Frequently Asked Questions

What IDC awards can be submitted through this platform?

The IDC Awards platform hosts submissions for three programs:

Each award program has its own eligibility criteria and submission requirements. Please review the application brief for the program you wish to enter.

Who is eligible to apply?

VODA (Value of Design Awards)
Open to IDC members. The entrant must be an IDC member who served as the lead designer or played a significant design role in the project.

Innovation Awards
Open to IDC Industry Partners. Industry partners may submit products, materials, or design innovations that contribute to the advancement of the interior design profession. (Application opens in April)

IDC Student Competition
Open to IDC student members enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary interior design program, including recent graduates submitting work completed during their final year of study.

What types of projects or submissions are accepted?

Submissions may include completed interior design projects, innovative products, or conceptual design solutions depending on the award program.

Projects may be built or conceptual, published or unpublished, and can be at any scale or sector as long as they clearly demonstrate the value and impact of design.

What are the important dates?

Important dates vary by award program but generally follow this schedule:

  • Call for submissions opens: Spring
  • Submission deadline: Late spring or early summer
  • Judging period: Summer
  • Winners announced: Fall

Please refer to the individual award brief or submission page for the exact dates.

Can I submit the same project to multiple categories within the same award programs? 

Yes. A project or product may be submitted to multiple categories within the same award program if it meets the criteria for each category. Entries should be tailored to reflect the focus of the category selected.

How are submissions evaluated?

Entries are evaluated by an independent panel of judges made up of design professionals, educators, and industry leaders.

Judges evaluate submissions based on criteria such as:

  • Design concept and innovation
  • Design process and problem-solving approach
  • Impact and value of the design solution
  • Sustainability and technical execution

Each award program has its own evaluation criteria outlined in the application brief.

How are winners recognized?

Winners receive national recognition through Interior Designers of Canada, including:

  • Recognition at an IDC awards event
  • Certificates and official acknowledgment
  • Promotion across IDC communication channels, including the website, newsletters, and social media
  • Visibility within Canada's interior design community

Is there a submission fee?

Submission fees vary depending on the award program.

  • VODA – Entry fees apply.
  • Innovation Awards – Entry fee applies per product submission. [Application opens in April]
  • IDC Student Competition – No submission fee.

Please refer to the award brief for the most current fee information.

Where can I find the full submission guidelines?

Full submission requirements and category descriptions are available in the official application briefs:

These documents provide detailed instructions on eligibility, submission materials, and judging criteria.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

For questions about submissions or the awards process, please contact:

communications@idcanada.org