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.
Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA)
A professional not-for-profit Association representing both student and accredited interior decorators and interior designers. Click on the Find a Decorator link to access a directory of interior decorators in Canada.
Interior Designers of Canada (IDC)
Canadian national advocacy association for the interior design profession. IDC`s mandate is to advance the profession across Canada as well as internationally.
Interior Designers Institute of BC (IDIBC)
Advancing the interior design profession through accreditation, education, advocacy, and public outreach. Check out the Find a Designer section.
The Commercial Interior Design Association (IIDA)
A professional networking and educational interior design association with more than 13,000 members worldwide. Check out the informative Publications section.
The Professional Association for Interior Designers (ASID)
The ASID has more than 36,000 members in 48 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Check out the ASID Research section.
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
AZURE Magazine
Canadian design magazine aimed at architects, designers, and the design-savvy public. Published 8 times a year.
Canadian Interiors Magazine
Launched in 1964, Canadian Interiors is Canada’s leading magazine targeted at interior design professionals. Published 6 times a year.
Dwell Magazine
Popular US-based magazine with a focus on modern design. Published 10 times a year.
Interior Design, published by Interior Design Media Group LLC | Great for all areas of the interior design professional marketplace including industry news and more. Available electronically at UBC through Art Full Text.
Journal of Interior Design | Focuses on research in the interior design profession and education, including related fields. Available electronically at UBC through Wiley Online Library.
Consultant Websites
Statista
How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.
A simple to use statistics portal that integrates statistics from thousands of sources, on topics related to business, media, public policy, health and others. Statistics can be exported in PPT, XLS, PDF, and PNG formats. Some basic content available for free.
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.
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.