Interior Designers of Alberta

What makes a designer truly stand out? Over the past few weeks, we asked four respected design firms—spanning commercial, residential, and hospitality—what they really look for when building their teams. And the answers were honest, insightful, and refreshingly human. Some spoke of quiet confidence and the power of positivity. Others emphasized resourcefulness, persistence, and the ability to stay curious and adaptable in an ever-evolving industry. Each response reminded us that great design is built on more than just skill—it’s shaped by character. Swipe through to see some of our favorite insights from: Holland Licensed Interior Design Inc. Zeidler Architecture Peyton Licensed Interior Design Inc. CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design Inc. Hospitality Design Innovators based in Western Canada Check out our previous posts for the full questions & responses from each firm! What trait do you think makes a designer truly unforgettable? #HiringTraits #InteriorDesignCareers #TeamCulture #DesignIndustry #IDAInsight #DesignerMindset #CreativeCareers

What sets a standout designer apart in today’s competitive market? We asked Chris Kourouniotis, LID AAA, President & Founder of CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design Inc. Hospitality Design Innovators based in Western Canada, on what he looks for in a new hire and his insights were clear: They seek creative minds grounded in both art and design, with experience across hospitality, retail, and construction. This kind of background shows adaptability, technical skill, and a well-rounded design approach. But here’s the catch—do your homework. A major red flag? Not knowing the firm you’re applying to. Combine that with poor grammar, missing follow-up, or weak industry knowledge, and your application might not make the cut. So how can junior designers stand out? Bring a polished portfolio, strong CAD and Revit skills, and a real passion for hospitality design. Add attention to detail and a clear grasp of commercial design principles—and you’ll be one step closer to joining the team. 🔎 Do you think technical proficiency or passion plays a bigger role in landing a design job? Let us know below! Firm Spotlight: CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design Inc. is an Edmonton-based firm, founded in 2008, with offices in Calgary and Vancouver. They specialize in commercial interiors across hospitality, corporate, retail, and medical sectors. Their award-winning portfolio includes restaurants, hotels, and casinos—spaces designed to engage all five senses. Led by Founder Chris Kourouniotis, with 25+ years of experience, CKDESIGN is known for its collaborative, detail-driven approach. With over 1,600 projects completed across North America, the firm is committed to delivering thoughtful, high-quality design solutions. Thank you Chris for the valuable insights! #HiringTraits #DesignCareers #CKDESIGN #InteriorDesign #HospitalityDesign #DesignJobs #TeamFit

✨Design Cube 2025 ✨ First, a huge thank you to DIALOG for sponsoring our student networking event! Your contribution has helped bring our event to life. Thank you to all the guests who attended our Design Cube Event! We appreciated the turn out and all the students who were able to connect ❤️ Lastly, We appreciate all the industry members for attending, sharing your life experience and supporting students. #designcube2025 #nait #architecture #interiordesign #networking

Wonderful turnout!

Happening Today! Saturday, March 22, 2025 NCIDQ FINAL PRAC Workshop! Replays available. Join now: https://lnkd.in/g7YFSvAD

Save the Date: IDA Annual General Meeting 2025 The Registered Interior Designers of Alberta (IDA) invites all members to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on: 📅 Thursday, May 29, 2025 ⏰ 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Mountain Time) 📍 Join us virtually via Zoom or in person in Calgary & Edmonton (locations to be announced soon) Who Can Attend? The AGM is open to all IDA members in good standing across the following membership categories: ✔ Registered Member ✔ Provisional Member ✔ Associate Member ✔ Student Member ✔ Fellow Member ✔ Honorary Member Call for Nominations Interested in shaping the future of IDA? We are accepting applications for the following positions: ✅ President ✅ Secretary – Treasurer ✅ Registrar ✅ Member of the General Public More details on nominations will be shared soon. Stay tuned! For inquiries, contact us at info@idalberta.ca.

Success in interior design isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about who you are as a team member. At Peyton Licensed Interior Design, Kerri Peyton looks for designers who are proactive, resourceful, and team-focused. It’s not enough to sit back and wait for direction—thriving in this industry means taking initiative, problem-solving, and embracing continuous learning. Just ask Avril Wirzba. She started as a summer student, returned full-time in 2021, and is now the Studio Director. What made her stand out? A quick mind, a thirst for knowledge, and a commitment to both client service and mentorship. She didn’t just grow—she lifted others along the way. So, what makes someone truly invaluable in this industry? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ #HiringTraits #InteriorDesignCareers #Leadership #TeamValues #Mentorship

Happy Monday everyone, Something to look forward to this Friday evening. Free event, free food & drinks, free networking! Meet some of IDA's council / volunteers there 🤗

The stage is set, and the countdown begins! ⏳✨ The 2025 masi Design Awards Gala is heading to Saskatoon at the breathtaking Remai Modern Art Gallery on Wednesday, October 1st. Want to see your work celebrated on this prestigious night? To submit a project for the masi Design Awards, you must be an IDA member. If you’re not a member yet, now’s the time—join the IDA today! Stay tuned for more details. #masiAwards2025 #DesignExcellence #saskatoon #JoinIDA

NCIDQ spring exams start in less than a month—Join Qpractice's LIVE workshop this Saturday! With NCIDQ exams kicking off in April, now is the time to sharpen your test-taking skills! Join Qpractice for a live IDPX workshop where they’ll review a custom Qpractice Practice Test designed just for this session. 📅 Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT / 10 AM MT 📍 Location: Qpractice Online ✅ Break down correct answers & avoid common mistakes ✅ Learn test-taking strategies to improve your score ✅ Maximize exam features & resources Before Saturday: Take your practice test so you’re fully prepared! Can’t attend live? Watch the replay anytime. Your registration includes the live session, replays, and full access to Qpractice Premium features. Let’s get you exam-ready—join us! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gdH4GiFe #NCIDQ #IDPX #Qpractice #interiordesign