2024 Key Note Sessions

Omar Gandhi speaking with moderator Stefan Novakovic, Senior Editor of AZURE Magazine

Friday, 11:00 - 12:00pm

Design solves problems, and Omar Gandhi Architects are no stranger to finding unconventional ways round them. The award-winning studio is known for striking residential projects with unique responses to tough locations, and they have also worked on major public and community projects.
Join Omar Gandhi as he charts the practice’s ability to create solutions. Teamworking and attention to mental health play a big part, as well as a willingness to address the potential for drastic and positive change in architecture, and how architects respond to community.

Note: This session has been submitted for AIBC and IDCEC accreditation.

Mariah Samost speaking with moderator Stefan Novakovic, Senior Editor of AZURE Magazine

Friday, 1:00-2:00pm

Mariah is the founder and CEO of MaterLog, a suite of AI-enabled tools helping designers and procurement professionals effortlessly track, monitor, and manage their orders.

We'll contextualize the AI revolution, run through the current state of AI, and discuss its upcoming capabilities - all as it relates to the design industry. Practically, this will mean sharing examples to help attendeesunderstand how they can leverage AI today (for example, concrete ideas for deployment across their design, sourcing, and back office practices and current technological limitations) and what to expect over the next 2-5 years. The goal is to demystify and inspire. We'll give attendees a firm grasp of what "AI" means for them as well as encourage them to envision new possibilities that will enhance creativity within their teams and drive future growth and success.

Note: This session has been submitted for AIBC and IDCEC accreditation.

Primo Orpilla speaking with moderator Stefan Novakovic, Senior Editor of AZURE Magazine

Friday, 3:00-4:00pm

Primo Orpilla's talk will center around next-generation workplace design and the elements needed to redefine the purpose and efficacy of the global workplace. These elements include:

1. Creating vibrant, engaging, and inspiring workplaces through storytelling
2. Ensuring spaces cater to diverse needs and foster a sense of belonging for everyone
3. Designing flexible space types that adapt to various work styles and activities
4. Contributing to a healthier planet by implementing sustainable practices

This talk will provide actionable insights with supporting case studies and inspire you to create workspaces that are dynamic, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.

Note: This session has been submitted for AIBC and IDCEC accreditation.

Clinton Cuddington, Shirley Shen, Architect AIBC and Marianne Amodio speaking with moderator Stacey McLachlan, Western Living

Sunday, 11:00am - 12:00pm

It's a West Coast Modern lover's dream come true. Three influential B.C-based architects - all actively working in the style - will converge on the IDS Main Stage to launch Western Living Sunday and share insights surrounding their recent residential projects. Together our guest speakers will continue the conversation initiated by last year's West Coast Modern Homes panel, discuss a range of work and practice as featured in the new book, Reside: Contemporary West Coast Houses, and muse on the idea that stylistic evolutions and adaptations may be resulting in the emergence of a new regional style right here in British Columbia.

Note: This session has been submitted for AIBC and IDCEC accreditation.

Celina Dalrymple speaking with moderator Anicka Quin, Western Living.

Sunday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Ever wondered how a sofa is actually made? Celina Dalrymple of ffabb has been hand-making sofas and more from her North Vancouver shop for nearly twenty years. She'll pull back the curtains to reveal what it takes to build a sofa, chair, bar stool and more from concept to creation (along with a few wild commissions she's mastered over the years.) Discover why she's become the local interior design scene's go-to upholstered furniture maker and designer.

Note: This session has been submitted for AIBC and IDCEC accreditation.

Craig Stanghetta speaking with moderator Anicka Quin, Western Living.

Sunday, 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Join Craig Stanghetta, co-founder of hospitality brand Banda Volpi and founder/creative director of the notable design studio Ste Marie, for an engaging discussion on infusing personal character and perspective into design. Ste Marie have created some of the most exciting restaurants in Vancouver including Savio Volpe, Kissa Tanto, and Botanist.Craig’s work leverages character, narrative, and emotive environments to help brands attract and transport guests into their unique world. In this conversation with Anika, they will explore how shared memory, media, archival imagery, colour theory, and materiality craft transformative spaces.This methodology unlocks enduring, personal environments that transcend fleeting design trends. Discover how designing with meaning adds direction and definition to shared or personal spaces, resulting in surprising, beautiful, and authentic outcomes.

Note: This session has been submitted for AIBC and IDCEC accreditation.