizations, including serving as PIDIM President, has allowed her to shape the future of design while mentoring the next generation of professionals.<\/p>\n As a volunteer and board member of different non-design organizations, Laney is a firm believer in the power of giving back. She advocates for the importance of volunteering and networking, viewing them as critical to personal and professional success.<\/p>\n Outside of her career, Laney enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their dog and cat. A lover of road trips and swimming, she seeks out adventure and relaxation by the water, all while enjoying the joys of family life.<\/p>\n Associate, Senior Interior Designer, Intern Interior Designer AAA, BAID, CHID, NCIDQ, IDAA, <\/strong>Dialog<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n DIALOG Associate and Certified Healthcare Interior Designer with the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers, Nancy Logan has the unique gift of transforming complex, highly technical interior spaces into environments that foster a sense of wellbeing and delight. With over 17 years of experience, she has contributed to the design of a variety of large-scale healthcare facilities and smaller medical centers across Canada.<\/p>\n Nancy is dedicated to empowering the healthcare design community by fostering knowledge sharing and connections among passionate designers. Her focus on infection prevention, accessibility, detailing, and creating healing environments is evident in every project.\u00a0 A central figure of the DIALOG healthcare team, she is a collaborative and supportive leader and mentor who inspires those around her with her meticulous nature and dedication to craft, embodying a commitment to community wellbeing and design excellence.<\/p>\n Nancy\u2019s deep passion for healthcare has contributed to projects including but not limited to the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre\u2019s Brain Centre Redevelopment, Toronto Western Hospital\u2019s New Patient Tower, Medical Imaging Consultants, Canadian Blood Services, and Markdale Hospital.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Founder and Registered Interior Designer, <\/strong>Studio Kaiser<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Studio Kaiser, founded by Julianna Kaiser, brings modern interior design solutions to residential and commercial projects across the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.<\/p>\n Julianna was born in Penticton and raised on the Naramata Bench therefore the Okanagan Valley has always been home. Upon moving to Toronto in 2010, Julianna obtained a Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) degree from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2014. When she returned to the Okanagan Valley in 2020, she received a National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) designation in 2023. Over the past decade, she has gained valuable experience in the architecture and design field across Canada, collaborating with allied professionals, vendors and trades to provide practical design solutions for public, commercial and residential clients. The studio prioritizes the use of sustainable and functional materials, following a design philosophy of \u00ab\u00a0less is more\u00a0\u00bb that is rooted in modernist architecture and design. Each project by Studio Kaiser is unique and tailored to fit the specific requirements, preferences, budget, and goals of the client.<\/p>\n Julianna is a Registered Interior Designer with the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC) and is an active professional member of the Okanagan Society of Interior Designers (OSID) and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC).<\/p>\n Project Director, Principal, MCR, ARIDO, IDC, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP<\/strong><\/p>\n With over 25 years in Interior Design and Architecture, Vera Gisarov is a distinguished design leader based in Toronto, specializing in complex commercial interiors. She has extensive experience in North America and globally, delivering workplace headquarters and retail flagships that seamlessly blend functionality and design.<\/p>\n Vera is a published author, contributing insightful articles on wellness and design to notable publications such as The Globe and Mail, National Post, and Canadian Facility Management. Her thought leadership reflects her commitment to integrating wellness into design, promoting environments that foster productivity and well-being.<\/p>\n An active leader in the Toronto real estate community, Vera has held significant roles in organizations including NAIOP, CoreNet, ARIDO and CREW, the Commercial Real Estate Women’s Toronto Chapter, where she is currently President Elect. Her dedication to advancing women to positions of leadership and influence, continues to strengthen and expand diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout Toronto\u2019s design, architecture and real estate communities.<\/p>\n This awards program, which is exclusive to IDC\u2019s Industry Partners, was established in 1984 to honour excellence in product design and new showroom creativity.<\/p>\n Creative Director, <\/strong>Linger Design Studio<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n With over 17 years of experience as a licensed Professional Environmental Engineer, and a masters in sustainable architecture, Amanda has transformed her passion for the sciences into an art form.<\/p>\n Her unique background has been a tremendous asset in her ability to take on complex projects, as she understands that great interiors are not possible without great architecture and vice versa.<\/p>\n Amanda’s unique perspective is rooted in her love of fine arts, and her methodical approach to problem-solving. She believes that art, science, and design are all governed by similar principles and that interdisciplinary problem-solving leads to the most meaningful results.<\/p>\n Her design practice is a culmination of her life experiences, and she approaches each project with a balance of creativity and practicality. Her work is a symphony of colors, textures, and movement, creating a three-dimensional art that elicits an emotional response from her clients.<\/p>\n Amanda has built a reputation for excellence and serves homeowners and businesses across Canada who are seeking to reduce their impact on the environment while basking in an elevated space. She takes great pride in creating something out of nothing, and the joy and purpose she derives from her work are evident in every project she undertakes.<\/p>\n Amanda\u2019s work has been featured in Ella Canada, House and Home, Refinery 29, Western Living Magazine and The Globe and Mail. She has also been a guest expert on Cityline TV, Global News and CTV Edmonton.<\/p>\n Editor in Chief, <\/strong>Canadian Interiors<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>&\u00a0<\/strong>Building<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>magazines<\/strong><\/p>\n Peter Sobchak has been examining and discussing topics related to design, architecture and real estate development in Canada through various mediums for over 20 years. He is Editor in Chief of Canadian Interiors<\/em> and Building<\/em> magazines, his writing has appeared in publications in England, Germany, the Netherlands, China and elsewhere, and his work has won several National Magazine Awards.<\/p>\n Beyond the realm of publishing, he was also the host and producer of Building Toronto<\/em>, a limited-run series which aired on Rogers TV, and is currently hosting and producing the podcast series Bevel: Canadian Interiors Conversations, <\/em>which is available on a variety of streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.<\/p>\nLaney Stewart<\/strong><\/p>\nNancy Logan<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nInnovation in Design Thinking: Student Competition<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Julianna Kaiser<\/strong><\/p>\nVera Gisarov <\/strong><\/p>\n
\nInnovation Awards<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Amanda Lwanga <\/strong><\/p>\nPeter Sobchak<\/strong><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Sara-Viarengo-150x150.png\")
Sara Viarengo<\/strong><\/p>\n