JANUARY 22-25, 2026
METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE NORTH BUILDING
Observations of a globetrotting designer: Paolo Ferrari forecasts the future of luxury hospitality design
Speaker: Paolo Ferrari. Moderated by Ben Dreith
Thursday, 11:00am-12:00pm
Successful luxury hospitality spaces offer a cocooning escape from the quotidian. Historically they’ve been places that host rest and relaxation, that bring joy and restore equilibrium. In the future, however, these indulgent experiences and indeed, much of life as we know it, will prove harder to achieve and maintain. Looking ahead can be a daunting prospect in this present of geopolitical tensions and escalating climate emergency, but it’s the role of designers to create alternative solutions – designscapes that can provide hope, reassurance and an essential dose of awe. So how will we rise to this challenge?Join Paolo Ferrari, founder of globally renowned Studio Paolo Ferrari, as he forecasts five scenarios for the hospitality design of tomorrow. Ferrari’s philosophy is defined by a distinctive, vision-forward approach, which has attracted clients including LVMH, the Four Seasons, 1 Hotels, Sanlorenzo Yachts, St. Regis and Raffles. This thought-provoking session will be viewed through the crystal-ball lens of his studio’s current projects in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Buckle up…
Note: This session has been submitted for OAA and IDCEC accreditation.
Night & Day: The Evolution of Hotel Design
Joanne Chan, Mardi Najafi, Dyonne Fashina, Adison Norman, Nicholas Waissbluth, Marcella Au, Jessica Goldberg, Jonathan Nodrick, and Clayton Budd. Moderated by Ben Dreith.
Thursday, 1:00pm-2:00pm
How will we experience the hotel of the future? Join the four design teams who created IDS’ flagship 2025 installation, Night & Day. They will each focus on the function of different interior spaces of the hotel: the lobby; the gym; the suite; the spa; and the restaurant. Explore how these spaces will serve hotel guests and visitors in the future.
Note: This session has been submitted for OAA and IDCEC accreditation.
New Emotive Design
Annie Chou, Simone Micheli, and Martin Leblanc. Moderated by Ben Dreith.
Thursday, 2:00pm-3:00pm
For contemporary spaces, inner experience matters more and more. Join this international panel of experts in an exploration of how contemporary designers are working to build experiential elements into hospitality, retail and residential projects – creating spaces that resonate emotionally. Hear from Milan’s Simone Micheli, who has designed a range of hospitality and retail projects; Annie Chou, a leading brand strategist and experience designer; and Martin Leblanc from Sid Lee, the world-renowned, Montreal-based multidisciplinary studio. It’s going to be emotional.
Note: This session has been submitted for OAA and IDCEC accreditation.
The Future of Creative Practice
Speakers: Heather Dubbeldam, Michael Leckie, Tura Cousins Wilson, Ashley Rumsey. Moderated by Eric Mutrie
Friday, 10:00 - 11:00am
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.
Note: This session has been submitted for OAA and IDCEC accreditation.
A Beautiful Life: Design as a Path to Resilience
Speaker: Rob Kastelic. Moderated by Stefan Novakovic
Friday, 11:00-12:00pm
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.
Note: This session has been submitted for OAA and IDCEC accreditation.
From the City to Workplace: Decarbonization and Wellness
Julia Murphy and Irina Sai speaking with moderator Elizabeth Pagliacolo
Friday, 1:00-2:00pm
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.
Note: This session has been submitted for OAA and IDCEC accreditation.
Made in Italy
Maria Porro speaking with moderator Elizabeth Pagliacolo
Friday, 2:00-3:00pm
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.
Globe and Mail Saturday
All Keynote sessions will be taking place on the Main Stage Presented by Khayeri
Craig Stanghetta: Emotionally resonant spaces
Craig Stanghetta speaking with moderator Aruna Dutt
Saturday, 11am-12pm
Ste Marie’s Craig Stanghetta is behind some of Canada’s boldest spaces including luggage brand Monos’ Toronto flagship and the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver. What connects them all is a memorable and often moody palette that captures the power of colour in interior design. During this session, The Globe and Mail’s associate Pursuits editor Aruna Dutt speaks with Craig about how elements, including colour, material and craft can be combined to create environments that resonate and transcend trends.
Note: This session has been submitted for OAA and IDCEC accreditation.
Designing Canada 2025: The hospitable home
Nam Dang-Mitchell, Ali McQuaid Mithell, Mischa Couvrette. Moderated by Beth Hitchcock
Saturday, 1-2pm
The look of boutique hotels, buzzy restaurants and chic shops is changing the way we design our living spaces – and vice versa. For the 2025 edition of The Globe and Mail’s Designing Canada series, contributor Beth Hitchcock explores the stylish connections between public and private architecture, interiors and furnishings. On stage, she’ll be joined by Nam Dang Mitchell, Ali McQuaid Mitchell and Mischa Couvrette to discuss the “resimercial” revolution and how hospitality spaces can inspire you to turn your home into a design destination in its own right.
Note: This session has been submitted for OAA and IDCEC accreditation.
Yabu Pushelberg: The state of design in 2025
George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg. Moderated by Odessa Paloma-Parker
Saturday, 3-4pm
George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg are behind one of Canada’s most prolific design firms with a global portfolio of projects and products for the likes of Aman hotels, Moet & Chandon, Marset and Moteni & C. Over 40-plus years, their work on private homes and public spaces has been distinguished by a luxe and liveable approach to interiors that are in step with shifting tastes and styles. The Globe and Mail Style Advisor’s contributing art editor Odessa Paloma Parker will speak with the dynamic duo about how the role of the designer has evolved, the value of collaborating on a diverse range of work and their forecast for what comes next.
Note: This session is being submitted for OAA, ARIDO and IDCEC accreditation.
House & Home Sunday DESIGN TALKS, hosted by Lynda Reeves
Lynda Reeves is one of Canada’s leading personalities in the fields of design, decorating and lifestyle trends. A former teacher and designer, Lynda launched House & Home magazine in 1986 as Canada’s first design and decorating magazine. Today, the magazine is Canada’s most widely read design publication, reaching over 2.2 million readers primarily across Canada and the U.S.A. Through its digital channels, website, videos and line extensions, the House & Home brand now reaches over 9.4 million design lovers every month.
House & Home Sunday
DESIGN TALKS, hosted by Lynda Reeves
All Keynote sessions will be taking place on the Main Stage Presented by Khayeri
Brian Gluckstein
Brian Gluckstein in conversation with Lynda Reeves
Sunday, 11am-12pm
Known for creating luxe interiors with classic style, Brian is once again sharing great moments from his work and tips on how you can achieve your own style at home.
Plus we’ll look at the newest design trends for 2025.
Ali Budd
Ali Budd in conversation with Lynda Reeves.
Sunday, 1-2pm
Meet H&H’s 2024 Designer of the Year as she takes us through her cover house project and explains the moments that make the look.
Plus: Best tips for your decorating and a review of our 2025 Trends.
Ask A Designer Live
Aly Velji and Gillian Atkins in conversation with Lynda Reeves.
Sunday, 3-4pm
Get design help from House & Home’s panel of experts! Lynda Reeves, Gillian Atkins of House & Home, together with designer Aly Veji will have the answers.
The panel will answer pre-submitted design questions live on stage.