Interior Designer Central
Showcasing the country’s best talent
IDC is all about creating value in membership, and we understand that a primary concern for our members is how to grow their businesses. Interior design is a word of mouth industry; firms are recommended based on referrals from previous clients and based on their portfolio of previous work. As the national advocacy body for Canadian interior design, IDC provides a platform for its members to showcase their brand to the public and connect with their next client.
For residential design, in particular, many homeowners are unfamiliar with the professional standards of practice upheld by qualified interior designers. By showcasing the work of our members at interior design trade shows, IDC educates members of the public about what being a member means: our members are insured interior designers who find creative and functional design solutions.
Educating the public
At publicly attended interior design shows, IDC provides written literature and online resources to attendees on the profession of interior design and on the three Es: education, experience, examination, that are required to maintain membership with IDC.
A popular event where IDC members are showcased is the consultation series What’s Your Design Dilemma? The consultations, taking place at interior design shows across the country, provide members of the public with a free, 15-minute consultation with an IDC member. Show attendees come armed with floor plans and ask that our members help them find functional, attractive solutions for their interior design dilemmas. Participating members are offered the opportunity to showcase their brand at a highly attended show, while making valuable connections with potential new clients.
One of the most popular questions IDC receives is: Can you recommend an interior designer for my next project? Finding the right interior designer for any given project depends on a number of variables, including scope of work, budget and overall vision. The most effective way for the public to connect with interior designers for their next project is through our new online referral program: FindInteriorDesigner.org.
A database of designers
The online search engine provides members of the public with a database of qualified interior design firms that specialize in a variety of sectors, including residential, workplace, healthcare, hospitality and retail design. Prospective clients can search the site by region, area of expertise or firm name. Search results display a portfolio of work completed by the firms, and a brief write-up of the firm’s design philosophy and vision. FindInteriorDesigner.org was launched to the public at the Interior Design Show in Toronto this past January.
Whether in person, at a trade show, or through a search engine, members of the public have come to associate the name IDC with qualified, insured, highly educated interior designers. This is perhaps the hallmark of membership with the association. It is this name that helps our members attract new clients and ultimately grow their businesses.
If you are a manufacturer or supplier that provides products or services for interior environments, an IDC Industry membership gives you the opportunity to connect with the interior designers that use and specify your product or service. IDC offers a variety of membership options at a range of prices, tailored to fit your budget and the needs of your business. For more information about IDC Industry membership, please contact Meghan Smith, Director, Business Development, at [email protected] or 416-649-4427. Follow us at @IDCanadatweets and
facebook.com/InteriorDesignersofCanada.
Editor’s note: This is the final column for IDC in Coverings for the time being. Internal changes and staff obligations have put a burden on time resources, and magazine deadlines are unfriendly things. The purpose of this column over the years has been to educate designers to the value of membership, and we hope you will take that message to heart and give IDC a call. From Coverings, thanks for being a part of the family, and we hope to see you back, somewhere down the road.
Interior Designers of Canada is the association representing the interior design profession in Canada. IDC advocates on behalf of the profession nationally and internationally, to government, industry and the public.