ARIDO’s new Executive Director Jeremy Vandermeij
ARIDO is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Vandermeij as its new Executive Director. A design-trained strategist and executive, Vandermeij brings nearly 20 years of experience across design leadership, governance, entrepreneurship, strategy, and design-sector growth.
Interior Design Leadership and Industry Impact in Ontario
A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Interior Design and a former design instructor, Vandermeij began his career practising with firms including Roundabout Studio and ALSOP Architects before going on to lead major initiatives in Canada’s design sector. He also holds a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University, bringing a systems-based and future-focused approach to leadership and change.
He later co-founded and led DesignTO, helping build it into Canada’s largest celebration of design. From 2011 to 2025, DesignTO welcomed over 1 million visitors, showcased the work of over 6,500 artists and designers, reached over 2 billion people through print and digital media, and generated over $159 million for the Canadian economy.
Vandermeij also co-founded Public Displays of Affection (PDA), a community-engaged design initiative that demonstrated how design can serve social good. Working with designers the project generated over 300 pieces of sustainable, custom-designed furniture and fixtures made by local designers. This work aligns closely with ARIDO’s ROI initiative, Renew-Originate-Implement, which ARIDO says was launched in 2013 to help charities and organizations improve interior environments where essential services and support are provided to Ontarians through donated time, services, and funding from interior designers, sponsors, and partners.
“During our candidate interviews, it quickly became clear to me that we had found who we were looking for in Jeremy Vandermeij. He brings a rare combination of design knowledge, strategic insight, governance experience, and community-building leadership to this role. His background in interior design, education, entrepreneurship, and sector development makes him exceptionally well positioned to lead ARIDO in its next chapter. Jeremy came to us at exactly the right time, and we believe his experience, demeanour, fresh perspective will help push ARIDO into the next stage of our evolution”, said Jeremy Cheff, President, ARIDO.
“I’m honoured to join ARIDO at such an important moment for the profession. Interior design has shaped my career from the very beginning, and I’m excited to bring together my experience in design, strategic foresight, governance, and community-building to help strengthen ARIDO’s impact, support its members, drive the ARIDO Strategic Plan, and advance the value of interior design across Ontario,” said Jeremy Vandermeij.
Advancing Interior Design Regulation and Public Protection in Ontario
As Executive Director, Vandermeij will work with the Board, staff, members, and partners to support ARIDO’s leadership in advancing the profession of interior design in Ontario, strengthening the organization, and championing the value of Registered interior designers to the public, government, and the broader industry. ARIDO’s mission is to protect the public and support excellence in design by self-regulating the interior design profession in Ontario.
