AVD INSPIRE with Aly Velji
AVD INSPIRE with Aly Velji
Podcast Description
AVD INSPIRE is where global interior design meets unfiltered creativity. Hosted by designer and creative director Alykhan Velji, this podcast goes behind the scenes of the design industry with editors, makers, and artists redefining the spaces we live in. Each week, Aly lights a candle to spark the creative process and dives into raw, inspiring conversations about staying creative through the chaos. From big wins to flops—this is interior design with heart, humor, and zero ego. Think weirder. Design better. Trust your gut again. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s your creative spark.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as interior design, creativity, personal growth, and industry insights. Episodes cover topics like career pivots, personal therapy experiences, and the art of staying grounded through chaos, with highlights from conversations with guests like Canadian media icon Marilyn Denis, who shares personal stories from her extensive career.
AVD INSPIRE is where global interior design meets unfiltered creativity. Hosted by designer and creative director Alykhan Velji, this podcast goes behind the scenes of the design industry with editors, makers, and artists redefining the spaces we live in. Each week, Aly lights a candle to spark the creative process and dives into raw, inspiring conversations about staying creative through the chaos. From big wins to flops—this is interior design with heart, humor, and zero ego. Think weirder. Design better. Trust your gut again. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s your creative spark.
For our season finale of AVD Inspire, I’m joined by someone who’s not only curating Canada’s biggest design stage but also shaping where the industry is heading: Will Sorrell, National Director of the Interior Design Show (IDS).
Will’s journey is a story of global vision meeting Canadian design. Raised in London by designer parents, he spent 20 years curating and producing exhibitions across 16 countries before making the leap to Canada. Today, he leads IDS Toronto and IDS Vancouver — reimagining what design shows can be and ensuring Canadian talent shines on an international stage.
In this conversation, we dive into Will’s London-to-Victoria shift (from high-speed city life to paddleboarding the Pacific), how IDS is evolving to meet the needs of the trade, and the bold moves reshaping the future of IDS.
And because you know I love a little spoiler — we’re excited to share some exciting news: AVD Inspire Season 2 will be recorded live at IDS Vancouver this fall!
In this episode, we talk about:
- Growing up in London with design in his DNA
- The “Gucci to Gore-Tex” lifestyle shift to Victoria
- What IDS does for Canadian makers, designers, and industry
- The boldest changes Will has brought to IDS Toronto & Vancouver
- Curating speakers and installations that elevate and inspire
- Why design shows must stay trade-first to succeed
- A sneak peek into what to expect at IDS Vancouver
- Will’s grounding rituals as a Dad, Creative, and Event Leader
About Will Sorrell
Will Sorrell is the National Director of the Interior Design Show (IDS). Over the last 20 years, Will has curated and produced events and exhibitions across 16 different countries, supporting the global design industry and celebrating innovation. Formerly with London’s acclaimed Design Junction (winner of Best UK Tradeshow, 2018), he now leads IDS Toronto and IDS Vancouver, shaping the conversations and connections that define Canadian design today.
Connect with IDS & Will Sorrell
Interior Design Show (IDS): https://interiordesignshow.com/
Instagram (IDS): https://www.instagram.com/interiordesignshow/
LinkedIn (IDS): https://www.linkedin.com/company/interior-design-show/
Instagram (Will Sorrell): https://www.instagram.com/willsorrell/
LinkedIn (Will Sorrell): LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-sorrell-22b2601b/
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
ROBINSON Lighting & Bath
Bringing Homes to Life.
ROBINSON Lighting & Bath is Canada’s largest retailer of lighting and plumbing. Operating from 34 showroom and warehouse locations, we offer a wide selection of the industry’s best brands to design-conscious homeowners, designers and trades in Canada.
- Website: https://www.robinsonco.ca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinsonltgbath/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinsonltgbath/
Western Living Magazine
A huge thank you to our media sponsor, Western Living Magazine.
- Get your free subscription: https://www.westernliving.ca/subscribe
- Follow: https://www.instagram.com/westernliving
Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:
Instagram: @designs_av
YouTube: Aly Velji Designs Podcasts
Website: alyveljidesigns.com
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