{"id":24341,"date":"2026-05-13T11:12:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T15:12:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/?p=24341"},"modified":"2026-05-13T11:12:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T15:12:18","slug":"meet-idcs-2026-judges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/fr\/meet-idcs-2026-judges\/","title":{"rendered":"MEET IDC\u2019S 2026 JUDGES"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introducing this year\u2019s judges for three IDC VODA programs.<\/p>\n

Jump to:\u00a0VODA Interior Projects<\/a>\u00a0||\u00a0VODA Student Competition<\/a>\u00a0||\u00a0VODA Product Innovation<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

VODA INTERIOR PROJECTS<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Isabelle Talbot\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Principal, Ray Inc.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

I<\/span>s<\/span>abelle, one of Ray\u2019<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0two\u00a0<\/span>pr<\/span>incipal<\/span>s<\/span>, joined the firm in 1989 and ha<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0been a partner\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>ince 2000. Originally from Quebec\u00a0<\/span>City<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>he pur<\/span>s<\/span>ued de<\/span>s<\/span>ign from an early age and lead<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0that a<\/span>s<\/span>pect of the firm\u2019<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0bu<\/span>s<\/span>ine<\/span>s<\/span>s<\/span>. To the role,\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>he bring<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0exten<\/span>s<\/span>ive\u00a0<\/span>experti<\/span>s<\/span>e<\/span>\u00a0with\u00a0<\/span>pr<\/span>o<\/span>duct\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>pecification and\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>trong relation<\/span>s<\/span>hip<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0with a wealth of\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>upplier<\/span>s<\/span>. And becau<\/span>s<\/span>e every one of Ray\u2019<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0client<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0i<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0unique,\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>he believe<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0every de<\/span>s<\/span>ign\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>hould be, too. Embodying that rare combination of being detail-oriented and pa<\/span>s<\/span>s<\/span>ionate, I<\/span>s<\/span>abelle i<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0in<\/span>s<\/span>pired by both poring over hi<\/span>s<\/span>torical architecture and travelling abroad. Fueled al<\/span>s<\/span>o by engagement with the de<\/span>s<\/span>ign community, I<\/span>s<\/span>abelle i<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0the current Lead of the Central ARIDO Community and volunteer<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0on multiple ARIDO initiative<\/span>s<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Carla\u00a0Sorrell\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Director and Co-Founder, Design Victoria<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Carla\u202fis\u00a0an advocate for the creative industries,\u00a0arts\u00a0and cultural initiatives\u00a0in Victoria.\u00a0She has\u00a0over two decades\u00a0of experience in the creative\u00a0sector as\u00a0a journalist, content consultant, and business\u00a0coach to creative entrepreneurs\u00a0in Canada and the UK.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Carla is\u00a0Co-Founder of Design Victoria and Managing Editor of GRAY magazine.\u00a0Since 2023, the three-day Design Victoria festival has\u00a0brought together the\u00a0city’s\u00a0growing design and creative community for conversations, events, parties\u00a0and\u00a0so much more.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At GRAY magazine,\u00a0she manages\u00a0the editorial for the weekly digital publication of\u00a0stories\u00a0that inform and engage readers\u00a0about the international design\u00a0scene.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally,\u00a0she\u00a0facilitates\u00a0innovation through design thinking for businesses\u00a0and individuals\u00a0who want to create impactful\u00a0products\u00a0and\u00a0programming. Trained by the\u00a0globally recognized\u00a0Danish\u00a0institution\u00a0KaosPilot,\u00a0specialized in creative leadership\u00a0and\u00a0meaningful entrepreneurship, Carla helps\u00a0clients\u00a0design engaging and inspiring education and training\u00a0programs\u00a0that inspire and enable the learner to reach their fullest potential.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gelanaz Hemati<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Founder & Principal,\u00a0Gelanaz\u00a0& Associates Inc.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gelanaz Hemati is\u00a0an award-winning interior architectural designer and the founder of\u00a0Gelanaz\u00a0&\u00a0Associates\u00a0Inc., based in Toronto. With a Master of Architecture and over two decades\u00a0of experience in design and construction,\u00a0she brings\u00a0a refined, detail-driven approach to high-end residential\u00a0projects. Her work is\u00a0rooted in\u00a0strong architectural\u00a0principles,\u00a0seamlessly blending functionality with timeless, elegant aesthetics.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gelanaz\u2019s work has received multiple NKBA Design Awards, including first-place\u00a0honours and People\u2019s Choice recognition. She was also featured on the television show\u00a0<\/span>Property Brothers<\/span><\/i>, further highlighting her\u00a0expertise\u00a0and design impact. Her projects have been published in leading industry platforms such as RENO + DECOR Magazine and Ontario Design Magazine.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond her\u00a0practice,\u00a0Gelanaz\u00a0has\u00a0contributed to the design community as\u00a0a lecturer in architecture and currently\u00a0serves\u00a0as\u00a0Programs\u00a0Chair for the NKBA Ontario Chapter.\u00a0She is\u00a0also engaged as\u00a0a competition judge and mentor,\u00a0supporting emerging talent.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her design philosophy centers\u00a0on creating thoughtful, well-balanced\u00a0spaces\u00a0that elevate everyday living while delivering lasting value.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

VODA STUDENT COMPETITION<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Founded in 2021, this\u00a0competition\u00a0provides\u00a0students\u00a0with a national platform to\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0the value of interior design and illustrate the positive impact design has\u00a0on the users\u00a0of the\u00a0spaces,\u00a0supported by evidence-based research.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>Angela\u00a0Colley<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Licenced Interior Designer, T.A.\u00a0Scott\u00a0ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Scott\u00a0Architecture + 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.\u00a0Scott\u00a0ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN, she ran A Colley Interior Design soon after returning to Nova Scotia, and prior to that A C Styles Designs in Florida.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She has\u00a0extensive experience in design from concept to completion. Her\u00a0project experience includes\u00a0government, healthcare, residential, hospitality, education, and office\u00a0spaces.\u00a0She currently\u00a0serves\u00a0on the board of the Interior Designers\u00a0of Nova\u00a0Scotia (IDNS) as\u00a0the Registrar and\u00a0served twice as\u00a0president for the Florida\u00a0South Chapter of ASID.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>Orla Keane<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Interior Design\u00a0Professor, Humber Polytechnic<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00d3rla is\u00a0a full-time\u00a0professor in the Bachelor of Interior Design\u00a0program at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto.\u00a0She has\u00a0over ten years\u00a0of experience in higher education across\u00a0Canada and\u00a0Ireland, and\u00a0previously worked extensively in retail and exhibition design in Ireland.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her teaching focuses\u00a0on experiential retail, visual merchandising, and how design\u00a0shapes\u00a0behaviour and customer experience.\u00a0She also brings\u00a0a\u00a0strong focus\u00a0on\u00a0sustainability and ethics\u00a0to her work,\u00a0supported by an MSc in\u00a0Sustainable Development, integrating environmental thinking into both\u00a0studio\u00a0projects\u00a0and design evaluation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00d3rla is\u00a0a member of the RDI (Institute of Designers\u00a0in Ireland) and an Educator Member of ARIDO. Through ongoing collaboration with industry partners, guest\u00a0speakers, and live\u00a0projects,\u00a0she connects\u00a0students\u00a0to current\u00a0professional\u00a0practice while\u00a0maintaining\u00a0a\u00a0strong focus\u00a0on mentorship.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reviewing a high volume of\u00a0student work each year has\u00a0given her a\u00a0sharp eye for emerging talent and what\u00a0separates\u00a0a\u00a0strong concept from a well-resolved, buildable design.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Donna\u00a0Lawson\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Principal\/Design Director,\u00a0Lawson Design<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A retail enthusiast on all fronts, Donna knows\u00a0retail inside and out. For over 25 years\u00a0she has\u00a0worked with clients\u00a0bringing life to their brands\u00a0and customers\u00a0into their\u00a0spaces.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most recently\u00a0she led creative\u00a0store design at\u00a0Starbucks, overseeing the design of all Canadian\u00a0stores.\u00a0Previously, Donna was\u00a0on the consultant\u00a0side. In her role as\u00a0a creative and\u00a0strategic leader, at both large and\u00a0small design firms\u00a0including The International Design Group, Watt Intl. Perennial Inc., Fiorino Design and Citizens\u00a0and Collaborators, Donna has\u00a0created brand environments\u00a0and experiences\u00a0that work both functionally and aesthetically. A testament to her versatility and ability to deliver on-target\u00a0solutions, her work in wide-ranging\u00a0sectors, for clients\u00a0including Canadian Tire, La Maison\u00a0Simons, Aldo, Mendocino, LCBO, Air Canada and Cineplex, has\u00a0been acknowledged with well over 30 industry awards.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Donna has\u00a0a degree in Interior Design from Toronto Metropolitan University and is\u00a0NCIDQ certified and a Registered Interior designer.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her work has\u00a0been published in\u00a0<\/span>Canadian Interiors<\/span><\/i>,\u00a0<\/span>Canadian Retailer<\/span><\/i>,\u00a0<\/span>Chain\u00a0Store Age<\/span><\/i>,\u00a0<\/span>Inspiration and Travel Retailer<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0She has\u00a0also penned articles\u00a0for Canadian Retailer and The Americas\u00a0Duty Free & Travel Retailing and\u00a0shares\u00a0retail insights\u00a0as\u00a0a regular\u00a0Instagrammer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

VODA PRODUCT INNOVATION<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

This\u00a0awards\u00a0program, which is\u00a0exclusive to IDC\u2019s\u00a0Industry Partners, was\u00a0established\u00a0in 1984 to honour excellence in\u00a0product design and new\u00a0showroom creativity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jaime Holland\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Founding Partner, Holland\u00a0Licensed Interior Design Inc.\u00a0<\/span><\/b> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaime Holland is\u00a0a\u00a0Licensed Interior Designer and Founding Partner at Holland\u00a0Licensed Interior Design. Operating in alignment with the Alberta Association of Architects,\u00a0she oversees\u00a0all technical and regulatory intricacies, ensuring adherence to high\u00a0professional\u00a0standards\u00a0and codes\u00a0of conduct.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With over 15 years\u00a0of local and international experience,\u00a0she brings\u00a0a\u00a0sharp technical lens\u00a0and a collaborative\u00a0spirit to every\u00a0project. Her portfolio\u00a0demonstrates\u00a0her\u00a0expertise\u00a0as\u00a0a designer and\u00a0project manager,\u00a0skillfully balancing the diverse needs\u00a0of clients,\u00a0consultants\u00a0and contractors\u00a0throughout the construction\u00a0process.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A champion of human-centred design, Jaime is\u00a0deeply committed to creating\u00a0spaces\u00a0that reflect and empower the people who use them.\u00a0She advocates\u00a0for accessibility, equity, and inclusion in the built environment and leads\u00a0Holland\u2019s\u00a0work in delivering value-driven design\u2014guided by research, client insight, and a belief that design\u00a0should always\u00a0elevate the human experience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2011, Jaime co-founded Holland with her\u00a0sister, Jocelyne Holland.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>Steven Casey<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Partner, KPMB Architects\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Steven Casey joined KPMB Architects\u00a0in 2002 and has\u00a0contributed to\u00a0projects\u00a0across\u00a0culture, education, workplace, and interiors. He is\u00a0known for his\u00a0commitment to design excellence and a collaborative approach to\u00a0project delivery.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His\u00a0portfolio includes\u00a0Centennial College Applied Research and Innovation Centre and Gardiner Museum, alongside leading many of KPMB\u2019s\u00a0interior architecture\u00a0projects. Notable work includes\u00a0the Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport, offices\u00a0for Torys\u00a0LLP across\u00a0multiple cities, and executive offices\u00a0for CTV. He recently led the workplace\u00a0strategy and design for\u00a0Scotiabank\u2019s\u00a0headquarters\u00a0at the Bay Adelaide Centre.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Steven\u2019s\u00a0work on the Centre for International Governance Innovation Campus\u00a0earned an AIA\u00a0Honor\u00a0Award, a RIBA International Award, and a Governor General\u2019s\u00a0Medal.\u00a0Since 2013, he has\u00a0focused on U.S.\u00a0projects, including the Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political\u00a0Science and Economics\u00a0and a corporate workplace at Hudson Yards.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He also\u00a0supports\u00a0marketing and business\u00a0development efforts,\u00a0shaping corporate communications, brand\u00a0strategy, and growth across\u00a0North America.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>Nadia Cannataro\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Principal, large medium design office\u00a0<\/span><\/b> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Principal and co-founder of large [medium] design office, Nadia Cannataro is\u00a0a registered member of ARIDO, a LEED Accredited\u00a0Professional and member of the Interior Designers\u00a0of Canada (IDC). Nadia holds\u00a0a Bachelor of Interior Design from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and an MFA in Criticism and Curatorial\u00a0Practice from OCAD University.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With experience across\u00a0corporate,\u00a0institutional, retail, and residential interiors, Nadia is\u00a0a versatile designer who has\u00a0led and contributed to\u00a0projects\u00a0of varying\u00a0scales\u00a0both across\u00a0Canada and internationally. Her approach to design is\u00a0rooted in creating dynamic, narrative-driven environments\u00a0that respond to client needs, brand identity, and\u00a0site\u00a0specificity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

All award winners will be honoured at IDC\u00a0VODAs this fall. In addition, all winning\u00a0projects will be\u00a0featured on IDC\u2019s website and\u00a0newsletter and\u00a0promoted across IDC\u2019s social media channels.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Please contact\u00a0communications@idcanada.org<\/a> with\u00a0any\u00a0inquiries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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