About ARIDO
The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) is the professional body mandated to regulate the interior design profession in Ontario for the betterment of the profession and in the best interests of the public.
ARIDO sets and enforces rigorous standards for admission into membership, including education, experience, professional development, and adherence to a Code of Ethics and Practice Standards.
With over 3,300 members across Registered, Intern, Educator, and Student categories, ARIDO represents professionals in every area of design – corporate, residential, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
ARIDO recognizes that meaningful progress in diversity, equity, and accessibility requires reflection, intention, and sustained effort.
The organization acknowledges that improvements are needed in its current infrastructure and culture, and has identified this as a priority to truly advance the experience of the entire ARIDO community.
Throughout this journey, ARIDO has learned the importance of looking inward, examining where it can do better, engaging in open and thoughtful discussions, and building collective awareness that leads to meaningful action.
This approach has strengthened decision-making and dialogue across the organization, resulting in a more inclusive and forward-looking culture that benefits ARIDO’s leadership, members, and the broader community.
Guided by its 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, ARIDO has committed to a Bold Statement affirming its responsibility as an industry leader to forge a new pathway for equity and diverse representation through actionable programs and policies that inspire change and advance the profession.
About Interior Design
Interior Designers play a vital role in creating functional and beautiful design solutions for residential and commercial environments.
Working collaboratively with clients, they combine creativity, technical knowledge, and business acumen to design spaces that reflect the client’s vision, lifestyle, and budget.
Typical services include:
- Overseeing the full interior design process, including project budgets and schedules.
- Analyzing client needs, goals, and functional requirements.
- Integrating design solutions with knowledge of sector trends, codes, and regulatory requirements.
- Developing conceptual and detailed designs that are fiscally responsible, functional, and aesthetically compelling.
- Preparing detailed working drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Collaborating with professionals in mechanical, electrical, and structural design for regulatory approvals.
- Administering tenders, contracts, and construction review.
On larger, more complex projects, Interior Designers may also:
- Act as project managers overseeing multi-disciplinary teams.
- Lead branding and communications strategies.
- Conduct feasibility studies and liaise with real estate and development partners.
The Opportunity
ARIDO is at an exciting point of evolution in its regulatory and organizational journey.
As a new regulatory model is implemented, the organization is also strengthening its non-regulatory operations; those related to member engagement, professional growth, and advocacy for the interior design community.
To lead this important work, ARIDO is seeking an Executive Director who will oversee all non-regulatory initiatives and operations that support the interests of members and the profession.
The Executive Director will lead a small, committed team (two full-time and one part-time staff), report directly to the Board of Management, and work in close collaboration with the Registrar, who oversees regulatory operations.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative and strategic leader passionate about design, governance, and organizational development; someone who can balance vision with execution while advancing ARIDO’s inclusive and member-focused culture.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Operations:
- Oversee all non-regulatory activities related to member engagement, professional development, and advocacy.
- Provide leadership across ARIDO’s key non-regulatory initiatives, including:
- Awards Gala, Annual General Meeting, and Summit
- Community and networking events
- Continuing Education and professional learning
- ROI Project (Charity Renovation)
- Webinars, communications, and public relations
- External stakeholder relations and public awareness campaigns
- ARIDO property and tenant management
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):
- Lead the implementation of non-regulatory EDI initiatives, including community outreach, partnerships, and events that advance inclusion within the design profession.
- Embed EDI principles into ARIDO’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
Governance and Strategy:
- Support the Board of Management in governance processes, including nominations, by-law reviews, and non-regulatory committee engagement.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of organizational systems, frameworks, and policies that align with ARIDO’s strategic plan.
- Manage all non-regulatory budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of financial resources.
Policy and Advocacy:
- Lead policy development and public affairs initiatives on non-regulatory matters, including advocacy related to legislation or public policy affecting the profession (e.g., Ontario Building Code).
- Provide expert analysis on emerging issues and opportunities that impact members and the broader design community.
Organizational Culture and Risk Management:
- Promote good information practices and safeguard organizational data.
- Assess operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Make balanced, values-driven decisions that uphold ARIDO’s non-regulatory strategic mandate, even when difficult.
Qualifications
- Senior leadership experience in a not-for-profit, association, or professional regulatory environment.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, governance, and operations management.
- Experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within an organization is an asset.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills across diverse stakeholders.
- Financial acumen and the ability to manage budgets and small teams effectively.
- Knowledge of the design or creative industries is an asset.
Why Join ARIDO
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of Ontario’s interior design profession. As Executive Director, you will:
- Lead an organization at a pivotal moment of renewal and transformation.
- Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in a creative, design-centred industry.
- Collaborate with dedicated professionals who are shaping the spaces where Ontarians live, work, and thrive.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives – including women, Indigenous peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply.
We value passion, potential, and a genuine commitment to making a difference as much as formal credentials.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter in confidence to:
Patrick Rowan, Partner
E: prowan@feldmandaxon.com