Pushing the boundaries
Each year, IDS Toronto sets the stage for boundary-pushing design, and in 2025, LIV Design embraced the opportunity once again to spotlight the voices of tomorrow through a bold and meaningful initiative, the Student Design Challenge. Rooted in the theme of transformation, this year’s showcase wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about reimagining the future of design through the eyes of emerging talent. With creativity, collaboration, and purpose at its core, the LIV Design booth became a space where ideas came to life where student visions evolved from sketches to immersive experiences, and where the next generation of designers had a chance to inspire, connect, and lead the conversation.
The concept behind the booth
This year at IDS Toronto 2025, LIV Design brought an inspiring and collaborative vision to life through the Student Design Challenge. With a theme centered around transformation aptly named "The Third Space: Designing a Lobby for Connection". From early concepts to the final installation, the LIV Design booth went through multiple iterations each one bringing us closer to a space that truly reflected our core ethos of technology, design, and culture. Our designers were also challenged with creating a physical space that served dual purposes: bridging the real world with a layered virtual experience through the introduction of augmented reality (AR).
This meant designing a space that could not only function physically, but also account for AR triggers and targets, ensuring seamless integration between both worlds. Visibility was also a key consideration, with special attention paid to how the booth appeared from both the front and side to attract visitor interest and encourage exploration. Ultimately, the LIV Design booth served as both a showcase and celebration of these forward-thinking ideas, brought to life through thoughtful design and student ingenuity.
Materials, textures, and finishes
Technology and innovation
Innovation wasn’t just a theme it was an experience. LIV Design brought each student’s concept to life by transforming initial sketches and floorplans into fully realized 3D renderings that attendees could immerse themselves in on the day of the show. Using advanced visualization tools, the team worked closely with students to elevate their ideas from rough drafts to dynamic, photorealistic spaces that showcased the full potential of their designs. Our AR developer Matthew Schilling had this to say about this years submissions.
"It was an honor to help bring this year’s submissions to life. The level of thought, creativity, and innovation shown by these students is incredibly promising for the future of design."
- Matthew Schilling, CG Artist at LIV Design Studio
These digital renderings allowed guests to step inside each concept virtually, experiencing the layout, materials, and mood of the spaces as the designers intended. The immersive displays gave form and depth to the students’ visions, making their creativity tangible and accessible in a powerful new way. This tech-driven approach highlighted LIV Design’s dedication to innovation while also celebrating the creative evolution that happens when ideas are nurtured, refined, and shared with the world.
Spatial Planning
Despite the diversity of concepts presented, the booth flowed seamlessly, thanks to a unifying structure that guided visitors through a thoughtfully curated journey of design evolution. Each section was intentionally arranged to reflect the progression from ideation to execution, creating a clear and engaging narrative that invited guests to immerse themselves in the creative process behind each student submission as well as experience them in augmented reality. Much like a living timeline, the booth allowed attendees to experience the full arc of development seeing how raw ideas transformed into polished, purposeful designs.
Our designers set out to build more than just a booth, they created an interactive space where technology and storytelling could meet. By integrating augmented reality, we gave student designs a new dimension, allowing visitors to explore their concepts in motion and up close. Every detail of the space was crafted to spotlight emerging talent, transforming static work into an immersive experience that invited curiosity, conversation, and connection.
This year’s LIV Design Student Challenge at IDS Toronto 2025 brought bold ideas and fresh perspectives to the spotlight. Students from across the country reimagined the condo lobby as more than just a transitional space, turning it into a vibrant hub for community, connection, and creativity. With nearly 1,600 visitors stopping by the LIV Design booth and over 900 votes cast, the energy and enthusiasm around these student projects was undeniable.
First place as well as the People Choice Award went to Crossroads by Gigi Dybalski, Natalie Guberney, and Jenny Huggon from Sheridan College. Their project reimagines the condo lobby as an AI-powered hub for flexible, everyday interactions, complete with dynamic seating and an inviting café.
Second place was awarded to The Eirene Lobby by Aylin Haghighi and Hannah Kim from LaSalle College Vancouver. This design creates a nature-inspired, inclusive gathering space using biophilic elements and AI visualization to promote connection.
Third place went to Urban Living Room by Jacqueline Lai, Dilara Cengiz, and Nader Al-Fahad from Toronto Metropolitan University. Their concept offers a warm, adaptable lobby layout that balances elegant design with community-focused functionality.
“As a designer, it’s incredibly exciting to see this level of creativity and thoughtfulness from emerging talent. The submissions raised the bar, not just in terms of aesthetic, but in how design can build stronger, more connected communities. It gives us real optimism about where the future of interior design is headed.”
– Tomoko Yamashita, Interior Designer at LIV Design Studio
A huge thank you to all the students who participated in this year’s challenge. Your passion, innovation, and commitment to designing spaces with purpose truly inspired us and everyone who visited the LIV Design booth. We can’t wait to see how you continue to shape the future of design.
Thank you to our sponsors
Our presence at IDS Toronto 2025 wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible community of partners who brought this experience to life.
To our prize sponsors: LIXIL, American Standard, DXV, Grohe, Shaw Floors, Anderson Tuftex, Vicostone, MR Evans, and Metro Wallcoverings, thank you for supporting the next generation of design talent. Your contributions helped us recognize student creativity in meaningful and memorable ways.
To our booth sponsors: Concord, Shaw Floors, Anderson Tuftex, Vicostone, Handling Space, Matthew McCormick, Diffusion Lighting, and Molo, we are so grateful for your collaboration. From materials and lighting to concept development and execution, your support helped shape a space that celebrated innovation, sparked conversation, and truly stood out on the show floor.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm. Your efforts were essential in creating such a welcoming and inspiring experience for every visitor who walked through our booth.
Together, you helped us make IDS Toronto 2025 not just a showcase but a celebration of community, creativity, and the future of design.
What’s next
With the success of the 2025 Student Design Challenge, LIV Design is looking ahead with excitement and optimism. This year’s initiative sparked important conversations, nurtured emerging talent, and showcased the impact of thoughtful, sustainable design. It was a powerful reminder of how design shapes the way we live, work, and gather.
Our booth at IDS Toronto was more than just a display—it was a platform for bold ideas and a launchpad for creative careers. As we move forward, we remain committed to mentorship, collaboration, and championing the next generation of designers.
Follow along @liv.designstudio on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments, highlights, and updates on what’s coming next.
