Collective experience in design consulting. Over two decades of design consulting experience across six design disciplines: industrial design, visual communications design, interior design, fashion design, architecture and landscape architecture. In 2009, DIAC launched its Design Advisory Service for innovation-focused SMEs.

1. Insights into integrating design with business strategy. Expertise in building long-term relationships with clients, and using design strategy and design methodology to address challenges and opportunities for clients in a broad variety of industry sectors.

2. Knowledge of design research methodologies and tools and their application to user-driven product and service development.

3. Focus on Design for Sustainability (DfS). DIAC has organized Design for Sustainability seminars and developed a Design Green Charter to highlight the critical role of designers in helping the business and social community to reduce negative environmental impacts.

4. Expertise in Design Management and Design Leadership theories and global best practices in managing design resources to establish and maintain competitive advantage.

5. Collective body of case studies. Demonstrating design effectiveness in the six disciplines of design.

6. Landmark research study. Completion of a landmark study on design capability in Ontario and economic profile of the capabilities of the design workforce in Ontario – Design Matters: DIAC Design Industry Study, 2004, and GTA Design in Advanced Manufacturing Case Studies, and GTA Design Value Proposition, 2007.

7. Strong partnership with Toronto Economic Development. Focused on leveraging the positive economic impact of design.

8. Collaboration with leading industry associations including Green Enterprise Toronto, IIDEX/NEOCON Canada and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.

9. Enabling Design in the Public Realm. DIAC has organized design charrettes, forums and cross-disciplinary research to develop a human-centred vision for public space in an urban environment.