Today, one of the biggest challenges for designers is to be innovative. But what does design innovation mean exactly? Functionality, aesthetics, new technologies, all or none of the above? Fortunately for the young Vancouver company, Molo, naval gazing definitions have never held them back. Principals, Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen, transform everyday materials into useful objects of desire. Their bestselling Softwall and furniture collection revitalizes the old-fashioned honeycomb folding paper (used in paper jack-o'-lanterns, etc.) and has won accolades around the world. Fosythe and MacAllen are partners both personally and professionally and also run a busy architectural practice.

Vancouver is a hothouse for talented designers. In addition to Molo, there is also Omer Arbel. An architect by training, Arbel has worked for John and Patricia Patkau, and Peter Busby. On his own time, he also prototypes good-looking furniture. The 2.4 cast resin chair, and the 1.1 shelf earned him numerous design awards, but never made it into production. However, Arbel hit a home run with his cast glass pendant lighting. He expanded the design into a full collection and started up Bocci to manufacture and sell the lighting around the world.

As Toronto-based designer Patty Johnson, demonstrates, innovation is also about forging new collaborations between craft and industry in developing countries. Johnson spearheads the North South Project, which focuses on creating beautiful

products appropriate to the traditions, skills and resources of Botswana and Guyana, as well as other countries for the western markets.

And finally, for something completely different, there is Castor based in Toronto. Founders Brian Richer and Ryan Taylor are the Bob and Doug McKenzie brothers of Canadian design. They love to fool around with reclaimed objects, burnt out fluorescent tubes, vintage headphones and mix it with up Canadiana imagery, such as antlers and beaver tails.  The result: whacky provocative design. deleted rest of sentence

Come see the works of Castor, Johnson, Molo and Arbel at IDS this February 21 -24. They will be participating in the special feature "10 Innovative Canadian Designers," presented by Audi and Azure. The exhibit will also showcase: Loyal Loot Collective, massieoffice, Matthew Kroeker, Kerr & Co., and Pierre Thibault... registration for IDS trade day and tickets for DECADENCE: IDS Opening Night Party 10th Anniversary Celebration are now available at interiordesignshow.com...