Annual Update 2025

The Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC), in its 24th year, continued to advance the role of design as a strategic driver of economic, social, and environmental outcomes. As an interdisciplinary research group and advisory body, DIAC convened expertise across design disciplines to demonstrate and communicate the impact and value of design to industry and communities, across sectors.

Inaugural Arlene Gould Memorial Charrette

In January 2025, DIAC in collaboration with the Institute for Inclusive Economies & Sustainable Livelihoods (IIESL) hosted a one-day design charrette at the University of Toronto Scarborough to explore the future of the decommissioned Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT). Over 60 participants, including community leaders, business stakeholders, students and design experts, explored repurposing ideas structured around 5 themes: Transportation, Recreation, Economic Development, Community
& Culture, and “Iconic Project” (Tourism & Identity). The resulting report documented key findings, design strategies, and recommendations, and contributes to ongoing discussions related to infrastructure transformation, equitable development, and sustainable city-building.

This initiative represents a significant contribution to DIAC’s applied research portfolio and demonstrates the value of collaborative, cross-sector design processes in addressing complex urban challenges. This design charrette was the first annual Arlene Gould Memorial Charrette, in honour of the late former long-time strategic director of DIAC, beloved design leader Arlene Gould.

Design Impacts Framework and Educational Institution Collaboration

DIAC continued to advance its Design Impacts Framework through the development and dissemination of case studies that demonstrate the measurable impact and value of design. The work included contributions from DIAC members and external collaborators, including a partnership with Humber Polytechnic with the support of NSERC-Mobilize funding. 

Additionally, Carleton University Master of Design (MDes) student Juwairiya Kembo, is conducting on-going research on design value and impact frameworks with Assistant Professor and DIAC Director, Tim Haats. This research allows for a comparison of DIAC’s current framework with others and to investigate opportunities for improvement and to better understand how the value/impact of design is/can be measured.   

Design Community Engagement and Research

DIAC’s Board Directors and Strategic Director Kevin Stolarick engaged with the design community including:

  • City of Toronto - Ecosystems Connects and StartupHere Toronto

  • Accelerating Accessibility Coalition - research on building codes, AODA, standards, accessible housing and metrics

  • ERA Architects - identification, mapping and tracking Toronto’s cultural facilities to determine opportunities to fulfill the City of Toronto’s commitment for cultural spaces.

  • OCADU - on-going advisory on LGBTQ2S+ senior co-housing

  • Design conference leadership and participation including CANU Forum, DesignThinkers, ARIDO Board, IDS Public Relations and Design Industry Community Awareness, Interior Design Show Toronto, ACIDO Rocket and DesignTO.

ADFF Film Talk and Public Engagement

As part of its public engagement and outreach activities, DIAC participated in the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF), presenting a panel discussion following the film screening of “We The Others”, in partnership with Toronto Society of Architects (TSA). Speakers Ute Maya-Giambattista and Ranee Lee, along with Eric Mutrie (Azure) reflected on the interdisciplinary design work of Fernando and Humberto Campana and the film’s themes in a Toronto context.

Ongoing Initiatives

DIAC continued to:

  • Promote the strategic value of design across sectors

  • Support interdisciplinary collaboration within the design community

  • Advance the integration of design into business innovation and public policy discussions

  • Share research findings and insights through its website and communications platforms

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 DIAC to undertake its research and program activities.

The Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC) is a not-for-profit, interdisciplinary design think tank, established in 2001 by the City of Toronto. Its purpose is to demonstrate and advance the value and impact of interdisciplinary design while leveraging the capabilities of the design workforce to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes across Toronto, Ontario and Canada. The board members of DIAC include senior representatives of professional associations for architects, landscape architects, urban planners, industrial, interior, graphic and fashion designers in Ontario.

For further information, please visit www.diac.on.ca or contact info@diac.on.ca.