IDS24 Booth Awards.

Co-Founder & Managing Director, Arc & Co. Design Collective

A vanguard in Brand Experience Design Strategy, Annie leverages a profound 20-year immersion in the consumer packaged goods industry and cultural institution realm. Starting out as a creative rebel with a passion for designing a better world, Annie has gradually evolved to focus on leadership and business strategies. With intellectual interests spanning the liberal arts, world history, neuroscience, semiotics, and social studies, Annie is fascinated by the human interaction with curated brand experiences, advocating for a design industry aligned with the contemporary zeitgeist. As a fervent proponent of synergizing creative vision with astute business leadership, Annie, a speaker, panelist, and educator, orchestrates collaborations that transform the very essence of product ideation and industry paradigms. 

Founder at DESIGNwith

Ranee Lee 郭恩琳 is an industrial designer and an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at OCAD University. She is the founder of DESIGNwith, a design lab for the democratization of design learnings in environmental and social sustainability. The lab is a partnership between Cadillac Fairview, OCAD University and CCLD in Regent Park. Prior to design academia, Ranee operated a design business manufacturing home products in both Canada and the Philippines. She holds an MA in Education from University of Toronto on participatory design framework, focusing her work in research-creation. Ranee is currently working on a SSHRC funded project on alternative economies in marginalized Canadian communities.  

Co-Founder & Creative Director, Arc & Co. Design Collective

Renowned for his work in Brand Experience Design Strategy and Creative Direction, Robert is a luminary in the consumer goods sector with a rich experience spanning over twenty years. His accolades as an award-winning designer and strategist highlight his influential role in sculpting compelling brand narratives and enriching consumer experiences. As an esteemed educator at George Brown College School of Design, Robert imparts his expertise in physical brand experience design, particularly for packaging and exhibit, skillfully blending innovation with practicality. Fueled by an innate curiosity and sharp observational acumen, he explores the nuances of human physiology and its interplay with our environments. This exploration informs his design philosophy, enabling him to craft brand experiences that are not only intuitive and engaging but also deeply resonant with the human psyche. Robert's approach to design goes beyond mere aesthetics, embracing a comprehensive understanding of the human experience, thereby redefining the essence of impactful design in the industry. 

Interior Designer, Associate, Gensler  

With the belief that design is about creating unique and memorable visual and spatial experiences, Sarah enjoys designing spaces that everyone can experience. Sarah has always been inspired by artistry and design, gravitating towards modern aesthetics and functional, efficient spaces. Prior to pursuing a career in Interior Design, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. During that time, Sarah realized she wanted to combine her enthusiasm for psychology with her passion for imaginative and functional design. The union of these experiences motivate Sarah to create unique spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and that connect with people as their experience unfolds. Sarah has experience working on projects from beginning to end, attending site visits and working closely with contractors, sub-trades, engineers, and the clients themselves. As a problem solver, she services her clients by setting realistic expectations and timelines from the outset.