IDSWest, which took over the Vancouver Convention Centre from September 24 to 27, was a booming success. Everywhere you looked, from the vibrant booth of the Los Angeles Exchange to the colourfully furnished Park Bar by Evoke, the atmosphere was positive and creative. The best of West Coast design was on display, as exhibitors including Ben Barber Studio, Jeff Martin Joinery, Knauf and Brown, and Hinterland Design presented new takes on wood with surprising new finishes. The Prototype award went to Vancouver designer Cristian Arostegui G, who presented the Sofi bench – a contoured concrete seat that felt as fresh and imaginative as the show itself.