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ARIDO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sharon Portelli 416-921-2127 x 4232 sportelli@arido.ca
ARIDO EVENTS COORDINATOR
Gia Bantoc gbantoc@arido.ca
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Peter Sobchak psobchak@canadianinteriors.com
DESIGN
Roy Gaiot, Barbara Burrows
PUBLISHER Faria Ahmed 416-441-2085, x 5 fahmed@canadianinteriors.com
VICE PRESIDENT / SALES Steve Wilson swilson@canadianinteriors.com
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Message from the President
Welcome to the 2025 ARIDO Awards Gala! It is an honour to welcome our community as we gather once again to celebrate the unparalleled talent and innovation of our interior design community. This year’s theme, A Night Born From Stardust, is a powerful metaphor that stems from our shared origins. We are all made of the same material that helped shaped our world. Just as space created the perfect conditions for life to evolve, interior designers create spaces where beauty meets function, and where connection begins.
On September 17th, we’re coming together to celebrate the evolution of interior design and where it all started, by recognizing our fellow colleagues who’ve created spaces that aren’t just beautiful but transcend unity and alignment on a larger scale.
As we gather to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners, we will be doing the same. There is an inherent harmony with how this event brings us together as a community. It’s the most sought-after event of the year where all feel accepted, valued and a place to belong, together. A state of effortless movement, connection, and presence. I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our partners and sponsors. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in furthering the continued success of the ARIDO Awards Gala, and we are honored to have you partner with us as we celebrate the creations of our members.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners. This year’s awards mark the return of the coveted Workplace category which continues to be our most engaged submission category since the inception of the awards program. As Registered Interior Designers, you represent the importance of commitment to professionalism and practice standards that put the importance of interior spaces and their impacts on humanity at the forefront of everything you do. Today, we celebrate your work and unwavering commitment to the profession.
As we allow ourselves to consider all possibilities with this year’s theme, let us be inspired by the cosmos and the infinite possibilities that lie within our own creativity.
Thank you
Jeremy Cheff, Registered Interior Designer ARIDO President, 2025-27
20 25 ARIDO Awards Judges
Erin Jenner, ARIDO inspirED learning lab
Nadia Cannataro, ARIDO large [medium] design office
Vera Gisarov, ARIDO Studio Athena
Ashwin Raman, ARIDO Ramans Design Services Inc.
46 Figure3 Office
47 PwC Toronto
48 RioCan Head Office
49 Scotiabank North Flagship
50 SickKids Patient Support Centre
51 TD Terrace
52 The Post
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PROJECT CADILLAC FAIRVIEW THE INTERCHANGE MURAL
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Don Parker, ARIDO
Michel Arcand, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: IN8 Design Inc.
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: December 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: Mural is approx. 600 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tom Arban Photography Inc.
Positioned on the exposed outer skin of a demising wall, the Interchange mural faces a concourse-level tunnel within Toronto’s Financial District PATH system. Its location – highly visible, pedestrian-heavy, and woven into the city’s daily rhythm – warranted more than a utilitarian finish. It announces and marks The Interchange End-of-Trip facility to its members and prospective users with clarity and polish. The mural, comprised of 2,792 brass pegs, is a visual cue that signals transition, movement, and readiness, from city to self, echoing the flow and intention that define the space beyond its wall.
For path users, it provides a moment of visual inspiration within the rhythm of their daily commute, introducing a sense of uplift and motion through carefully composed form, material, and line. To ensure material durability and inclusivity; solid brass, tactile texture, and abstract forms speak to a wide audience and resist tampering – a quiet but firm gesture of belonging in the public realm.
Their density and rhythm suggest braille, a subtle reminder that sight-impaired users can engage with the work and the facility, and reinforcing the project’s inclusive spirit. Materiality supports meaning.
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PROJECT PANTRY KING WEST — CEILING
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Dyonne Fashina, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Denizens of Design Inc.
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: October 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 400 sf
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Scott Norsworthy and Gil Tamin
Inspired by the brand’s legacy of residential pantry aesthetics, the ceiling at Pantry King Street West centres on transforming a humble, familiar motif while reimagining the traditional basketweave tile pattern in bold, three-dimensional millwork which is visible from the street through the restaurant’s expansive front glazing. The goal was to craft a custom, site-specific feature that would anchor the space – both visually and symbolically – while exemplifying restraint, craftsmanship, and sustainability; evolving the brand’s signature basketweave tile motif into a more meaningful and memorable architectural language. Instead of removing the existing ceiling structure, the design team embraced its limitations and potential. Decorative beams were retained and clad in oak to match the new custom cross beams, into which convex and concave curved millwork panels were woven to create a sense of tension and movement. Finished in warm oak, the ceiling’s tactility invites the eye upward, supporting a space that is both dynamic and rooted. It is now a model for how the brand can evolve signature motifs into expressive architectural statements, with minimal waste and maximum impact. The result is a sculptural element that embodies the client’s evolution, drawing attention from the street and connecting guests to the core values of warmth, honesty, and care.
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PROJECT CADILLAC FAIRVIEW THE INTERCHANGE
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Michel Arcand, ARIDO Don Parker, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: IN8 Design Inc.
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: December 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 9,385 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tom Arban Photography Inc.
This secure, amenity-rich space for cycling tenants and others needing a place to freshen up or change would be known as End-of-Trip. Its design envisioned a wellness-focused space that promotes movement, supports diverse routines, and welcomes users with comfort, dignity, care and accomodatees a wide range of users and routines.
Centred on mapping the user’s safe metamorphosis from street entry, complete with mode of transport and gear, the complex parameters of a biker’s journey from street to shower were addressed in the recommendations and specifications that led to important changes in the existing pavement, curbs, traffic direction, and signage within the underground car park to deliver riders a safe entry to the facility.
Gender-neutral and universal facilities were designed with equal attention to quality and accessibility, reflecting the needs of a broad user base, with seamless connection to Toronto’s PATH network to ensure a convenient five-minute journey, either underground or above ground, to coffee shops, office towers, and amenities.
PROJECT THE LOREN AT LADY BIRD LAKE
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Eric McClelland, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Fleur de Lis Interior Design
LOCATION: Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
OCCUPANCY DATE: December 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE:
500 sf (Typical Room), 1,000 sf (Typical 1 Bed Suite)
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Casey Woods and Chad Wadsworth
The overall design strategy of the guest rooms and suites at the Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas was to create modern boutique hotel spaces that are comfortable and flexible on a modest budget while creatively accomplishing the feeling of bespoke and tailored experiences.
Curation of an authentic culture and urban landscape relatable to mid-western clientele was achieved by connecting guest experiences to Austin’s skyline and Lady Bird Lake. Floor to ceiling glazing were base building features, and utilizing this window space for both lounging and business functions provides a connection to the vibrant Austin energy beyond. Wood, steel, glass and natural stones blended with plaids and leathers to create a southwest yet still urban experience.
The view from the custom built-in desk is the prevailing design solution as it spans the full width of the room, creating an elongated surface which exudes luxury.The use of raw steel mixed with natural rift-sawn oak references the nature of the riverside setting giving an unexpected modernity that is both warm and cool at the same time. Custom designed carpet in vivid green, taupe and sand tones reflect the greenery and riverbed beyond.
The Centennial College A-Building Expansion advances the design profession by setting a precedent for culturally integrated, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive educational spaces. As Canada’s first LEED Gold, net-zero carbon, WELL-certified mass timber higher education facility, the project represents a milestone in demonstrating how interiors can meaningfully address climate change while enhancing human well-being. What distinguishes this project is its grounding in Two-Eyed Seeing, an Indigenous framework that harmonizes Indigenous and Western worldviews and transforms the building itself into a living educational tool. This represents innovation not just in form or materiality, but in process, embedding reconciliation into every design decision, from stakeholder engagement to spatial narratives, merging biophilic strategies, equitable access, and cultural continuity and calling on the profession to evolve beyond aesthetics and function toward spaces that actively foster healing, connection, and transformative learning.
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PROJECT NIA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Robin Fraser, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Fraser Design Studios
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: December 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 17,868 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Yianni Tong
As Canada’s first Black art centre, goals centred on envisioning a space that is deeply rooted in the Centre’s mission to foster creativity, learning, and cultural expression for all. NIA Centre enriches the user learning experience through immersion in Black arts and culture while fostering exploration in an inclusive community environment. Subtle cultural details, like brass hardware symbolizing African mining history and distinct colour accents on each floor reflecting Black-nation flags, link the space to the Black diaspora’s heritage.
The “blank canvas” concept prioritizes artistic freedom, ensuring the space accommodates artists’ needs. With a focus on art and culture, a community hub for gathering, learning, and engagement comes to life. By establishing a secure atmosphere, the space invites diaspora artists to participate in a safe setting. Youth and transitioning adults gain access to necessary equipment and materials for creative exploration, engage in self-expression, share knowledge, and learn from one another.
A library within a meeting room is available to encourage users to learn about Black artists and Black culture. The NIA Centre was designed with a clear set of goals aimed at creating a dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive space that serves both the artistic community and the public.
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PROJECT REINA
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Sunhwa Kim, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: BDP Quadrangle
DESIGN TEAM: Marcella Au, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: September 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 133,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tom Arban Photography Inc.
Reina offers a ground-breaking value proposition by being the first residential development in Canada entirely led of women across all disciplines, rejecting the standard top-down approach and reorienting how we conceive of leadership, authorship and collaboration in the built environment. By implementing a participatory design model engaged by a broad spectrum of voices, including multi-generational families, community members, youth and future residents, it reimagines the development process through the lens of lived experience, empathy and inclusive consultation.
The ideology of inclusion drove imaginative design outcomes with interior amenity spaces being programmatically inventive, offering features like a sound-buffered music room, a hobby “mess” room, and a snack shop designed with input from Girl Guides. The adjacency of a glass-walled gym and playroom directly responds to the caregiving realities of modern families, a configuration rarely, if ever, seen in condominium design. By centering under-represented voices in both the process and profession, Reina challenges industry norms and redefines what makes a space livable, lovable and truly community-first.
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PROJECT CENTENNIAL COLLEGE A-BUILDING EXPANSION
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Chen Cohen, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: DIALOG
DESIGN TEAM: Camille Ganuelas, ARIDO
JOINT VENTURE: Eladia Smoke Smoke Architecture Inc.
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: September 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 133,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: James Brittain
The client’s vision is brought to life through a building expansion that carries meaning and purpose into every space. From the ascending grand stair of Wisdom Hall to the central Indigenous Commons, where light, wood and art come together to honour the land and its people, to the emobdiment of the spirit of “Two-Eyed Seeing,” which harmonizes Indigenous wisdom and Western perspectives into a shared, living story, Indigenous culture and storytelling are seamlessly woven throughout the building. Rooted in the values of creativity, connection, and respect, the building becomes a teacher and a living storyteller guiding students along pathways rich with symbolism, culture, and connection. At every turn, inclusivity and well-being are thoughtfully woven into the design, creating a welcoming place for all identities, traditions, and aspirations for the future. As Canada’s first LEED Gold, net-zero carbon, WELL-certified, mass timber higher-education facility, it rises as a powerful symbol of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and a future shaped by reconciliation.
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PROJECT GAN SHALOM PRESCHOOL
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Elizabeth Ormonde, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Turner Fleischer
DESIGN TEAM: Lisa Tomada, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: September 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 700 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Riley Snelling
Guided by a deeply empathetic and user-focused approach, this design approach resulted in reimagining a preschool as both a learning environment rooted in creativity, inclusion and community within an active synagogue. The vision centred on supporting early childhood development through sensory-rich, curiosity-driven spaces while reinforcing cultural identity and community values.
Five immersive classrooms – Art, Baking, STEM, Discovery, and Reading – support imaginative play and provide a unique pedagocial experience all while meeting the functional needs of a dynamic early learning curriculum. Integration of the preschool’s educational function within the broader synagogue context, reinforces its role as both a place of learning and a centre for community connection. The break from conventional preschool aesthetics avoids primary colour schemes and traditional motifs in favour of a fresh, contemporary visual language.
The result is a preschool that does more than meet functional needs –it reflects the values of its community, invites curiosity and collaboration, and elevates the experience of early childhood education through thoughtful, intentional design.
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PROJECT YORK UNIVERSITY MARKHAM CAMPUS
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Iva Radikova, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Diamond Schmitt Architects
DESIGN TEAM: Greg Parsons, ARIDO Robin Zhao, ARIDO
LOCATION: Markham, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: September 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 400,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tom Arban Photography Inc.
The vertical campus optimizes the small site while enhancing urban density to compliment current and future developments in the region. Interconnected, multi-storey spaces offer varied opportunities for student interaction creating a dynamic collegial community.
In addition to the atrium skylights that flood the core with natural light, strategic daylighting is incorporated in open lounge areas catering to solo and group study located along the perimeter of the plan and around the central atrium, animating the interior programming.
Taking cues from the local urban streetscape, using cantilevers, curves, and bronze-anodized aluminum panels establishes a distinct architectural presence for the University while creating fluid, interactive spaces that reinforce the diversity of programs, teaching and research that takes place within.
The York University Markham Campus (YUMC) supports and strengthens the university’s goal of creating a campus that is accessible, connected, impactful, and fosters academic excellence.
PROJECT 65 KING ST. EAST
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Anthony Orasi, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM:
iN STUDIO
DESIGN TEAM:
Katie Ferrier, ARIDO
Deanna Hayko, ARIDO
Amanda Kavanaugh, ARIDO
Katy Kraus, ARIDO
Clancy Snook, ARIDO
Lisa Nguyen, Intern ARIDO
Weronika Iwanek, Intern ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: April 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 220,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Christian Lalonde
Google’s new Toronto workplace is centred on creating a dynamic vertical environment that unifies people, celebrates culture, and supports innovation. Conceived as a “Home for Makers,” the space integrates Canadian artwork, Indigenous storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to reflect values of diversity, creativity, and sustainability.
Open zones, modular spaces, and plug-and-play infrastructure allow the workplace to respond fluidly to change. Rather than dictate how space should be used, users are empowered, supporting work, connection, and discovery in equal measure. Every element, from spatial rhythm and acoustic strategy to materiality and curated graphics, was considered through the lens of adaptability, belonging, and purpose. The result is a future-forward workplace rooted in Canadian identity and designed for transformation.
PROJECT BRT3
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Jaime Muszynski, ARIDO
Anthony Orasi, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: iN STUDIO
DESIGN TEAM:
Deanna Hayko, ARIDO
Justin In, ARIDO
Chae Eun Kim, ARIDO
Kourtney Rapp, ARIDO
Anthony Scarfone, ARIDO
Clancy Snook, ARIDO
Weronika Iwanek, Intern ARIDO
LOCATION: Kitchener, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: October 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 231,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Christian Lalonde
BRT3 was designed to create a distinct, uplifting addition to the campus, guided by the theme “The Perfect Day.” The building unfolds like a day in motion, beginning at dawn on the ground floor and progressing through morning, afternoon, and dusk as you ascend. Light, warmth, and rhythm shape the experience: a central interconnecting staircase invites movement, punctuated by a full-service café and expansive outdoor terrace at its heart. A large ground-floor auditorium anchors the building as a civic and campus gathering space. Upper levels offer amenity-rich environments, including a gym, makers space and games room, supporting wellness, creativity and connection. Natural light is prioritized throughout, with material tones and lighting subtly shifting to reflect the passage of time. Local artists are featured prominently, embedding community and culture into the experience. BRT3 is a vibrant, people-focused space designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate the everyday.
DESIGN TEAM: Anna-Lisa Frank, ARIDO Simon Tibbo, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: June 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 16,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Steve Tsai
When faced with finding a new workplace that aligned with their growing business needs, culture and ESG values, the challenge wasn’t simply to design an office, but to strategically select and adapt a space that minimized construction waste, enabled future flexibility, and reflected a forward-thinking approach. The vision for the firm was to create a space that combines the welcoming feel of a boutique hotel with the creative energy that defines the design firm’s brand by focusing on the creation of a sustainable, highperforming, and human-centered workplace that reflected who the firm is, and how they work. The design team successfully addressed these goals through a reuse-first, strategy-led approach that emphasized flexibility, culture, and minimal environmental impact. Every element of the new space was carefully considered, from biophilic design features to ergonomic seating, diverse areas that foster different ways of working such as large harvest tables, wellness spaces for staff and visitors and cozy lounges and infrastructure that maximizes hybrid functionality.
PROJECT P w C TORONTO
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Chantal Frenette, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: M Moser Associates
DESIGN TEAM:: Jaymie Cooper, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: May 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 46,715 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Upper Left Photography
The client reimagined its Toronto office as a flagship example of its postpandemic workplace transformation by prioritizing a flexible, inclusive and high-performance space that could support new ways of working, unify brands across its Canadian portfolio and respond to regional and user-specific needs.
Workspaces prioritize autonomy and wellbeing by integrating natural light, biophilia and user control, boosting satisfaction, productivity, and a sense of belonging. Technology-rich, activity-based zones enable seamless virtual and in-person collaboration, fostering motivation and team cohesion. Client-facing areas serve as vibrant hubs for formal meetings and informal networking, enhancing client experience and allowing the client to use space as a strategic business tool. Local insights shaped inclusive, culturally relevant solutions tailored to Toronto’s context while aligning with national goals, ensuring spaces reflect local needs and cultural context. The outcome embodies the client’s identity and values, reflecting a national vision that supports wellbeing, performance, and inclusivity. The Toronto office is viewed as the Canadian flagship that anchors consistent yet regionally tailored workplace standards and sets the standard across the Canadian portfolio.
The client wanted their new head office to physically reflect their evolution as a people-first, future-focused organization. The existing, fragmented, dark workplace no longer aligned with their brand or culture, and was dominated by enclosed offices that created hierarchy and silos.
The strategy was rooted in aligning physical space with corporate identity by grounding in the client’s values: boldness, adaptability, responsibility, and trust in a tangible, day-to-day experience for employees and visitors alike.
The approach emphasized transparency, connection, and employee well-being as primary drivers while the research focused on stakeholder workshops, interviews, and feasibility studies to uncover operational challenges, cultural aspirations, and spatial inefficiencies.
The outcome is a space that removed physical and cultural barriers by removing partitions, integrating leadership into open-plan neighbourhoods, and fostering a more accessible, egalitarian workplace. Employee wellness and workplace experience was improved by maximizing natural light, offering better views, and elevating the sense of pride and connection.
PROJECT SCOTIABANK NORTH FLAGSHIP
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Rachel Cyr, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: KPMB Architects
DESIGN TEAM: Irene Jackiw, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: April 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 375,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Doublespace Photography
The project reimagines corporate workplace as a flexible, inclusive and future-ready environment. Rooted in activity-based working, the space supports a range of workstyles through a mix of studios, quiet zones, private offices, and third spaces like cafés, lounges, and terraces. Flexibility, technology, and hospitality-driven amenities encourage seamless transitions between focused and collaborative work while fostering a strong sense of community.
To engage employees, attract talent, and host clients, the team drew inspiration from hospitality with select floors linked by staircases and feature bistros and coffee points in distinct colour schemes. Communal areas with bar stools, benches, and armchairs create identity and encourage interaction.
Designing new spaces for the institution’s ecosystem leveraged equitable design guidelines prioritizing inclusion, accessibility, health, and wellness. The inclusive spirit is evident in the final product: a warm, welcoming workplace that fosters a sense of ownership. The outcome is a space that subtly tells the story of the client’s brand values and commitment to inclusion through integrated artwork, colour, and storytelling, advancing a global workplace strategy rooted in performance, culture, and care.
PROJECT SICKKIDS PATIENT SUPPORT CENTRE
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Stephanie Panyan, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: B+H
DESIGN TEAM: Peter Heys, Life Member, ARIDO Marianna Ng, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: October 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 427,290 sf
PHOTOGRAPHERS: A-Frame Photography / Tom Arban Photography Inc.
Faced with the challenge of creating a space that reflects SickKids’ deeprooted research ethos while promoting collaboration and innovation, and supporting the wellbeing of its 3,000 diverse staff members, this new build design required a multi-disciplinary approach.
The approach employs a holistic “Inside Out, Outside In” design philosophy that involves integrating architecture, workplace interiors, and landscape design. All aspects support the interior design, aligning with a shared vision of a more autonomous culture that promotes increased flexibility and choice, fostering innovation, productivity, and overall health and wellness.
The 22-storey centre in Toronto serves as a bespoke workplace for the education, training, and administration of Canada’s leading pediatric healthcare organization and marks the critical first step in SickKids’ multi-year campus transformation project, known as Project Horizon, which aims to create an inspired and reimagined hospital of the future.
Overall, the design sets a benchmark for adaptable, purpose-built workplaces that enhance hospital efficiency and staff well-being, reinforcing SickKids’ role as a leader in pediatric healthcare both locally and nationally.
PROJECT TD TERRACE
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Sandra Neill, ARIDO
Marcela Ortiz, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Lemay
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: December 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 898,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Karl Hipolito / Tom Arban Photography Inc.
Exploring the concept of a vertical city, floors are designed as neighbourhoods that foster meaningful connections unified around a greater purpose. The Connector’s three-part system – Passages, Landmarks, and Destinations –ensures both employees and customers experience intuitive wayfinding and engaging environments that exceed functional and experiential expectations. An expression of downtown Toronto’s vibrancy and diversity, this workplace ecosystem aligns with the company’s DEI programs while supporting employee health, wellbeing, and belonging within a flourishing business community. The interconnected spaces extend its architectural narrative through a quilt work of functions woven around The Connector, the tower’s main street. Active circulation flows through meandering paths that intuitively guide movement and encourage spontaneous encounters. Without exterior or corner offices, space is intentionally democratized to maximize collaboration. Curated artwork, diffused colours, whimsical lighting, and captivating textures produce a dynamic environment that sparks joy and tranquility, significantly enhancing employee satisfaction and fostering a workplace available for all colleagues to thrive in while sustaining efficient business growth and value creation.
PROJECT THE POST
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Franca Rezza, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: B+H
DESIGN TEAM: Catherine Cho, ARIDO
LOCATION: Vancouver, Britsh Columbia
OCCUPANCY DATE: September 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,100,100 sf total, 643,000 sf completed
PHOTOGRAPHER: Seth Stevenson
Aimed at revitalizing a historic Vancouver landmark while creating a modern, mixed-use commercial space, the design honours over 65 years of history as a Canada Post facility through three guiding themes: Roots, Story, and Craft. “Roots” highlights the structure’s historical context and cultural inspiration; “Story” expresses these roots through art, reflecting Vancouver’s multiculturalism; and “Craft” translates these narratives into the space’s tangible design. These narratives informed the choice of materials such as metal, concrete, and wood, reflecting the building’s industrial heritage and mid-century aesthetic.
Honouring the site’s past while seamlessly integrating modern technology and design principles reflect the client’s progressive values. By prioritizing an improved workplace environment by creating “home-like” breakout and meeting spaces, this shift away from traditional corporate styles promotes collaboration and comfort by honouring the space’s heritage as a former Canada Post facility while incorporating modern needs and technologies. Ultimately, The Post stands as an example of thoughtful design that enriches the community and meets the evolving demands of today’s workforce.
TO CELEBRATE EXCEPTIONAL TALENT THAT DEFINES THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROFESSION IN ONTARIO, THIS YEAR’S ARIDO AWARDS FINALISTS ARE BEING HIGHLIGHTED, WITH WINNERS ANNOUNCED DURING THE ARIDO AWARDS GALA. THE FOLLOWING PAGES CELEBRATE FINALISTS IN THE WORK, LEARN, EAT+STAY, CARE AND IMPACT CATEGORIES.
PROJECT MITCHELL EYE CENTRE
PROJECT CATEGORY: CARE
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Jerilyn Wright, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Jerilyn Wright & Associates
LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta
OCCUPANCY DATE: November 1, 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 6,151 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Pardeep Sooch
MARILENA CAFE & RAW BAR
PROJECT CATEGORY: EAT + STAY
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Eric McClelland, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Fleur de Lis Interior Design
LOCATION: Victoria, British Columbia
OCCUPANCY DATE: June 13, 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: +/- 535 m² and +/- 33 m² of outdoor patio
PHOTOGRAPHER: Leanna Rathkelly
PROJECT
PROJECT
RONALD D. SCHMEICHEL BUILDING FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION
Lisa Logan Photography Inc. / Tom Arban Photography Inc.
PROJECT BMO ACADEMY
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Sean Crawford, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Zeidler Architecture Inc.
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: August 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 43,108 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tom Arban Photography Inc.
PROJECT YALE PEABODY MUSEUM EXHIBIT GALLERY REVITALIZATION
PROJECT CATEGORY: LEARN
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Cathy Lazo, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Reich&Petch
LOCATION: New Haven, USA
OCCUPANCY DATE: January 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 44,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Francis Dzikowski / OTTO & Peter Aaron / OTTO
PROJECT BMO BURNABY
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Jessica Gozdzierski, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Arcadis Architects (Canada) Inc.
DESIGN TEAM:
Michelle Haber, ARIDO Milena Radakovic, ARIDO Victoria Botter, Intern, ARIDO
Daniel Brandley, Intern, ARIDO
Cameron Leal, Intern, ARIDO
LOCATION:
Burnaby, British Columbia
OCCUPANCY DATE: March 28, 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 42,478 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Russell Dalby Photography
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Chantal Frenette, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM:
M Moser Associates
DESIGN TEAM:
Jaymie Cooper, ARIDO
Carmen Huynh, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: June 23, 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 114,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ben Rahn / A-Frame Photography
PROJECT CASSELS BROCK & BLACKWELL (CASSELS)
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Karly Cable, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Gensler
DESIGN TEAM:
Ella Gao, Intern, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: May 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 133,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: James Brittain PROJECT
PROJECT CANADIAN COMMERCIAL CORPORATION
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Olivia Carmichael, ARIDO
Gabriella Gribbons, ARIDO
Marc Letellier, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM:
LWG Architectural Interiors Inc.
LOCATION: Ottawa, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: August 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 19,600 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Kevin Belanger
PROJECT DYNASTY POWER OFFICES
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Doris Martin, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM:
Davignon Martin Architecture + Interior Design
LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta
OCCUPANCY DATE: April 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 30,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jason Dziver
PROJECT ECOVADIS TORONTO HEADQUARTERS
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Tatiana Soldatova, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM:
Syllable Inc.
DESIGN TEAM:
Kseniya Filippova, ARIDO
Danyon Goodwin, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: August 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 16,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
James Morley, Doublespace Photography
PROJECT
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Kayley Mullings, ARIDO
Vanessa Tantalo, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM:
Moriyama Teshima Architects
JOINT VENTURE:
Kasian Architecture Ontario Inc.
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: March 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 122,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tom Arban Photography Inc.
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Jane Juranek, ARIDO
Katie McCann, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Arcadis Architects (Canada) Inc.
DESIGN TEAM:
Lily Donald, Intern, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: October 25 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 57,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Ben Rahn / A-Frame Photography
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Nina Bast, ARIDO
Jessica Mascarenhas, ARIDO
Christa McManus, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Gensler
DESIGN TEAM:
Sheena Albert, ARIDO
Andrew Gallici, ARIDO
Melissa Malo, Intern, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: July 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 342,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: James Brittain
PROJECT POINTCLICKCARE
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Jane Juranek, ARIDO
Kas Garcia Marquez, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Arcadis Architects (Canada) Inc
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: September 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 60,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Ben Rahn / A-Frame Photography
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Lana Shahin, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: Perkins&Will
DESIGN TEAM:
Tsvetelina Rabashki, ARIDO
John Sicat, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: 2023
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 153,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: A-Frame
PROJECT CATEGORY: WORK
INTERIOR DESIGNERS:
Jaime Muszynski, ARIDO
Anthony Orasi, ARIDO
DESIGN FIRM: iN STUDIO
DESIGN TEAM:
Jordane Bluesz, ARIDO
Betty Chor, Intern, ARIDO
Sahar Kalali Moghaddam, Intern, ARIDO
LOCATION: Toronto, Ontario
OCCUPANCY DATE: September 2024
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 16,000 sf
PHOTOGRAPHER: Christian Lalonde, Photolux Studio
ARIDO ROI PROJECT
2024/25
In 2013, ARIDO launched a new charitable renovation initiative called ROI: Renew-Originate-Implement. What’s on the Inside? The objective of the initiative is to assist an Ontario-based organization or charity through the improvement of their interior environment where essential services and support are provided. To date, ARIDO has completed five ROI projects: Bridge North (2018), Sketch (2016), Variety Village (2015), Fife House (2014), the CAMH Archway Clinic (2013) and the OEERC and WAC Shared Offices and Community Hub (2025).
Thank you to our Partners and Sponsors!
We express our gratitude to all Partners and Sponsors who supported the 2024/25 ROI, who without their assistance, this project could not be possible.
