The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) has appointed Jeremy Vandermeij as Executive Director. A design-trained strategist and executive, Vandermeij brings nearly 20 years of experience across design leadership, governance, entrepreneurship, strategy and design-sector growth.
A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Interior Design and a former design instructor, Vandermeij began his career practising with firms including Roundabout Studio and ALSOP Architects before going on to lead major initiatives in Canada’s design sector. He also holds a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University, bringing a systems-based and future-focused approach to leadership and change.
He later co-founded and led DesignTO, helping build it into Canada’s largest celebration of design. From 2011 to 2025, DesignTO welcomed more than one million visitors, showcased the work of more than 6,500 artists and designers, reached more than two billion people through print and digital media and generated more than $159 million for the Canadian economy.
Vandermeij also co-founded Public Displays of Affection (PDA), a community-engaged design initiative that demonstrated how design can serve social good. Working with designers the project generated more than 300 pieces of sustainable, custom-designed furniture and fixtures made by local designers. This work aligns closely with ARIDO’s ROI initiative, Renew-Originate-Implement, which ARIDO says was launched in 2013 to help charities and organizations improve interior environments where essential services and support are provided to Ontarians through donated time, services, and funding from interior designers, sponsors and partners.
“During our candidate interviews, it quickly became clear to me that we had found who we were looking for in Jeremy Vandermeij,” says Jeremy Cheff, president, ARIDO. “He brings a rare combination of design knowledge, strategic insight, governance experience and community-building leadership to this role. His background in interior design, education, entrepreneurship and sector development makes him exceptionally well positioned to lead ARIDO in its next chapter. Jeremy came to us at exactly the right time, and we believe his experience, demeanour, fresh perspective will help push ARIDO into the next stage of our evolution.”
“I’m honoured to join ARIDO at such an important moment for the profession,” says Vandermeij. “Interior design has shaped my career from the very beginning, and I’m excited to bring together my experience in design, strategic foresight, governance and community-building to help strengthen ARIDO’s impact, support its members, drive the ARIDO Strategic Plan and advance the value of interior design across Ontario.”
As Executive Director, Vandermeij will work with the Board, staff, members and partners to support ARIDO’s leadership in advancing the profession of interior design in Ontario, strengthening the organization and championing the value of registered interior designers to the public, government and the broader industry. ARIDO’s mission is to protect the public and support excellence in design by self-regulating the interior design profession in Ontario.
Vandermeij is a graduate and former instructor of TMU’s School of Interior Design, and began his career designing hospitality and residential interiors while practising with firms such as Roundabout Studio and ALSOP Architects. He co-founded the DesignTO Festival, leading it from a grassroots idea to Canada’s largest design week, now drawing more than 200,000 visitors annually, featuring the work of hundreds of designers, and generating $31.4 million in local economic impact. He also co-founded Public Displays of Affection, a social-impact design initiative that brought designers into affordable housing and community projects such as Edmond Place and 40 Oaks. Vandermeij holds a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University, and his leadership spans governance, fundraising and equity initiatives across cultural institutions.
About ARIDO
The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) is the only self-regulatory professional organization for interior designers in Ontario. Since its inception in 1934, the Association has played a vital role in the interior design industry by protecting the rights of the interior design profession and regulating the profession in Ontario in the best interests of the public. Bill Pr6 grants Registered Members who meet ARIDO standards exclusive use of the title Interior Designer in Ontario. By giving legal standing to that designation, the government recognizes the high standards of education, training, and formal examination that professional interior designers meet, while helping safeguard consumers by ensuring members are fully qualified and current in their qualifications. ARIDO members work across corporate, residential, retail, hospitality, health care, and institutional sectors