Friday, Jan 24 - EST/EDT (Eastern Daylight, GMT-4)

*SOLD OUT*

An immersive, interactive (using mentimeter.com) panel discussion that enlightens design professionals on how to effectively capture media attention. Featuring industry experts like Catherine MacIntosh (media pundit), who delves into strategic media engagement and crafting compelling pitches, and Melissa Agostino (salitabacchi.com), who emphasizes the crucial role of branding and visuals in media outreach. Dom Cheng (nonument.com) merges artistry with architecture, illustrating how unique design perspectives can enhance media coverage. Natasha Popek-Konieczko (commongoodstudio.ca) advises on building a cohesive narrative to elevate a firm’s market presence. Jake Oliveira (jakeoliveirastudio.com) Jake explains how aligning branding with product design and using innovative techniques can help designers stand out and attract media attention. The session will address common pitfalls in media pitching, the dynamic media landscape, and innovative branding strategies, guided by marketing expert Melissa Van Loon (workbenchdesign.ca). This enlightening discourse promises practical insights into securing media spots that significantly boost brand visibility and reputation.

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.

As we make our buildings, appliances, and devices more efficient, the 'upfront carbon' (the carbon that is emitted during the extraction, processing, manufacture and transportation of a product) becomes by far the most important tool we have to address the climate change emergency. Designers have much more power than we think to influence both how much upfront carbon we create and how effectively we use it to make beautiful, healthy spaces.
Join a lively discussion with 3 leading practitioners of sustainable Architecture and Interior Design about how they are using the latest tools at our disposal to identify and reduce the upfront carbon in buildings to create lasting legacies that enhance the well-being of the users, tread lightly on the planet, and generate savings for the owners and building managers. People + Planet + Prosperity = sustainable.
Bring your questions and concerns, and above all, your curiosity about how we as Designers will be part of the solution to the challenges of climate change.

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.

This panel discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities facing creative practices today, focusing on how we can leverage change to stay competitive and drive innovation. Topics include new perspectives on diversification, alternative business models, and adapting to digital transformation. As the business landscape becomes more complex, designers are stepping into new roles, taking on self-initiated projects, and becoming advocates for change, with an emphasis on social impact.Our panelists will share insights on how these new models, digital tools, and expanded roles help their practices remain resilient and competitive in a rapidly changing world. Join us to discover how these changemakers are leading with purpose and vision to shape the future of design practice.

This session will focus on The Bentway's approach to city building that combines hybrid-reuse, innovative ecological practice, and participatory engagement. Using the elevated Gardiner Expressway as site and canvas, Bentway works with creative partners, neighbourhood residents, and city partners to advance sustainable design, and programming of public space for a livable future.
This discussion will center on the design, operation, and programming of Bentway spaces. We will highlight core activities mitigating climate change, include (1) low-carbon design, (2) research and evaluation of materiality circularity and resourcefulness, (3) improving the performance of infrastructure, and (4) accessible education and engagement opportunities for the public.
Highlighting a series of recent projects and initiatives, the session will provide case studies for a critical consideration of approaches for public space design, operation, and programming, with an emphasis on experimentation and ongoing learning.

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.

*SOLD OUT*

Artificial Intelligence is the topic on the lips of every design professional today, but that conversation is dominated by how it can help evolve the practice of design. In this engaging panel discussion, leaders from across the key pillars of the industry dive into how technology, led by the ever-emerging capabilities of Artificial Intelligence, is providing us with the tools to also transform our businesses. From optimizing project management and administrative processes to streamlining regulatory red tape and beyond, AI's influence is pervasive and profound. We’ll dive into how AI-powered tools are augmenting collaboration and communication, enabling and empowering the next generation of talent to learn in new ways and more.
Join us as we navigate the intersection of creativity, technology, and innovation, and chart a course for the future of the business of design.

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.

*SOLD OUT*

You’re not imagining it. Interior design is a complex, complicated, and challenging career choice. That’s ok, you’re not afraid of hard work, but despite your best efforts, you’re nowhere near where you thought you’d be by now. Some of you graduated from design school and even with the best education available, you were not taught the fundamentals of running a successful interior design firm. Others have worked for years, even decades and still don’t have the essential systems, procedures, protocols, and strategies required to run a successful business. Until now, that is. In this seminar, Kimberley will teach you how can: enjoy all the perks of business ownership, including profitability satisfy all your clients and generate repeat and referral business attract ideal clients with juicy projects grow staggering profits that lead to independent wealth implement policies and procedures that guarantee you get paid create a standardized contract that works for every project hire the right people and learn to delegate effectively confidently manage clients, trades and a team finally become the expert you were meant to be
Make Business of Design® part of your success story.

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.

In 2017, Robert Kastelic, Founding Partner and Technical Director of Akb Architects, faced a life-altering diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s Disease. At the time, the studio was reaching new heights of international recognition for its exquisitely crafted residential homes and northern retreats. Rather than allowing the diagnosis to define him, Robert has approached this journey with remarkable resilience and creativity. In his compelling talk, A Beautiful Life, he reveals how the pursuit of beauty in architecture has become both a personal and professional compass, demonstrating how design can profoundly impact physical well-being, emotional balance, and independence. As Toronto and the world grapple with the realities of an aging population, Robert’s insights resonate deeply. His experiences highlight how thoughtfully designed spaces can empower individuals to age gracefully, with dignity and joy. By blending personal narrative with architectural expertise, A Beautiful Life is a testament to the transformative role of design in shaping a future where beauty and wellness intersect meaningfully.

*SOLD OUT*

Many interior designers struggle to scale their careers and their practice to the next level.I'd like to share my story on how i started a business at the height of the pandemic and how i scaled it in a matter of a couple of years.
tools I used, effective methods and utilization of social media to engage an audience.
finding the right talent to hire and help build the company plus the art of goal setting and how to hold yourself accountable.

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.

"The increasing demands on providing healthy, safe, and quality designed environments for kitchens is on the rise. Factors to consider are material characteristics and properties, accessibility to planning centers, and appropriate installation methods. This course introduces materials, methods, and techniques when planning an important activity center in a kitchen design.
Learning outcomes:
1. Describe planning and activities centres in a kitchen.
2. Evaluate kitchen fixture and fitting material characteristics and properties when sourcing, selecting, and specifying fixtures.
3. Learn about appropriate installation methods and materials that are sustainable to the construction and economic factors of kitchen design projects.
4. Construct accessible planning appropriate for areas in the home."

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer optional - it’s essential. This seminar, led by Darilyn Coles, Director at the Toronto International Design Centre (TIDC), and hosted by MARLABAKER.ca, will explore the transformative impact of AI on business strategy and how design firms can rethink traditional business planning to become future-ready.

Learning outcomes:

• Shifting Your Business Mindset for the AI Era – Learn how to integrate AI as a core element of your operational and strategic approach.
• Why Business Strategy Is More Important Than Ever – Discover how AI tools amplify the need for a clear, focused strategy to avoid overwhelm and misalignment.
• How to Build a Future-Ready Business Strategy – Explore step-by-step methods for integrating AI into your business plan.

This session will provide practical insights and actionable strategies to ensure your business thrives in the AI era.

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.

SOM's proposal for the future of the built environment's future is based on buildings that absorb carbon. Taking inspiration from nature, Urban Sequoia stitches decarbonization with health and wellness, addressing the ways in which we can meet both challenges simultaneously.
These ideas are manifest at the most intimate scale within our own workplace. For our new offices at 7 World Trade Center in New York City, we developed an approach we call ""radical reduction""—prioritizing the well-being of our team through an efficient and economical use of materials and resources.
This talk will delve into how we can design from the inside out and the outside in—uniting our vision for carbon sequestration at the city scale with an emphasis on creating a healthier environment inside, where we spend the majority of our lives. Using Urban Sequoia and our 7 World Trade Center office as case studies, we will expound our strategies for human-centric, mindful, and purpose-driven environments.

Italian design is – and has always been – a global force, influencing trends around the world. Join Maria Porro in conversation with Elizabeth Pagliacolo, AZURE’s Editor-in-Chief, to hear the story of Porro, which was established in Brianza in 1925 and whose designer roster includes such icons as Piero Lissoni, GamFratesi and Jean-Marie Massaud. Maria is the Marketing Director of Porro, and is also the elected President of Salone del Mobile, the biggest design fair in the world, which takes place in Milan each April. Hear how Italy’s design direction is informed by its long-standing manufacturing heritage, how sustainable development – both at Porro and at the Salone – are at the forefront of Maria’s vision, and what’s in store for next April’s event.

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

*SOLD OUT*

Art is the personality of a space. Once the architectural structure and interior elements are finalized, art and objects are curated to add character, create distinct moments, and complete an interior. This panel would discuss how to effectively curate art and objects in a way that is intentional, yet impactful. Through discussing comprehensive tips - from colour theory, using art as a means to reflect personal identity, vignette styling, and beyond, this panel will provide tangible takeaways for interior designers and design enthusiasts alike.
Last year, Nuria Madrenas from Tacit moderated a panel titled: Collect like a Curator. The panel sold out and was an incredible success - we received astounding feedback from attendees for the desire to further elaborate on specific curatorial topics. This panel would be a great opportunity to continue to discuss the role art plays in impactful interior design. While art is often the finishing touch, it is also the glue that brings a space together.

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.

This seminar explores how the evolving landscapes of retail, hospitality and workplace design are merging into unified, human-centric environments. We delve into the Real-World Applications that redefine how we envision and create these spaces, focusing on user experience, adaptability, sustainability, and technology integration. The session offers actionable insights and case studies on successful hybrid spaces, providing attendees with strategies to create versatile, engaging, and sustainable environments that cater to both retail, hospitality customers and workplace employees.

Key Topics:
User-Centricity - Designing spaces that prioritize user needs and behaviours. Experiential Design - Creating sensory experiences to make spaces memorable. Flexibility & Adaptability - Developing agile layouts that support hybrid uses. Sustainable Design Integration - Embedding eco-friendly practices as foundational elements. Blending Technology & Physical Space - Enhancing environments with thoughtful tech integration. Brand Storytelling - Using design to convey a consistent, compelling brand story.Human-Centric Wellness - Focusing on elements that promote health and well-being.

Discover how to design kitchens that go beyond functional and beautiful and enrich our daily lives. Join us for Uncommon Kitchens, an inspiring Fireside Chat where Sophie Donelson, celebrated journalist and author, will dive into the innovative concept of Heart-Led Kitchens. Sophie and Darilyn Coles, NKBA Ontario Chapter President, will explore groundbreaking themes that are redefining kitchen design:Heart-Led Kitchens: What design looks like when we prioritize how we live and feel in our most-loved room.Sustainability & Responsibility: Embracing a British-inspired return to unfitted kitchens, minimizing waste by designing with adaptability in mind. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Exploring the influence of culturally diverse kitchens from North America and around the world, from traditional glass-box Chinese kitchens to outdoor, communal cooking spaces in Central Mexico.Design for Living: Creating evolving, experience-rich kitchens that support family life, creativity, and overall wellbeing.

Special Offer: The first 100 guests to arrive will receive a free copy of Sophie’s 2023 book, Uncommon Kitchens: A Revolutionary Approach to the Most Popular Room in the House.

Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.