Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) have presented Susan Wiggins, executive director of IDC, with the prestigious 2011 IIDA Leadership Award of Excellence. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the profession of interior design, was presented at the fifth annual IIDA Leaders Breakfast on December 2 at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. Janice Price, President and CEO of Luminato, Toronto’s festival of arts and creativity, delivered the keynote address.
“Since joining the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) in 2001, Susan has set herself apart as a true champion of the interior design profession” explains Donna Assaly, President of IDC. “This much deserved honour is presented in recognition of her exceptional leadership and tireless support of interior design professionals across Canada.”
Susan has been a key figure in Canadian interior design for more than a decade. From 2001 to 2009, Susan was Executive Director for ARIDO, during which time she celebrated such accomplishments as getting the Ontario Practice Act to second reading in 2006. More recently, she spearheaded a restructuring of interior design professional associations in an effort to create in IDC a strong, unified voice for the profession across Canada. As Executive Director of IDC, Susan serves on a number of local, provincial and national committees, while focusing on government relations, volunteer development and strategic management. This year, Susan was also presented with the Ryerson University School of Interior Design Recognition of Achievement award for her considerable contributions to the industry.
“I am deeply honoured to have been selected for this award. Working with and learning from the interior designers I have met over the years pushes me to do my part to advance the profession and protect their rights to practice,” explains Wiggins. “Canada’s many dedicated and talented interior design professionals are my daily inspiration.”