Each autumn, the interior design and architecture community turns its attention to IDS Vancouver, the West Coast’s foremost gathering for the industry’s practitioners, product specifiers, and design-minded public alike. This year, the Keynote Stage, presented by Vicostone, assembles a roster built for those who follow the discipline closely: an interiors veteran who has shaped Vancouver’s retail and residential landscape for decades, an international architecture firm known for cultural landmarks, a duo reshaping how the industry defines partnership and practice, and an Indigenous artist reframing the very language of form. From September 25 to 27, these sessions offer a rare chance to hear directly from the people setting the pace for where design goes next.
Nancy Bendtsen
Owner, Inform Interiors
September 25, 10–11 a.m.
The innovative force behind Vancouver’s elevated design landscape, Nancy has spent decades weaving design into the fabric of community life. This intimate dialogue will explore her journey as both entrepreneur and cultural architect—revealing how she built not just businesses, but gathering places that celebrate craft, beauty, and human connection.
Michael Sørensen
Global Market Director, Henning Larsen
September 25, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Henning Larsen is a critically acclaimed international architecture firm who have completed an impressive roster of projects, including major cultural institutions. Join Michael Sørensen to hear the secrets to their success; how they have expanded Danish design sensibility across borders; and explore some of their award-winning projects.
Kelly Deck
Creative Director, Kelly Deck Design
September 25, 1–2 p.m.
Kelly Deck is renowned for tranquil and luxurious interiors. Kelly’s work is rooted in a deep understanding of her clients lives and values, blending elegance, calm, and thoughtful detail in every space. Expect candid revelations on diversifying revenue, building resilient teams, navigating market volatility, and making strategic decisions that matter.
Tommy Smythe
Co-Founder, TOM
September 25, 1–2 p.m.
A career spanning more than 25 years has left few stones unturned. Tommy is known for his warm and personal mixture of fine art, vintage, antique and modern furnishings pulled together with a cutting edge colour sense. In a joint session of two of Canada’s most respected design leaders, join Tommy as he sits down with Kelly Deck for an unpolished narrative on the reality behind running a design studio.
James Harry
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Artist
September 26, 1–2 p.m.
In this compelling conversation, the Vancouver-based Indigenous artist will sit down with The Craft’s May Globus to discuss how he is revolutionizing the way architects and designers approach their craft. By teaching the foundational principles of three Indigenous shapes, James is challenging conventional design thinking and inviting a deeper, more intentional relationship with form, space, and cultural meaning.
Chad Falkenberg & Kelly Reynolds
Falken Reynolds
September 27, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Falken Reynolds is known for being the design duo redefining what it means to push boundaries in contemporary design. In a candid conversation with May Globus of The Craft, they will open up about the challenges and rewards of working alongside your life partner, the risks they take to stay ahead of trends, and how their annual backpacking adventures fuel their creative practice. This is sure to be an inspiring look at how collaboration, trust, and relentless curiosity can fuel a practice that never stops evolving.
Across three days, these six sessions trace a wide arc through the industry, from the entrepreneurial instincts that built Vancouver’s design retail scene to the cultural weight carried by Indigenous form, from an international firm’s global perspective to the candour of two design partnerships built on collaboration. For attendees planning their IDS Vancouver 2026 itinerary, the Keynote Stage remains the place to hear where the discipline is headed, straight from those building it.
Tickets and full event details, including the complete keynote schedule, are available at https://interiordesignshow.com/vancouver/tickets-and-registration/.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury and luxury lifestyle niches. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read business magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and is an EIC for Hire. Connect with her here: [email protected].
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