Bachelor of Interior Design student Dhvani Savaliya was recently named one of nine recipients of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO)’s 2023 Gary Hewson Scholarship.
The scholarship, which was created in memory of an individual who touched the lives of many in Ontario’s interior design community, is presented each fall to one student from each ARIDO-recognized interior design school who has shown exemplary peer mentorship, leadership, and volunteerism in their community.
Savaliya, who’s worked as an Interior Design Intern at Ray Inc. since March, said receiving the Gary Hewson Memorial award and recognition from the industry made her really happy, characterizing it as a “turning point” in her career.
As one of this year’s award winners, Savaliya was granted the opportunity to attend the 40th Annual ARIDO Awards Gala, which took place at the Fairmount Royal York in Toronto on Oct. 5.
“Attending the gala was a great experience. I had the opportunity to network with students and interior designers from various firms. We exchanged ideas that opened my eyes to new possibilities and strengthened my sense of belonging within our community,” she said.
“Making connections with like-minded people has not only increased my social circle, but also provided me with new perspectives on Ontario’s design industry.”
The Gary Hewson Award marks Savaliya’s second time being recognized by ARIDO with an award in 2023. Earlier this year, she was named as one of two winners of the 2023 CTI Working Environments Scholarships. The $500 scholarship awards students who go beyond the written curriculum and who best exemplify dedication and enthusiasm in giving back to their community and volunteering for ARIDO.
