Dear Members of the Interior Designers of Alberta,

March has been an interesting month for the IDA; full of ups and downs. We are full of hope and inspiration as we plan our Urban Encounters events and yet we are disappointed by our ineffectiveness to push forward some of our objectives due to lack of volunteer time. March also sparked lots of conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion as we celebrated Women's History month and discussed gender bias in our industry.

This spring has seen a lot of us coming out of homes and reuniting with friends and family; so very exciting and fulfilling. Social connection is so very important for our wellbeing. Thus, we are hoping to connect with many of you at our in person Urban Encounters events in Calgary on April 28th and in Edmonton on May 3rd. With many great vendors eager to share their latest products, our booths are almost completely sold out! It is shaping up to be a well-attended event.

On the other hand though, as we approach our AGM and are reflecting on the year, we are very aware of the effects of the pandemic on our community. The uncertainty of the pandemic has heightened burn out and our volunteers are stretched to the limit. We have spent the year looking to fill key positions on our council and are facing more vacancies as more members are stepping down. In short, we need your help. We need your support.

March has been a good month for contemplating Women's History, and I have read about many great women in our past, some even in our industry, who have done many amazing things. No doubt, the mountain we want to climb to find relief from gender bias in our industry is daunting, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If we truly want to see change within our lifetime we need to ban together. I want to leave you with this quote which resonated with me, and I hope it will spark something in you.

“The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.”

- Helen Keller

(a high-profile social justice crusader for suffrage and child welfare who forever changed attitudes about people with disabilities)

Respectfully Yours,

Louise Aroche

Upcoming IDA Events

IDA 2022 Annual General Meeting

Connect, advocate, and contribute

Wednesday, April 13, 2022 | 11:30 AM EST

Members are encouraged to attend the AGM to learn more about the IDA and connect with colleagues.

URBAN encounters

Alberta’s top interior design trade show.

Urban Encounters is back after a much anticipated wait! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues and see the latest offerings in one location.

YYC | Thursday Apr 28 2022, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
YEG | Tuesday May 03 2022, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

IDA Members | Free

CONNECTIONS 2022

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022
4:30PM TO 9:00PM
Edmonton

Meet the NAIT Interior Design Technology Program graduates of 2022, 2021 & 2020. Connect with industry members and connect with graduate students.

Click here for more info...

Member Matters

Welcome New Members

Christine Bott | Student

Emily Lang | Student

New Licensed Interior Designer

We would like to congratulate IDA Registered member Burt Boucock of BBID on being confirmed as a Licensed Interior Designer with the Alberta Association of Architects. Way to go!

Online Design Resource

i+s is a comprehensive resource with a focus on interiors and sources for commercial interior designers and architects.