Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
- Interior Designers of British Columbia | The self-regulatory body of interior design practitioners in British Columbia. Provides members with continuing education, awards and design contests, and networking opportunities.
- Vancouver Society of Interior Designers | Promotes and unites the Vancouver interior design industry through events, seminars, and social media. Check out upcoming events here.
- Interior Designers of Canada | The national advocacy body for the interior design profession in Canada. IDC represents over 5,000 professionals and 200 suppliers and manufacturers.
- Decorators & Designers Association of Canada | The DDA aims to elevate design excellence through its code of ethics, education standards, and professional development opportunities. They offer several different membership options, more information available here.
International Associations
- International Interior Design Association | A commercial interior design trade association with members in 58 countries. Members receive several benefits, including those listed here.
- International Furnishings and Design Association | The IFDA’s mission is to inspire collaboration within the furnishings and design industry to support its people, their products and services. Its members include designers, producers, distributors, and more.
- Interior Design Society | A U.S. based organization promoting its four core values of professionalism, community, influence and growth.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Western Living | Western Living “shine[s] a spotlight on the talented local designers, celebrated restaurants, unique shops and passionate makers who define Western Canada’s creative landscape. The.Home & Design section includes articles on the interior design industry.
- Spruce Magazine | A home and design magazine published in Victoria, BC. Published four times a year; available in digital and print.
- Canadian Interiors | The longest running interior design magazine in Canada. Published seven times a year. Sign up for their free weekly newsletter here.
- Canadian House & Home | A magazine offering house tours, before and afters, design contests, and more. Publishes a registry of designers across Canada.
- i+D Magazine | The official magazine of the Interior Decorators of Canada and the American Society of Interior Designers. Issues as recent as 2020 available online.
- Journal of Interior Design | Focuses on research in the interior design profession and education, including related fields. Available electronically through the UBC Library.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
- Interior Design Business | A weekly podcast sharing clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step "recipes" for attracting ideal luxury clients along with an attitude of abundance for growing a successful business.
- The Interior Design Business CEO | Aims to provide the tools and strategies interior designers need to feel calm, confident, and in control of their business.
- A Well-Designed Business | A podcast aiming to bridge the gap between design school and a successful interior design business. Hosted by a successful interior designer with over 40 years of experience.
- Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design | Hosted by a business coach and founder of a multi-million dollar interior design company. Focuses on growing a profitable and scalable business.
- Hot Young Designers Club | Explores how the next generation of interior designers run their business through practical, emotional, and humorous storytelling.
- The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Interior Design Podcast | Explores the ins-and-outs of the interior design industry through the insights and lessons learned by an interior design business owner.
- Trade Tales | A podcast hosted by Business of Home Magazine’s editor in chief offering advice on multiple aspects of running an interior design business.
- Beyond Interior Design Podcast | Conversations about interior design pricing strategies, customer psychology, studio operations, and more. Published monthly.
- Dear Alice | A weekly podcast breaking down the highest end of the design and interior fashion with a heaping dose of wit and taste. Hosted by the co-owners of Alice Lane Interior Design.
- Confessions of an Interior Designer | Hosted by a luxury interior design business owner with over ten years of experience. New episodes posted weekly.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.