As a presenting partner sponsor to the first annual IDC Symposium in Toronto, Knoll hosted a welcome evening in its showroom. The symposium, themed The Value of Design Thinking, connected leaders from the design, business and media community to highlight and explore how quality design lends to a greater good – a better, more productive society with sustainability in mind. The welcome event was a greaty opportunity for Knoll associates, attendees and speakers to gather and discuss design in our world.

Over the course of the three day symposium, numerous panel discussions, guided design tours, an awards gala and a breakfast hosted by IIDA and IDC, emerging professionals programs and conference keynote speakers took place. The symposium focused on how good design may enhance the value of one’s own work and wellbeing. “Design is inherently about the future, tackling problems to come,” stated Susan Somers, Vice President Knoll Canada, of the symposium. “Since 1938, we’ve pioneered how people interact with their environments. IDC’s inaugural design symposium, The Value of Design Thinking, considers design thinking and sustainability to solve today’s problems and push boundaries.”

“For Knoll, it was immensely important to be involved in this first symposium,” stated Susan Somers, Vice President Knoll Canada in her opening remarks for the IDC Symposium, “As we celebrate our 80th year we wanted to honor and support the talent, expertise and innovative design membership of IDC across Canada. Florence Knoll, a pioneer of interior and furniture design, founded the Knoll Planning Unit in 1943 which transformed the field of ‘interior design’ from interior decoration to spatial architecture. As designers and industry members, we have the power to make important changes through the lens of empathy, innovation and iteration.”