on October 9th, the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada hosted its Annual Awards Gala at the iconic Carlu for what turned out to be their biggest and most memorable Awards Gala yet. The event sold out for the first time in its history, and from the moment guests stepped into the space, it was clear we were in for a special night.
The Carlu’s timeless elegance set the perfect backdrop for an evening full of glitz, glam, and genuine connection. Before the program even began, guests were greeted with live music that filled the cocktail hour with a warm, lively energy. People chatted, laughed, hugged, and caught up on a year’s worth of stories. It was the kind of atmosphere that reminded everyone why this event is such a highlight on the DDA calendar.
A milestone year for the awards program
This year’s Gala marked an exciting shift for the organization. For the first time, Affiliate Members were formally recognized with their own award categories, three in total, celebrating excellence in marketing and product development. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
The Awards Program also expanded to include several new categories for Accredited Members. This was a thoughtful effort to ensure the awards are more inclusive of the entire member base. From emerging talent to long-standing professionals, more members had the chance to be seen and celebrated. And judging by the cheers and applause, the room couldn’t have been happier about it.
The projects featured this year were nothing short of inspiring, work that pushed boundaries, embraced creativity, and represented the very best in Canadian design. Each winner brought their own story, their own spark, and the collective pride in the room was unmistakable.
A little fun never hurts: Enter the dda tracksuits
Of course, no recap would be complete without mentioning the DDA tracksuits.
Yes – tracksuits.
The emcees, Glen Peloso and Andria Cowan-Molyneaux, embraced a bit of playful spirit with custom black and gold DDA-branded tracksuits, and they quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of the night. Seeing these two in matching tracksuits weaving through a sea of gowns and tuxedos brought more smiles than anyone expected. It was a lighthearted reminder that while we take our craft seriously, we don’t always have to take ourselves too seriously.
The heart of the gala: the people
As much as the awards are the centrepiece of the evening, it’s the people who make this event what it is. There’s something special about getting everyone in the same room; it’s something that can’t be replicated on email, Zoom, or social media. The Gala is where our community feels the most alive.
A huge amount of credit goes to the volunteers, board members, and sponsors who poured months of energy into planning and executing the event. Their behind-the-scenes dedication is what makes a night like this possible.
A must-attend evening for the industry
As the last award was handed out and the room slowly shifted from ceremony to celebration, it was clear that this year’s Gala set a new standard. It was glamorous without being stuffy, polished but still personal, and full of the warmth and connection that define the DDA.
The 2025 Decorating & Design Awards Gala wasn’t just a successful event; it was a milestone for the association. A celebration of growth, creativity, community, and the many faces that make up the DDA family.
If you weren’t able to make it this year, consider this your sign: the Gala has truly become a must-attend event. And if the energy of 2025 is any indication, next year will be even better. OD
ddacanada.com