2026 ARIDO Awards Submissions are now open!
2026 ARIDO Awards Submission information | Apply to be an ARIDO Awards Judge
We are thrilled to launch the 2026 ARIDO Awards submissions! We are also inviting Registered members to apply to be 2026 ARIDO Awards judges. Scroll down for more info.
The ARIDO Awards is one of the most highly regarded honours in the interior design community.
This year the ARIDO Awards Gala returns bolder and more inclusive than ever as we will be recognizing projects by Registered Interior Designers in all the categories:
WORK, EAT+STAY, LEARN, CARE, PRESERVE+RESTORE, DISTINCT, CRAFT, SHOP, GATHER+PLAY, LIVE, LIVE TOGETHER, and IMPACT.
The winning projects will be announced at the Awards Gala ceremony on September 17th, 2026 at the Meridian Hall in downtown Toronto, in a reimagined format, shifting from a sit-down dinner to theatre-style experience.
Projects must have been completed between January 1, 2024 – January 1, 2026.
You can also view the full submission guide on the ARIDO Awards Submissions page.
2026 ARIDO Award Categories
The 2026 Award categories are: SHOP, GATHER+PLAY, LIVE, LIVE TOGETHER,WORK, EAT+STAY, LEARN, CARE, PRESERVE+RESTORE, DISTINCT, CRAFT. You can access the 2026 ARIDO Awards Submission form below:
IMPACT Award
The IMPACT Award replaces Project of the Year and has a broad spectrum of considerations, with its own criteria. The winning project must demonstrate a significant impact on an occupant or end user, neighbourhood, community, project team etc. It does not need to be a built space. To submit for the IMPACT Award click the button below
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the data entered within the online forms is factual and accurate. All supporting documentation and photos must be uploaded at the time of submission.
Important note: The awards program prohibits design firm employees from appearing in submission photos. Submissions which contain clear images of design firm employees will be flagged and firms will have an opportunity to submit corrected photos if done so by the timeline provided. We recommend you ensure corrected photos prior to submission to ensure for a streamlined and successful submission.
Please ensure all the information is correct before submitting as there is no option to edit once you submit the form.
The maximum number of entries per design firm is:
• 3 entries per category
• 4 entries per year total
ARIDO Awards Submission Deadlines
Early Bird Entry Deadline
Friday, June 5, 2026, Midnight
$150 + HST (per entry)
Final Entry Deadline
Friday, June 12, 2026, Midnight
$250 + HST (per entry)
ARIDO Awards Gala
September 17, 2026
Meridian Hall, Toronto
Late entries will not be accepted. No exceptions.
Questions? Please contact the events coordinator Gia Bantoc [email protected]
Apply to be a 2026 ARIDO Awards Judge
ARIDO is now accepting applications for judges for the 2026 ARIDO Awards.
We are looking for 6–8 Registered Interior Designers to take part in this year’s judging panel and contribute to a rigorous, respected, peer-review process that recognizes excellence in interior design across Ontario.
Serving as a judge is an opportunity to support the standards, credibility, and advancement of the profession while helping recognize outstanding work by Registered Interior Designers.
Apply by filling out the form at the button below by May 25, 2026.
Key dates
- Judge application deadline: May 25, 2026
- Judging period: July 2026
- ARIDO Awards Gala: September 17, 2026 Meridian Hall, Toronto
Who can apply
Applicants must be Registered Members of ARIDO.
Judges may have projects submitted to the 2026 ARIDO Awards; however, they must:
- Declare all conflicts of interest.
- Recuse themselves from reviewing, scoring, discussing, critiquing, or evaluating any related submissions.
- Maintain confidentiality throughout the judging process.
Preferred experience
Expertise in one or more of the 2026 Awards categories is preferred:
- SHOP
- GATHER + PLAY
- LIVE
- LIVE TOGETHER
- WORK
- EAT + STAY
- LEARN
- CARE
- PRESERVE + RESTORE
- DISTINCT
- CRAFT
- IMPACT
ARIDO will prioritize a balanced judging panel based on:
- Category expertise
- Regional representation
- Years of experience
- Practice type
- EDI considerations
- Previous judging experience
- Range of professional perspectives within the interior design profession
Time commitment
Judges should expect to commit approximately at least 3 days total, spread across training, independent scoring, and in-person deliberation.
This includes:
- Online judge training: Approximately 2 hours.
- Independent scoring:
- Approximately 1 full day, completed remotely at the judge’s own discretion. Judges may review up to 100 submissions using ARIDO’s formal scoring rubric.
- In-person deliberation
- Approximately 2 full days at the ARIDO office in Toronto. These sessions will allow judges to discuss submissions, review scoring, resolve questions, and complete final deliberations.
Attendance at the ARIDO Awards Gala on September 17, 2026, is encouraged but not required.
Recognition
This is a volunteer role.
Judges will receive:
- One complimentary ticket to the 2026 ARIDO Awards Gala
- Recognition with a headshot and bio in:
- ARIDO Awards magazine, published by Canadian Interiors
- ARIDO website
- ARIDO social media channels
- Recognition from the stage at the ARIDO Awards Gala
What is included
ARIDO will provide:
- A meal and refreshments during the in-person deliberation days
- One complimentary ticket to the 2026 ARIDO Awards Gala
What is not included
The following costs are not covered by ARIDO:
- Travel to and from the in-person deliberation days at the ARIDO office
- Accommodation related to the in-person deliberation days
- Travel to and from the ARIDO Awards Gala on September 17, 2026
- Accommodation related to attending the ARIDO Awards Gala
Apply by filling out the form at the button below by May 25, 2026.
Questions? Contact Gia Bantoc at [email protected].
