
From A-N-D to Xuangu Huang, the diverse exhibitors at this year’s Vancouver edition of the Interior Design Show (IDS) — taking place September 21 to 24 — reflect a wealth of talent from across the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Alongside the impressive product launches, the four-day fair features an impressive variety of events and installations — including Friday’s AZURE Trade Day talks. Below, we take a look at four essential highlights of this year’s show.
Prototype x Studio North

A much-loved IDS fixture, Studio North brings together Canadian and international designers to present one-off and custom collections of furniture, lighting, glass, ceramics, textiles and surface design in a deftly curated gallery-like setting. Known as a showcase for both established emerging designers, Studio North also incorporates the Prototype platform, which features products not currently in production that address new ideas for the residential market. This year’s participants — to name just a few – include Daisy Kim, Lena Balderas, Xuangu Huang, and Luca Jansen.
Modern Prefab

New to IDS Vancouver for 2023, the Modern Prefab feature installation will see three prefabricated homes move into the Vancouver Convention Centre, giving attendees the chance to tour the spaces and experience these spaces firsthand. A trio of design-driven prefab and tiny home practices from across the Pacific Northwest — Hewing Haus, aux box, and Blend Projects — showcase their groundbreaking work.
IDS x Obakki Design Incubator

Another new launch for 2023, the IDS x Obakki Design Incubator is an initiative designed to mentor and support young Canadian talent. The first brand selected for the incubator program is Montreal-based Cyrc., a company that creates functional objects for the home made from recycled plastic waste. To launch the initiative, Obakki will create an immersive feature in the main entry concourse.
AZURE Trade Day Talks

On Friday, September 22, the AZURE Trade Day talks come to the Caesarstone Stage. The three talks comprise a deep dive into The Future of Design on the West Coast — with speakers Ming-Lee Yuan, Brent Comber, Andrea MacLean, and Bao-Nghi Nhan — an exploration of Passive House and High-Performance Building Design with Cedric Burgers and Ellie Niakan, as well as a look at Ligne Roset & 50 Years of Togo (Presented by Livingspace) with Simone Vingerhoets-Ziesmann. The talks will be moderated by AZURE senior editor Stefan Novakovic.
Lead image by Bobak Ha’Eri via Wikimedia Commons.
4 Must-See Highlights at IDS Vancouver 2023
With incisive talks, groundbreaking prototypes and prefabricated marvels, IDS Vancouver 2023 promises to be a landmark edition.