Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) presented the late Ray Staples, an interior design pioneer, with the prestigious Leadership Award of Excellence. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the interior design industry, was presented at the sixth annual IDC/IIDA Leaders Breakfast, on Nov. 30, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Canadian shoe designer John Fluevog delivered the keynote address.
“Ray was a very influential figure and has left a permanent impression on Toronto’s interior design community,” says Susan Wiggins, CEO of Interior Designers of Canada. “She touched the lives of so many in the industry through her mentorship, her leadership and her boundless enthusiasm for the profession.”
Ray Staples was active in Ontario’s interior design community for more than 70 years. She began her career as an interior designer in the early 1940s, working mainly in residential design. She was also seen regularly across Canada on CityTV’s Thursday edition of CityLine, where, along with host Marilyn Denis, she gave tips and answered viewers’ questions about decorating their homes.
Staples joined the Interior Designers of Ontario (IDO) in 1965, where she served two terms as president. She was a founding member of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO, formerly IDO) and served as its president in 1974. An ARIDO Fellow and Life Member, she has been nicknamed “Mother ARIDO.” Ray Staples passed away in July, but was “flattered beyond words” to be receiving this award.
As keynote speaker, John Fluevog spoke about creativity and the design process.
About IDC
IDC is the professional association for interior designers in Canada. IDC’s mandate is to advance the profession of interior design across Canada as well as internationally. It does so through advocacy with government and the public, and by providing continuing education opportunities and business practice support to members.