about
OSID
We are represented by a progressive and diverse community of professional Interior Designers who call some of BC’s fastest-growing and beautiful communities home.
Interior Design is more
than just aesthetics.
It’s about understanding people’s behaviour, lifestyle, corporate culture, and functional requirements to create innovative and functional design solutions for interior environments. We support the health, safety, and well-being of occupants while enhancing their quality of life and culture.
We collaborate closely with clients, architects, and structural engineers to ensure every design satisfies project goals, aligns with environmental sustainability principles, and complies with all regional building codes, regulatory requirements, and the principles of environmental sustainability.
To connect, support and advance the interior design community throughout BC’s Interior through advocacy, education, professional development, and meaningful industry connections.
INCLUSIVITY
We create opportunities for designers to connect, build relationships and support one another. We foster a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community from students and emerging professionals and Registered Interior Designers. By bringing together diverse perspectives, experiences and areas of practice, we cultivate a stronger and more connected interior design community.
ADVOCACY
We champion the interior design profession and promote greater understanding of the value professional interior designers bring to the built environment. We recognize our responsibility to the public by promoting professional practice that prioritizes health, safety, wellbeing and the best interests of those we serve. We uphold standards of practice, ethics and professional responsibility within the interior design community.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We encourage and facilitate continued learning, mentorship and professional development at every stage of a designer's career. By providing access to knowledge, resources and shared expertise, we empower our community to expand their skills, stay informed and confidently adapt to an evolving industry while advancing the standard of the profession.
COLLABORATION
We strengthen our industry by bringing together designers, suppliers, educators and allied professionals to share knowledge and create opportunities. Through open dialogue, mentorship and connection across the design community, we encourage collective growth, elevate professional standards and build a stronger industry.
OSID originally began as a chapter of IDIBC in 2007 and operated in this capacity for 15 years. These formative years brought the interior design community in the Okanagan and surrounding areas together for the first time as a regionally distinct group, creating a strong foundation for connection, collaboration, and professional growth. These early efforts also led to the development of ODEX, our annual professional development event, which continues to be the pinnacle event of the year for our members.
In 2020, the decision was made to transition from an IDIBC chapter to an independent society. This process involved the development of our bylaws, policies, and board structure, allowing us to establish the foundation needed to become a registered society. On August 23, 2022, we officially became the Okanagan Society of Interior Designers under the Societies Act.
This transition gave OSID the independence and infrastructure to grow our organization and expand the ways in which we support our members and our community. During this time, we developed our own e-commerce web platform and began independently facilitating our events, including ODEX. This allowed our society to generate revenue that could be reinvested directly into our profession and community through training grants, continuing education opportunities, student grants, and charitable donations.
Our community giving has included organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Okanagan, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Adaptive Sports, among others. In doing so, OSID has been able to extend its impact beyond the interior design profession and contribute to the communities we serve.
Today, our society remains dedicated to supporting, connecting, and advocating for our members while continuing to advance the interior design profession throughout the Okanagan and surrounding regions.