Algonquin College Interior Design student honoured with prestigious scholarship

Posted on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025

For Caroline Kelly, interior design has always been about more than creating beautiful spaces. It’s about problem-solving, collaboration, and building community. Those same values have now earned the third-year Algonquin College Bachelor of Interior Design learner one of the highest honours for design students in Ontario: the 2025 Gary Hewson Scholarship Award.

The scholarship, presented annually by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO), recognizes students who embody leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism — qualities that were central to the late Gary Hewson’s career and legacy. Caroline was recognized at the ARIDO Awards Gala on September 17, where she was celebrated alongside peers, professionals, and fellow scholarship recipients.

“Caroline’s recognition highlights her dedication and the energetic, collaborative spirit she brings to the BID program. She generously gives her time, is creative in connecting peers with industry partners, and demonstrates true leadership through volunteerism that enriches the entire community,” said Courtney Miller, Program Coordinator, Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours).

For Caroline, the award came as both an honour and a surprise.

“Being recognized for volunteerism, community involvement, and mentorship means so much to me. It feels a bit surreal, because the things I’m being recognized for aren’t achievements you keep track of; you simply do them because you enjoy being part of the community and helping others,” said Caroline. “To me, this recognition also highlights how the interior design industry can be so much more than a job — it’s a supportive community and a career network where we lift each other up.”

From Curiosity to Career Path

Caroline’s path to interior design was shaped by her desire to combine creativity with real-world impact.

“What drew me to interior design? That’s easy — the opportunity to be creative every day, use critical thinking to solve problems, and collaborate with people across so many industries, all while making a tangible impact on our cities and on people’s lives.”

That same blend of creativity and practical problem-solving is at the heart of Algonquin’s CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) program, which integrates strategic and design thinking with hands-on, studio-based learning. Learners gain industry experience through applied projects, community partnerships, and events that connect them with professionals across the design field. CIDA is the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

When it came to choosing a program, Caroline says Algonquin College stood out for its strong reputation and accreditation.

“I chose Algonquin for many reasons, including that it is a CIDA-accredited program, a factor I knew would be vital for the longevity of my career in the industry,” she said.

A Strong Foundation

Looking back on her studies so far, Caroline sees how the program has prepared her for both this recognition and her future career.

“Much of the work I completed was directly applicable to a professional design career. Balancing multiple deadlines and projects, solving complex design problems, and troubleshooting software or program issues are just a few examples of skills our program emphasized — skills I’ve already applied in real-world industry settings.”

Through its studio-based courses and applied focus, the program emphasizes the same real-world collaboration and adaptability that define successful designers — qualities that Caroline has demonstrated throughout her academic and volunteer work.

Leadership and Mentorship in Action

Caroline’s volunteerism extends well beyond the classroom. She has supported industry events with GOHBA, HOWL, and Canadian Club, assisting with guest engagement. By actively participating in these initiatives, she brings valuable connections and experiences back to enrich her peers and the program community.

Her leadership reflects the program’s emphasis on community engagement and professional growth — and showcases how learners at Algonquin are encouraged to build bridges between the classroom and the design industry.


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