--- title: "Inside the Night That Celebrated Canadian Design: Stories from the NEWH True North Awards Gala" description: The NEWH True North Awards spotlight Canadian hospitality design, celebrating creativity, collaboration and sustainable spaces that foster true community author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief) date: 2025-06-19T16:44:17.000Z updated: 2026-03-31T11:22:59.730Z canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/inside-the-night-that-celebrated-canadian-design-stories-from-the-newh-true-north-awards-gala image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/chris-tucker-true-north-awards.jpeg categories: Culture & Society content_type: Spotlight region: Ontario publication: Rich Woman Magazine --- The energy at Toronto’s Sutton Place Hotel was electric. Designers, builders, manufacturers and suppliers from across Canada filled a sold-out ballroom, all gathered for one purpose – to celebrate the people who turn empty [spaces into places](https://richwoman.co/article/how-tiny-toes-castle-makes-childcare-feel-like-a-second-home-in-red-deer) where memories are made. This was the 2025 NEWH True North Awards gala, an evening that felt less like a stuffy industry event and more like a family reunion for the creative minds behind Canada’s most inspiring hospitality spaces. Television personality Michael Holmes Jr took the stage as emcee, bringing his signature warmth and expertise from years in Canadian design and construction television. Known for his work on shows like ‘Holmes: Next Generation’ and ‘Holmes Family Rescue’, Holmes Jr understood exactly what this room represented – the craftspeople, visionaries and collaborators who pour their hearts into creating [spaces that matter](https://richwoman.co/article/putting-heart-into-nail-care-how-ivy-garden-nails-became-saskatoon-s-favourite-salon). ## A Spotlight Long Overdue The NEWH True North Awards represent something deeper than recognition. For years, Canadian design talent has quietly shaped hotel lobbies, restaurant interiors and multifamily developments without the fanfare their work deserved. ‘We launched the True North Awards to remind ourselves that Canadian companies, creators and collaborators deserve recognition and support,’ said Chris Tucker, CEO of NEWH, Inc. ‘This programme is about spotlighting the incredible work being done across the country and strengthening the community that makes it all possible.’ That sense of community was palpable throughout the evening. [NEWH Canada](https://newh.org/), established in 2004 as a non-profit organisation supporting Canadian hospitality and design professionals, has grown to include 153 members in Toronto alone, with active chapters connecting hundreds more across the country. Members range from interior designers and architects to manufacturers, educators and students – all united by their passion for creating exceptional spaces. [Award programmes across creative industries](https://richwoman.co/article/global-creative-awards-elevate-industry-standards-through-diverse-jury-selection) are increasingly recognising the importance of diverse perspectives and community building. ## The Faces Behind the Spaces Walking through the gala, you could feel the genuine pride radiating from attendees. These were people who spend their days thinking about how lighting affects mood, how flooring choices can change a room’s energy and how thoughtful design can make guests feel welcomed before they even reach the front desk. Among the evening’s standout winners, 1 Aberfoyle by [Wiklem Design Inc](https://www.truenorthawards.ca/) took home the Multifamily Project of the Year award, while The Wiklem Group and PAC Building Group were recognised for Collaboration of the Year. Product category winners included companies like Anatolia and Ames Tile & Stone – firms that might not be household names but whose work touches thousands of lives daily through the spaces they help create. ## When Art Meets Function The awards celebrated the full spectrum of what makes hospitality design extraordinary. Categories ranged from flooring and furniture to lighting and sustainability – acknowledging that great spaces come from dozens of decisions working in harmony. It’s the careful selection of materials, the thoughtful placement of lighting, the choice of [furniture that can withstand years](https://richwoman.co/article/success-is-not-accidental-the-real-people-behind-hub-affiliations-big-night) of use while still feeling welcoming. What struck many attendees was how the awards recognised not just individual achievement but the magic that happens when suppliers, designers and manufacturers collaborate. A beautiful hotel lobby doesn’t emerge from a single vision – it’s the result of flooring specialists working with lighting experts, furniture makers coordinating with interior designers, all guided by architects who understand how people move through spaces. [Craftsmanship and collaboration](https://richwoman.co/article/from-workshop-to-cannes-how-the-schertl-family-s-love-for-craft-won-international-applause) have long been the foundation of exceptional design work. ## Building Pride, Building Community Throughout the evening, Holmes Jr captured the atmosphere perfectly, celebrating achievements while acknowledging the collaborative spirit that defines Canadian design. His presence added a touch of celebrity glamour while keeping the focus firmly on the industry professionals who rarely see their names in lights despite creating the backdrops for countless special moments. For many attendees, the recognition felt like validation for work that often happens behind the scenes. These are the people who research sustainable materials, who test furniture for durability, who spend hours getting the lighting just right in a restaurant where couples will have their first dates and families will celebrate anniversaries. [Building confidence through recognition](https://richwoman.co/article/rich-monday-paper-how-to-win-business-awards) can have a profound impact on creative professionals. ## What Happens Next The complete list of winners and runners-up now lives online at [truenorthawards.ca](https://www.truenorthawards.ca/), where each recipient’s contributions to Canadian design excellence are showcased in detail. But the real impact of the evening extends far beyond a website or a trophy case. The next True North Awards cycle is already scheduled for 28 May 2026, with nomination criteria and event details to be released in January 2026. [NEWH’s growing membership](https://newh.org/chapters/toronto/) across Canada suggests more people are finding value in connecting with others who share their passion for creating exceptional spaces. The organisation’s focus on education, scholarships and mentorship means the next generation of designers and makers will have even more support than those who came before. ## The Ripple Effect As the evening wound down and attendees began to network over cocktails, you could sense something shifting. When design professionals feel valued and connected, they push boundaries, take creative risks and collaborate in new ways. When designers feel supported, they create better spaces. When manufacturers know their work is valued, they invest in quality and care. The [global NEWH community](https://www.designinsiderlive.com/newh-one-global-family/) of over 6,200 members provides context for Canada’s place in the international hospitality design conversation. But events like the True North Awards ensure Canadian talent isn’t just participating in that conversation – it’s helping to lead it. [Sustainability and responsibility](https://richwoman.co/article/the-future-of-fashion-re-imagined-responsibility-to-our-planet-through-sustainability-resilience-vision-in-2025) are increasingly important considerations in all design disciplines. For anyone curious about the creative minds shaping the spaces where we gather, dine and unwind, the winners showcase offers a fascinating glimpse into the thought and care that goes into exceptional design. These are the people making sure that every hotel lobby feels welcoming, every restaurant interior enhances the dining experience and every multifamily development creates spaces where people genuinely want to call home.