Bachelor of Interior Design student Elnaz Keshavarz was recently awarded the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO)’s Contemporary Office Interiors Design Excellence Scholarship.
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The scholarship is made possible through the annual COI Design for Charity event – a collaborative initiative between Contemporary Office Interiors, Eames Office, and MillerKnoll – and is awarded to up to four third- and fourth-year interior design students from across Ontario each year.
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The program is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the design industry, with a focus on supporting students who identify as International, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, or individuals with special needs. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to using design to address inequity.
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In their congratulatory letter, ARIDO noted that Keshavarz’s accomplishments “reflect not only your academic efforts, but also the character you bring to your studies and your community.”
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Below, Keshavarz shares her journey into design, what this recognition means to her, and the advice she has for students who might be hesitant to put themselves forward for opportunities like this one.
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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey into interior design? What drew you to the field, and why did you choose to pursue your Bachelor of Interior Design at Yorkville University?
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My name is Elnaz Keshavarz, and I’m a third-year Interior Design student at Yorkville University. As far as I remember, I have always been into creating – from music and theatre to graphic design and printmaking. Design and my passion for it have always been with me. At some point in my life, I started noticing interiors more. I began to see the difference between a room with good composition and one that doesn’t really fit the space. Over time, I just got more and more interested in it. Then I thought, ‘Why not take this passion seriously?’ Around that same time, Yorkville found me. When I was thinking about taking this seriously, I saw an ad for the Bachelor of Interior Design program at Yorkville University on my phone. And I was like, ‘Ok this might be it.’ So I went for it.
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When you found out you had won the ARIDO Contemporary Office Interiors Design Excellence Scholarship, what was your first reaction? What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
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When someone puts effort into something, they naturally appreciate it when others notice it, too. I believe that recognition gives them motivation. For me, it’s the same. It made me feel like I am on the right path. As an Interior Design student, the importance of this experience is feeling valued. And that is something meaningful. I was sitting with my professor, Kateryna Franchuk, reviewing a project, when the email popped up. I was speechless for a moment and asked her, ‘Did I win the scholarship? Could you please read this email for me?’ I was so surprised that I couldn’t even trust myself to read it. And when she said yes, that was the moment I realized, I did it.
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The scholarship places a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion in design. How have those values shaped your approach to your studies and your design philosophy?
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I learned about inclusive design during a workspace design course taught by Professor Michele Bertussi. It helped me understand how important it is to make sure everyone has a fair chance to use a space. Since then, I see interior design in a different way. Inclusion is not only about physical accessibility, but also about considering age, culture, mental well-being, and the different ways people experience a space. I applied this approach in a team project called Beyond Sight, developed during the ARIDO Design Justice Charrette at IDS Toronto, as well. The project focused on creating a multi-sensory installation that could be experienced through touch as well as sight, considering users with colour blindness and neurodivergent conditions. Now, I see the beauty of design is finding ways to support people with different needs, instead of creating barriers. That’s when I feel satisfied with what I’ve done.
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ARIDO noted that your accomplishments reflect not only your academic efforts, but also the character you bring to your studies and your community. Can you share some of the extracurricular activities, community involvement, or leadership initiatives you’ve taken on during your time as a student?
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When I started the program, I knew I wanted to take classes on campus and connect with people, although I didn’t really know much about the design community back then. So when my professor, Elena Korbout, suggested that I join the Sustainability Club, I said yes. I also had the opportunity to work as a peer tutor, helping other students in the program with their assignments and course content. That experience meant a lot to me because it gave me the chance to connect with other students and be part of their learning process, while also learning a lot myself. At the same time, I worked as a student ambassador, designing posters for the campus bulletin board. Later, I was selected as Vice President of the Sustainability Club. Looking back, what mattered most was getting involved. It helped me understand my environment better and see how people learn from and support each other, which is something I really value now.
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You were invited to attend the COI Design for Charity event on April 23, which raises the funds behind this scholarship. Can you tell us a little bit about what that experience was like for you, and what it meant to you to be part of it?
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I had the opportunity to be part of the COI Design for Charity event, and it was a great experience. It gave me the chance to connect with other designers, many of whom were early in their careers and working at larger firms. I also met a recent Yorkville graduate who is now working for one of those firms, which was really encouraging. What always stands out to me is how supportive the interior design community is toward students. People genuinely take the time to talk, share their experiences, and offer advice, which I found inspiring. It was also great to see how the event brings together designers, companies, and the broader community not only to support students through scholarships, but also to create connections within the industry. Being part of that environment made me feel grateful and even more motivated to continue growing in the field.
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What advice would you give to other Interior Design students who may be hesitant to put themselves forward for scholarships or awards like this one?
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I would say don’t overthink it and don’t hold yourself back. A lot of the time, we feel like we’re not ready or not good enough yet, but that’s not really the point. Just apply and give it a try. Even the process itself helps you reflect on what you’ve done and how much you’ve grown. And sometimes you realize you’re more prepared than you thought. Also, don’t compare yourself too much to others. Everyone has a different path and different experiences, and that’s exactly what makes your story valuable.
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