Master of Interior Design student awarded inaugural scholarship

Master of Interior Design (MID) student Dina Badawi is the inaugural recipient of The Teknion IDC Foundation Legacy Fund dedicated to fostering design innovation. 

The recently established scholarship is a joint effort between Teknion and The Interior Designers of Canada Foundation. This collaboration resulted in an Ontario government matching program, contributing $50,000 to create the fund. The endowed award is specifically designed for students in the recently launched Master of Interior Design (MID) program at Toronto Metropolitan University, offering a significant opportunity for those enrolled in the program to explore emerging topics in design.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to support TMU in preparing the next generation of problem solvers, change-makers and big-picture thinkers, today,” said David Feldberg, CEO of Teknion. “This award will help design students build a better tomorrow for themselves and the communities they impact.”

The MID program, which is in its inaugural year, offers designers an opportunity to explore emerging concepts in design, including design thinking models, technology, fabrication, strategic programming and sustainable initiatives while developing a profound understanding of the ways interior design influences society at large. 

“Being awarded this scholarship is such a great honour,” Badawi said. “Knowing that this program has been in the works for many years, it is a great honour not only to be  in the first cohort but also to be awarded this scholarship. “

Exploring the impact of design on a broad scale 

The MID program prepares designers for leadership in their profession, accommodating a rapidly growing demand for designers to deliver advanced thinking and provide sustainable solutions to complex problems. The scholarship will help students lighten  their financial burden as they become  professionals ready to take on the challenges of the industry. Pamela Mason, Director of Canadian Marketing at Teknion, says that the company is motivated by uplifting up-and-coming Canadian interior designers.

“We understand the impact of design in the built environment and its influence on how we work and live. As a company committed to empowering people through design, it is important that we support the next generation of Interior Designers – the leaders and changemakers who will challenge what’s possible – by fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth,” said Mason. “We consider TMU to be our neighbour, and as such, we are dedicated to helping the university and its students thrive.”

For Badawi, this scholarship serves as a motivation to keep working hard and inspire others with her work. 

“Being a woman of colour, it always feels like my academic achievements can inspire others,” she said. “Receiving this scholarship based on my academic efforts was definitely something that I am both proud of and very thankful for.” 

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.