Frequently Asked Questions

What IDC awards can be submitted through this platform?

The IDC Awards platform hosts submissions for three programs:

  • VODA Interior Projects: Recognizes excellence in interior design projects and demonstrates the impact and value of design thinking.
  • VODA Product Innovation: Celebrates innovative products and solutions developed by IDC Industry Partners for the interior design industry.
  • VODA Student Competition: Highlights outstanding design concepts developed by interior design students across Canada.

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: Interior Projects
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.

VODA: Product Innovation
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)

VODA: 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Projects may be built or conceptual, published or unpublished, and can be at any scale or sector as long as they clearly demonstrate the value and impact of design.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 multiple products to the "VODA Product Innovation" program?

Yes. You may submit multiple products.

Once your initial submission is completed, you will receive a confirmation email with a discount code that can be applied to any subsequent Product Innovation submissions.

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

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: Interior Projects – Entry fees apply.
  • VODA: Product Innovation – Entry fee applies per product; all subsequent submissions are offered at a reduced rate.
  • VODA: 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