IDS Vancouver 2026 is running September 24-27. Information and tix HERE!
My family's frequent moves throughout my childhood initially sparked my passion for design, allowing me the freedom to experiment with different aesthetics in each new home. Despite this early passion, I pursued aviation and became a pilot, travelling often for work and becoming captivated by the architecture and beauty of the places I saw. After graduating from the University of Victoria, I spent years in luxury hospitality at design-focused hotels like QT in Australia and worked in events across multiple countries before returning to Canada to pursue marketing.
In 2019, I launched my own brand management and interior styling business, supporting residential interior designers with strategic marketing to build their brands. Looking to become more connected in the community, I joined IDS in 2024 where my lifelong design passion, strategic marketing experience, and extensive events background finally converged. Looking back, those early years styling our homes were absolutely a sign, I just took the scenic route to get here.
How long have you been with IDS? What drew you to this position, and what all does your position entail?
I joined IDS three years ago drawn by the opportunity to build something meaningful within the design community. As designers and architects, so much of the work happens behind screens, but real connection requires showing up in person. IDS is where you meet the people who inspire you, exchange ideas that spark innovation, and feel part of something bigger than your individual practice.
What skills are important to work in this position and where did you acquire yours - on the job, schooling, internship, mentorship?
In my opinion, this role requires a genuine passion for the design industry because it's not just a job, it's a lifestyle. You need strong relationship-building and project management skills, plus a deep understanding of design trends and what truly resonates with the community. Growing up moving around constantly, and later working in luxury hospitality, taught me to be naturally curious about people and their stories. I'm proud to bring that energy to this position, connecting designers with the recognition they deserve and curating programming that truly reflects what the world of design has to offer.
What do you love most about what you do? What comes easy for you - things you can do with your eyes closed? What is more of a chore? What is the one biggest, most important aspect in organizing a high-end industry event like this?
What I love most is using this platform to lift up others, uncovering the stories behind designers, projects, and products that deserve recognition. That part comes naturally to me. The challenge is balancing creative vision with corporate and contractual restraints, which sometimes means getting resourceful or making tough cuts. The most important aspect of organizing a high-end event like this is having a great team invested in the future of design and the community backing to keep us accountable.
IDS Vancouver 2026 will be held September 24-27th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. I can't wait. Readers would love some inside scoop on what is new and special this season, and what you consider to be "do not miss" - exhibitors, speakers, networking, etc.
There are so many incredible exhibitors, features, and speakers this year, it's hard to choose! My top picks have to be our seminar space by Hush Acoustics x Gensler, which will double as a listening lounge on IDS party night with DJ Sejo Ilaw—very 70s sunken lounge vibes. The Central Bar is a stunning feature of overlapping arches that creates the sense you're walking through a forest floor, and our entrance feature with STARK is our first water feature in the show. Indigenous artist James Harry is showcasing his talent and speaking, which is incredibly special.
.jpg "IDS Vancouver Speakers")
Looking back, what has been your highest moment in your career? Readers would also love to hear a funny unexpected moment that surprised you.
A lesson in confidence. I went for my first pilot interview, they provided me with a math question and gave me 20 min to complete it. When they came back in I thought I nailed it and presented with confidence that I had got the answer right. On the way home I called a friend and explained to them how smart I was when it dawned on me that I had actually given the wrong answer! So imagine my surprise 5 days later when they offered me the job. I accepted and then asked why they chose me when I got the question wrong. They told me I delivered my answer with such unwavering confidence that they were even convinced my answer was right, and when you make a decision you need to be certain that you will stick to your decision and that confidence is convincing. It was a great lesson in learning to trust myself and my intuition, and even if you get it wrong it will all work out!
Is there something you'd like to share in closing?
I've been blessed to have a dynamic career, and I really believe in trying it all. I often ask myself: If I was 60 looking back, would I regret not trying this? I started in high-end hospitality where I learned to problem-solve with intention, then moved into aviation where I learned to think in 5-10 year timelines and see the bigger picture, and finally moved into marketing and branding which taught me the importance of consistency and that money flows where attention goes. What seemed like completely different paths all share a common thread: experience creation. I've lived by the motto "be scared and do it anyway" when switching careers, and design offers me the freedom to view the world with emotion while creating something tangible and meaningful.
I joined IDS three years ago drawn by the opportunity to build something meaningful within the design community. As designers and architects, so much of the work happens behind screens, but real connection requires showing up in person. IDS is where you meet the people who inspire you, exchange ideas that spark innovation, and feel part of something bigger than your individual practice.
As National Program Manager, I shape all programming to reflect the high standards our community expects and deserves. I work with designers to create immersive installations on the show floor that challenge perceptions and showcase what's possible in design. I also curate our conference content and build partnerships with local organizations and schools. What makes IDS special is that it's a true collaboration, we create this experience with the design community, not for them.
What skills are important to work in this position and where did you acquire yours - on the job, schooling, internship, mentorship?
In my opinion, this role requires a genuine passion for the design industry because it's not just a job, it's a lifestyle. You need strong relationship-building and project management skills, plus a deep understanding of design trends and what truly resonates with the community. Growing up moving around constantly, and later working in luxury hospitality, taught me to be naturally curious about people and their stories. I'm proud to bring that energy to this position, connecting designers with the recognition they deserve and curating programming that truly reflects what the world of design has to offer.
What do you love most about what you do? What comes easy for you - things you can do with your eyes closed? What is more of a chore? What is the one biggest, most important aspect in organizing a high-end industry event like this?
What I love most is using this platform to lift up others, uncovering the stories behind designers, projects, and products that deserve recognition. That part comes naturally to me. The challenge is balancing creative vision with corporate and contractual restraints, which sometimes means getting resourceful or making tough cuts. The most important aspect of organizing a high-end event like this is having a great team invested in the future of design and the community backing to keep us accountable.
There are so many incredible exhibitors, features, and speakers this year, it's hard to choose! My top picks have to be our seminar space by Hush Acoustics x Gensler, which will double as a listening lounge on IDS party night with DJ Sejo Ilaw—very 70s sunken lounge vibes. The Central Bar is a stunning feature of overlapping arches that creates the sense you're walking through a forest floor, and our entrance feature with STARK is our first water feature in the show. Indigenous artist James Harry is showcasing his talent and speaking, which is incredibly special.
We have Nancy Bendtsen from Inform Interiors speaking first thing Friday morning on our Keynote stage—she's such a pillar of the Vancouver design community. There's also Prototype, a 3D printing company with an incredible booth showcasing 3D designs and making our booth awards this year, and AFBC is hosting a great networking session to close out Friday night. On Saturday, the designers and owners of Dovetail & Bevel restaurant are sharing all the secrets, and on Sunday we have some great shorter talks for our public community, including Jesse, owner of Marche Mon Pitou, talking about the art of hosting. Not to mention the great offsite event with McKinley Studios at their gallery to close out Saturday. There's so much going on this year, the design community is truly thriving and growing in the most exciting ways.
.jpg "IDS Vancouver Speakers")
Looking back, what has been your highest moment in your career? Readers would also love to hear a funny unexpected moment that surprised you.
A lesson in confidence. I went for my first pilot interview, they provided me with a math question and gave me 20 min to complete it. When they came back in I thought I nailed it and presented with confidence that I had got the answer right. On the way home I called a friend and explained to them how smart I was when it dawned on me that I had actually given the wrong answer! So imagine my surprise 5 days later when they offered me the job. I accepted and then asked why they chose me when I got the question wrong. They told me I delivered my answer with such unwavering confidence that they were even convinced my answer was right, and when you make a decision you need to be certain that you will stick to your decision and that confidence is convincing. It was a great lesson in learning to trust myself and my intuition, and even if you get it wrong it will all work out!
Is there something you'd like to share in closing?
I've been blessed to have a dynamic career, and I really believe in trying it all. I often ask myself: If I was 60 looking back, would I regret not trying this? I started in high-end hospitality where I learned to problem-solve with intention, then moved into aviation where I learned to think in 5-10 year timelines and see the bigger picture, and finally moved into marketing and branding which taught me the importance of consistency and that money flows where attention goes. What seemed like completely different paths all share a common thread: experience creation. I've lived by the motto "be scared and do it anyway" when switching careers, and design offers me the freedom to view the world with emotion while creating something tangible and meaningful.
Links:
- Website - wwwinteriordesignshow.com
- Instagram Vancouver - @idsvancouver
- Instagram Toronto - @idstoronto
- Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/company/interior-design-show-ids-/
- Youtube - www.youtube.com/@InteriorDesignShow
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