For more than 25 years, designers and decorators across Canada have had an extra boost when it comes to connecting with suppliers and clients, improving and upgrading their skills, and growing their businesses. Formed in 1992 by a group of soon-to-be-graduates from Seneca College’s interior decorating program that wanted to maintain its professional network, DDA Canada (formerly CDECA) has grown to become the most influential association for the decor and design profession in Canada. The association has and continues to foster the growth of the industry by connecting people across the country and elevating the decorating and design industry through member education, events, training and community building. With members from coast to coast, DDA Canada provides a large professional network that supports designers and decorators throughout their career.
In addition to professional development and support, DDA advocates for the profession on policy matters, promotes a positive image of the industry through proactive activities and events and upholds ethical service through government compliance and qualification standards within the industry.
Rewarding experience
Regardless of what stage its members are at in their decor and design career, a DDA Canada membership provides a rich, rewarding experience. Whether you’re still in school studying decorating or design or currently working in the industry, membership can provide the professional development, support and connections you need to grow your business and succeed. Accredited members have access to a range of member benefits that include: Savings on business software services, a Member Referral Program, discounted magazine offers and perhaps one of the most significant to DDA Members’ – an insurance package offered at very competitive rates.
A number of opportunities exist for members to promote their business and members are encouraged to compete in the annual DDA Canada decorating and design competition which recognizes decor and design excellence in a variety of categories. The contest is open to all Accredited members and students enrolled in recognized decorating programs in Canada. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase their designs and promote their skills and talents as a decorator and designer.
For businesses that provide products or services to the decor and design industry, an Affiliate membership provides an opportunity to connect with the decorators and designers in the organization through a local chapter, specific province or across the country. This connection can be through an educational event, a trade program, hosting a networking event in their show room or direct mailing to members.
Quick to adapt
While the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged many associations and organizations, DDA Canada was able to quickly adapt to an online environment and has continued to provide professional support to our members with numerous educational and networking opportunities. The number of virtual educational events hosted by DDA Canada or the Affiliate members have greatly increased, making it easy for members to earn their required CEUs. This has also benefited our Affiliate members as they have direct access to decor and design members outside their immediate geographic area. Networking events have gone virtual and are a great way to expand your professional network as you can now participate in events outside your region and meet other decorators and designers across Canada.
As an association, DDA Canada continually seeks ways to improve the organization, but more importantly bring greater value to its members. DDA is planning the addition of more chapters across Canada to facilitate greater connectivity among Accredited and Affiliate members in those areas as well as increased professional development, networking and educational opportunities for our members. As an organization, it is also analyzing its operational processes and practices to ensure it is facilitating the development of a diverse membership that is representative of the communities in which it lives and works.
DDA Canada continues to be dedicated to helping its members be the best that they can be for their clients and themselves by providing growth, networking and educational opportunities. The association gives its members’ businesses an advantage in our highly competitive design industry because a DDA membership is the easiest way to connect with suppliers and peers and grow your business.