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January 24 - February 21

Interested in design? Well then be sure to check out the DesignTO Festival. Here in Old Town Toronto’s King East Design District, we have a curated collection of local businesses playing host to some wonderful installations.

Scroll on to learn more about each exhibit/installation/workshop.

View our Google Map of locations by clicking here.

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Homes That Care (Hosted at NEUF architect(e)s)
Jan 24 2025–Feb 02 2025
window installation
in-person

During the cold and gloomy winter months Torontonians spend much of their time indoors. Increasingly many households within the GTA cater to multiple generations living under one roof. These homes most likely were not designed with this variation in ages in mind. How can we as designers begin to think of simple and exciting ways to consider this multi-generational trend?

NEUF architect(e)s displays an architectural installation showcasing typical residential spaces in Toronto within their storefront window that directly faces St. Lawrence Market. This display showcases design interventions that Torontonians can do to improve their homes for multi-generational use. The display highlights how thoughtful design and biophilia can significantly enhance the living experience for all ages. Also, how small design choices, such as creating gentle space separation, spaces to play and rest, and being immersed in vegetation and sunlight, can cater to the diverse needs of family members, ensuring safety and comfort and striking a balance between togetherness and individuality. Ultimately, this window display encourages viewers to create an environment that nurtures relationships, supports varying lifestyles, and enhance the overall quality of life for everyone in their home.

Participants: NEUF architect(e)s

https://designto.org/event/homes-that-care/


Lantern (Hosted at Keilhauer Toronto Showroom)
Jan 24–Feb 21 2025
window installation
in-person

Located in the brand-new Keilhauer showroom in Toronto, Sylvia Lee of The Goodman Studio presents a captivating window installation for DesignTO that melds the soft glow of lanterns with the intricate charm of weaving and latticework. Inspired by traditional Asian lanterns, this installation reimagines light as both function and art, balancing warmth, simplicity, and refined craftsmanship.

Each hand-blown piece is crafted with unique, flowing shapes that depart from The Goodman Studio’s typical forms. These designs are embellished with sandblast patterns that replicate the interwoven and latticed qualities of woven textures, enhancing the installation’s tactile appeal and visual depth. The frosted texture of the sandblasted patterns contrasts beautifully with polished glass, allowing light to flow through and cast enchanting, woven-like shadows.

This installation is set beside another striking lighting work by The Goodman Studio, titled ‘Radia Linea,’ designed by Brad Turner. In ‘Radia Linea,’ light streams through a clear, polished glass rod held within a bold, anodized aluminum casing. Together, the two installations invite viewers to engage with distinct explorations of light, shadow, and material. While Sylvia Lee’s installation emphasizes woven textures and organic shapes, ‘Radia Linea’ captures a more architectural, radiant quality, creating a dynamic contrast that celebrates craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic synergy within a single setting.

Participants: Sylvia Lee, The Goodman Studio

https://designto.org/event/lantern/


Radia Linea (Hosted at Keilhauer Toronto Showroom)
Jan 24–Feb 21 2025
window installation
in-person

Featured in Keilhauer Furniture’s new showroom window, ‘Radia Linea’ is a new lighting concept designed by Brad Turner of The Goodman Studio. Created from an array of hanging borosilicate glass rods, it captures the unique interplay of light and material that only glass can achieve. Each rod is illuminated from within by an anodized aluminum LED socket that transmits light through the length of the glass. With extreme heat, the rods are subtly altered or bent to create variations in the form that diffract and release light in captivating ways. The result is a minimalist yet dynamic design that highlights the beauty of light in its purest form. The installation is a showpiece for The Goodman Studio’s new lighting hardware and an alluring demonstration of the studio’s expertise in handmade glass fabrication and design.

This installation is set beside another striking lighting work by The Goodman Studio, titled ‘Lantern’. Designed by Sylvia Lee, the new design melds the soft glow of lanterns with the intricate charm of weaving and latticework. Inspired by traditional Asian lanterns, this installation reimagines light as both function and art, balancing warmth, simplicity, and refined craftsmanship. Together, the two installations invite viewers to engage with distinct explorations of light, shadow, and material. While Sylvia Lee’s installation emphasizes woven textures and organic shapes, ‘Radia Linea’ captures a more architectural, radiant quality, creating a dynamic contrast that celebrates craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic synergy within a single setting.

Participants: Brad Turner, The Goodman Studio
From The Ground (Hosted at Bulthaup Toronto)
Jan 20–Feb 01 2025
exhibition
in-person
‘From the Ground’ is an art exhibit showcasing the work of OCADU students Christina da Graça and Songshu Liu, exploring woodworking and ceramics. This collection reflects their intimate connection with clay and wood—both materials sourced from the earth. Through their creative processes, the artists highlight the raw beauty of these materials, allowing their natural imperfections to shine. The exhibit invites viewers to engage with the tactile, elemental qualities of the works, celebrating the authenticity and strength found in the simplicity of the materials. The event will be hosted at the Bulthaup Toronto Showroom, providing a contemporary backdrop that complements the timeless, earthy essence of the artwork.
Participants: Songshu Liu, Christina da Graça

Connect & Collaborate: A Design Salon (Hosted at Éstheteak)
Jan 25–Jan 31 2025
event: workshop
in-person

“In our increasingly fragmented world, the key to innovation lies in cross-collaboration and making meaningful connections.” – Elizabeth & Milena, event hosts.

We are so excited to be back at DesignTO after winning the People’s Choice Award last year! Join us at Éstheteak for ‘Connect & Collaborate’, an award-winning, salon-style, in-person gathering where the focus is on getting to know others in the Toronto design scene, fostering creativity, and sparking innovation.

We want to encourage ourselves to think outside our traditional design boxes, bringing together folks from all design disciplines to share and collaborate. You bring your curiosity and open mind, and we will create a safe space for musing and guide the flow of the gathering.

How This Works: This year, we’re excited to offer two exclusive Connect & Collaborate sessions in-person at the Éstheteak studio in Downtown Toronto! Choose the date that fits your schedule best—but act fast, as each event is limited to just 25 seats. Reserve yours today for only $5! Costs will go towards providing refreshments – we are not in the business of charging for community.

Session 1: Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 3-5pm ESThttps://www.eventbrite.ca/e/connect-collaborate-a-design-salon-session-1-tickets-1070605472789?aff=oddtdtcreator

Session 2: Friday, January 31, 2025 from 5:30-7:30pm EST:  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/connect-collaborate-a-design-salon-session-2-tickets-1070820305359?aff=oddtdtcreator

Attend one or both, up to you!

What to expect: This 2-hour event begins with 30 minutes of facilitated socializing, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for getting to know one another on a deeper level. A 60-minute group discussion will follow, where select participants will showcase their work, share their goals, and seek constructive feedback, fostering collaboration and co-creation. Please reach out to mtasic12@gmail.com if you wish to share your work. The last 30 minutes offer a more relaxed, interactive environment to connect with those you resonate with. Share ideas, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore new possibilities. Leave with a sense of joy and a handful of new connections!

Participants: Elizabeth Lane, Milena Tasic

Fables in Yarn (Hosted at Home Société)
Jan 24–Feb 04 2025
exhibition
in-person

‘Fables in Yarn’ is a collection of six hand-punched tapestries by Alisa McRonald that weave together the vibrancy of Scottish and Irish fairytales and folklore with the artist’s unique narratives. Each piece reflects a deep engagement with cultural stories while exploring personal intersections, inviting viewers to immerse themselves into a colourful tapestry that tells a story.

Crafted through research, sketching and exploration of storytelling, each tapestry took approximately 20 hours to complete. The artist, Alisa McRonald, utilizes reclaimed yarns, showcasing her commitment to sustainability. She draws inspiration from a love of characters, stories, abstraction, kitsch, queerness, and history, McRonald creates a playful yet profound dialogue between the past and present.

Through vibrant colours and intricate designs, ‘Fables in Yarn’ invites audiences to reflect on the stories that shape our identities and cultural heritage.

Participants:Alisa McRonald