2023 was an action-packed year for ARIDO, with activities, events, and reflections taking place across many levels of the association. Our journey towards ARIDO’s leadership to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion within the association and our communities has continued, and there were multiple milestones reached throughout the year (view 2023’s accomplishments in the infographic below).
The Bold Statement continued to be a guiding philosophy that led our work and engagements with the ARIDO community and beyond. Many components of the Strategic Plan were advanced throughout 2023.
ARIDO has multiple projects which will reach critical points next year, and we don’t want you to miss out. Renew your membership and be part of this exciting work.
For 2024, the Board of Management has instituted a modest 3% increase in dues to ensure ARIDO has the stability to continue providing our support to you and members across Ontario throughout next year. The Board of Management reviewed multiple cost models for this increase and determined an increase of 3% would provide adequate support for ARIDO’s needs.
We would like to remind you of your payment options. Set up your dues in a way that works for you and make payments in quarterly or monthly installments.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, ARIDO aligns with the UN’s call to “leave no one behind.” As we commemorate the halfway point to the 2030 Agenda, we acknowledge the ongoing barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
Sustainable Development for All: Beyond beneficiaries, persons with disabilities are active contributors in social, economic, and political life. Their inclusion is vital for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. ARIDO echoes the UN’s call for their presence at decision-making tables.
The Ongoing Role of ARIDO: As designers of spaces for humans, ARIDO members hold a unique perspective on accessibility challenges. We wield the influence to shape spaces, incorporating barrier-free and universal design principles. ARIDO advocates for a truly inclusive world where everyone, regardless of ability, enjoys equal rights and access.
Designing an Inclusive Future: In 2023 and beyond, let’s intensify discussions and actions for a more disability-friendly world. ARIDO remains committed to designing spaces that empower, uplift, and champion inclusivity. Together, we can craft environments that celebrate the diversity of all individuals.
In a world striving for progress and equality, it is crucial to pause and reflect on the challenges that persist. November 25th holds significant importance as the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day serves as a global call to action, and ARIDO, the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario, proudly stands with the world to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Honoring the Mirabal Sisters: November 25th is not just a date on the calendar; it symbolizes remembrance and homage to the Mirabal sisters. These courageous activists from the Dominican Republic, known for their dedication to political freedom, were tragically assassinated in 1960. Their legacy inspires ARIDO’s commitment to creating a world free from violence.
Why Wear Orange? Orange, a vibrant and hopeful color, takes center stage on this day. It symbolizes a future without violence, a future where women can live free from fear. ARIDO encourages everyone to don orange on this day, turning it into a visual beacon of solidarity.
Sharing Stories, Breaking the Silence: Silence perpetuates violence. ARIDO urges everyone to share stories, breaking the silence that often shrouds acts of gender-based violence. By amplifying voices, we empower survivors and contribute to a culture that refuses to tolerate abuse.
Engaging in Conversations: Creating change requires open dialogue. ARIDO invites everyone to engage in conversations that matter. Discussing the prevalence of gender-based violence and exploring ways to create safer spaces for all is a crucial step towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Kickstarting 16 Days of Activism: The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women marks the beginning of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. This initiative extends until December 10th, Human Rights Day. ARIDO encourages active participation in events and activities that promote awareness and advocate for the elimination of violence against women.
Your Voice Matters: ARIDO believes that every voice contributes to the collective roar against violence. Whether it’s wearing orange, sharing stories, or engaging in conversations, every action matters. The power to effect change lies in our collective commitment to a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from violence.
As we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ARIDO stands tall, echoing the global call to action. By wearing orange, sharing stories, and engaging in meaningful conversations, we contribute to a future where violence is but a distant memory. Together, let’s champion a world where every woman can live free, thriving in a society built on respect, equality, and compassion.
ARIDO is on a transformative journey prioritizing diversity, equity, accessibility, and reconciliation. We strongly believe that the opportunities to evolve our framework should be inclusive, and the representation of our members is integral.
In preparation for this call for nominations, we recognize there are opportunities to improve the present Board of Management composition as it relates to the diverse representation of our members and regional diversity of Ontario.
As an Association that is focused on developing and guiding the future of the Interior Design profession, we believe it is our responsibility to lead and advocate for change.
We are actively focused on the continued diversification of the ARIDO Board for 2024, and beyond. We encourage and welcome nominations from members who identify as belonging to any underrepresented or diverse group.
The Details
The Board of Management develops and guides the Association’s strategic direction and works to advance the profession and Association provincially. To view the Strategic Plan, click here.
There are currently threeDirector Positions open for the ARIDO Board of Management for the coming term along with one position for President-elect.
Registered members in good standing who are interested in putting their name forward or who wish to nominate another Registered Member will require their nomination to be seconded by three (3) other Registered members in good standing, in accordance with ARIDO’s Operating By-laws (By-law No. 1). Please click here for a copy of the nomination form.
Nominations should include a short bio outlining the candidate’s practice and volunteer history. Please use this form. (MS Word file will download.)
President-elect Criteria
A candidate for President-elect must have served as an elected director on the Board of Management, a Chapter President, or as a member of an ARIDO Standing Committee or Task Force of the Association for a full term of office at least once in the 15 years prior to the date of the election.
Board Term
Elected Board Members will serve on the ARIDO Board for a three-year term.
Volunteer Commitment
The ARIDO Board of Management meets monthly, via video conference, and in person, with additional meetings as needed. Board members also chair or participate on an ARIDO Committee, which typically meets monthly.
Any members submitting a nomination should do so by Friday, December 15, 2023.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss the nominations process, please emailIrma Kemp atikemp@arido.ca or phone 416-921-2127 ext. 4225
Portfolio Prep is the kick-off event of ARIDO’s Career Xpress virtual series for students. This is a preparatory session to help you build confidence in your interview skills, learn the do’s and don’ts of cover letter, resume, and portfolio creation.
Additionally, it provides you with practical practitioner advice and recommendations.
Join us November 23, 2023 for a panel discussion by industry professionals on their personal career paths, followed by a Q&A session. This event will also provide an opportunity to network virtually with other ARIDO members.
Event Schedule
5:30-6:00 PM – Registration and Networking 6:00-6:15 PM – Land Acknowledgement and Introductions 6:15-7:00 PM – Panel Discussion 7:00-7:30 PM – Q&A 7:30-8:00 PM – Networking
Panelists
Afsaneh Asayesh, ARIDO | Envision Design Ashley Rumsey, ARIDO | Mason Studio Bryan Wiens, ARIDO | LWG Architectural Interiors Rodney Lover, CEO | Lovers atWork Robert Lawrence, Vice President | Mandrake Zack Korzen | Humber College
Registration for this event for members is free and for non-members it is $10.
ARIDO membership is free for students! Join now and register for free for this Career Xpress event.
A group of designers led by Registered Interior Designer Joanne Chan, ARIDO worked together to design a stage and involve partners and sponsors to build the space to host talks and panels throughout the trade and public days.
The Collaboration
Watch this video to hear about how it all came together!
The Program
Several panels took place at the GRAY Stage, including Registered Interior Designer Michael London, ARIDO on his journey through the design field, and the panel on public assembly and design, where Michele Gucciardi of Turner Fleischer, Mardi Najafi of Figure3, and Joe Pettipas, ARIDO of IBI Group discussed their experiences designing public spaces and their aspirations for Toronto’s public spaces in future.
ARIDO Members also participated in the popular panel: Things They Don’t Teach You in Design School; Managing Difficult Relationships, which was presented by ARIDO and IDC and featured Greg Quinn, Tatiana Soldatova, Isabelle Talbot, and was moderated by Carrie Burd.
ARIDO’s Executive Director, Sharon Portelli moderated a lively talk on “The Power of Women in Design & Construction” where Julie Phillips of Flatiron Construction, Dayna Bradley, Anna Simone of Cecconi Simone, and Behnaz Assadi of Ja Architecture and Daniels Faculty exchanged their perspectives and experiences of working in the architecture, design, and construction field, and where they see the possibilities for progress and change.
On Friday ‘The Power of Art in Design’ featured Joanne Chan, Architect Heather Dubbeldam, Art Consultant Olivier Fuller, and Artist and Designer John Monteith in a discussion about the ways design and art interact in a space and their projects and collaborations where these interactions have led to more than the sum of their parts. Moderator Jutta Brendemuhl led the discussion.
Later on Friday, Registered Member Ian Rolston gave a keynote talk and conversation on Dismantling Design, and the way human-centred design can lead to more equitable spaces for everyone. He spoke with Stefan Novakovic on the main stage at IDS about this transformation.
During Saturday and Sunday, the public days at IDS, the panels and the GRAY Stage continued, with a discussion among Pam Hope, Nadia Kuhni, and Michelle Mawby and moderated by Joanna Tiffin on creating inclusive space while designing for an aging population shared the ways these important concerns can be addressed through interior design.
On the final day of the show, the GRAY Stage hosted workshops and making sessions and featured a panel on integrating culture and heritage into design philosophy featuring Beverly Horii and Iman Stewart and was moderated by Sharon Portelli.
The four day event was an amazing platform for ARIDO and to expose the expertise of Registered Interior Designers, invite more people into the conversation about interior design, and bring the ARIDO brand to a wider audience.
The Design Team
A huge thank you to the design team who helped make it happen:
This year we will enjoy dinner, drinks and networking amongst the beautiful RBG setting and then head out on an unguided tour of the Winter Wonders – a unique outdoor experience with festive lights, music, interactive installations and magical displays within their gardens.
Our holiday event is a casual way to connect with members of your design community, celebrate the season together and look forward to a bright new year. This year, we are pleased to extend this invitation to members of the Grand Valley Chapter to join our celebration.
We hope you can join us.
Event schedule Event starts at 5:00pm with Registration and Welcome, followed by Winter Wonders Tour, Drinks, Dinner and Networking.
Tickets ARIDO Member Rate: $55 plus HST per person (Includes the Winter Wonders, dinner and a drink) ARIDO Non-Member Rate: $65 plus HST per person (Includes the Winter Wonders, dinner and a drink)
Fanshawe College Interior Design and ARIDO are putting together an industry night! Join your local interior design community for a panel discussion featuring local design leaders on topics relevant to students, managing expectations, and dealing with burnout.
Bring your questions to these experts as they discuss our design world and the highs and lows of our industry!
After the panel, get a chance to network with students, members, and industry partners to get to know local professionals, and meet others in your London design community!
6:00pm-7:30pm Panel Discussion on Interior Design: managing expectations, mitigating solutions and dealing with burnout Location: Good Foundation Theatre, Fanshawe College – School of Digital and Performing Arts, 137 Dundas St, London Ontario, N6A 1E9
7:30pm-9:00pm Networking, food & drinks (Cash bar on-site) Location: The Chef’s Table Restaurant at Fanshawe College
As part of our current Strategic Plan, ARIDO is bringing our members opportunities to foster community and reinforce ARIDO’s value to you.
The Education Subcommittee is pleased to bring you a new offering of education focused workshops on diversity and equity learning, with a goal of fostering community by empowering members like you to be advocates for diversity and inclusion.
This two-part series will focus on Universal Design principles and break them down into practical examples which you can employ in your daily design practice. Please note attendees must attend both sessions.
CEU Credits: 2 Health & Safety credits – Proof Provided after event
Part One | November 9th – What is Universal Design and why is it important?
difference between Universal design and Accessible design
benefits of Universal Design
7 principles of Universal Design
how is it implemented?
Part Two | November 16th – How do you get clients to buy in to Universal Design?
strategies for overcoming challenges
benefits to the client
ROI for Universal Design
future of Universal Design
If you have questions or require an accessibility accommodation, please contact communications@arido.ca.
Presenter: Ania Sousa, ARIDO
Meet Ania Sousa, ARIDO, a Registered Interior Designer and the creative force behind Interior Design Hub Ltd. With a rich career in the public sector, Ania has evolved into a passionate advocate for inclusive and universal design. She’s not just an Interior Designer; she’s also a holder of the Rick Hansen Accessibility certification.
Ania’s journey as an Interior Designer included over a decade at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she honed her skills, working on everything from space planning to transforming the way students experienced the institution. Her focus was on integrating universal and accessible design principles throughout her projects.
Now, as the founder of her own firm, Ania brings her expertise to a wide range of projects, with a strong emphasis on facility design and the implementation of Universal Design.
Toronto International Design Centre ~ 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
In today’s economy, ongoing business transformation has become a necessity. Join our panel of industry trailblazers who have successfully added new revenue streams to their design businesses. Learn the secrets of how these designers expanded their firms into the retail, commercial, and hospitality channels.
In this session, our panelists will share:
The steps you can take to successfully shift sectors in the design industry
How expanding to different channels can make your business more profitable
Marketing and business development strategies to employ as you shift your business
Why ditching single-source income streams is necessary for sustaining the growth of your firm
How systems and templates translate between each design channel
The learning curve and skill-building needed to take the leap from residential to retail/hospitality design
How to avoid common pitfalls before you take the leap
In the ever-evolving design industry, are you ready to transform your business?
*Earn 1 IDCEC CEU Credit
Moderated by: Michelle Mawby, NCIDQ, ARIDO, BCIN – Founder of Lucid Interior Design and Principal at Georgian Design Build
Panelists: Eric McClelland, NCIDQ, ARIDO – Principal Designer at Fleur-de-lis Interior Design Erika Floysvik, Founder & Managing Principal at FIA Interiors & Architecture
Sponsored by: JennAir Canada Series Partners: MarlaBaker.ca & Raven Blooms Session Partners: The Collective Workspace & DesignerStone Panels
