Achievements
Refreshed the organization’s brand and identity through a collaborative design process resulting in a new logo and cohesive branding package. Introduced the tagline ‘Impact by Design’ to clearly reflect our mission and values.
Developed (2024) and passed (2025) bylaws for DIAC that are ONCA (Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act) compliant.
Completed (2025) the first ever Arlene Gould Memorial Community Charrette – in conjunction with University of Toronto Scarborough and the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization – on the potential repurposing of the SRT light rail line and lands, but did almost all of the planning and organization in 2024.
Worked with Seneca Design for Social Change course for students to develop recommendations on branding and communications for DIAC.
DIAC joined the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition and is co-chairing the AAC’s Research and Development Committee.
Completed several new Design Impacts Framework case studies
Several by Board members and other Designers
Working on a 2-year project with Humber Students and Humber’s ACERHub (Aging in Community Education and Research Hub) on another 18 more case studies (Humber’s work is funded through federal government funding)
Developed research survey on the future of Design.
Held preliminary conversations with Canadian Accelerator + Incubator Network (CAIN) on incorporating Design into their Business Accelerator and Incubator Performance Measurement Framework. We also have a funded Industrial Design graduate student at Carlton University who will spend the next two years (started in 2025) focused on understanding and evaluating design value impact frameworks. 1
Drafted Fashion Sector Employment Report numbers, presented results to key industry stakeholders, coordinated mapping, and sidebar content.
Presented on DIAC and our logo design process/experience at the Interior Design Show (IDS, January 2025).
Developed and applied for a Skills Horizon grant through the Future Skills Centre (was not successful but got positive feedback).
Prepared for (but decided to delay) application for an Ontario Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant.
DIAC Board Changes
After many years, Francesco Martire (OAA, OALA) stepped down as Board Chair and was replaced by Ute Maya-Giambattista (OPPI) in June 2024
Lisa Fulford-Roy (IDC) agreed to be Vice Chair (June 2024)
Han Liu joined the Board as the second OALA representative (September 2024)
After many, many years, Tim Poupore, stepped away from the Board in April 2025. Previously representing ACIDO, he continued for several years as a non-voting Board member and Secretary.
Anna Kao (OAA, TSA) agreed to take on the role of Secretary (June 2025)
Kiran Chhiba (OPPI) resigned from the Board (June 2025)
Current open member Board positions
OPPI (one position)
IDC (one position)
Fashion (one position)
Ongoing Initiatives
In addition to the above projects, in 2024 DIAC also worked to:
Promote Toronto as a centre for strategic design. 2
Market DIAC’s activities, to expand its membership and to attract strategic partners for future research.
Liaise with stakeholders in the design community to ensure that designers continue to collaborate across their disciplines and to play an active role in helping the local SME community to drive innovation and to expand sustainable business practices.
As a small not-for-profit organization, DIAC is grateful for the contributions received from its member organizations, and the co-sponsorship support provided by the City of Toronto, which enables the Committee to undertake its research and program activities for the year. Without this support DIAC’s valuable work would not be possible.
The Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC) is an interdisciplinary design research group established by the City of Toronto in 2001. The activities of DIAC promote the strategic value of design and the contribution of designers from all disciplines to achieving economic, social, and environmental prosperity.
If you have any questions or would like more detail, please reach out to us at info@diac.on.ca
