Colorado State University’s Interior Architecture and Design Program just received another six years of accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Not only has the Department of Design and Merchandising’s program received accreditation, but with all standards met, which is a significant accomplishment and speaks to the program’s rigor and quality.
“The extremely positive CIDA accreditation clearly demonstrates the high quality of our Interior Design and Architecture Program,” said Department Head, Karen Hyllegard. “We are most proud of CIDA’s recognition of our faculty teaching expertise, our innovative facilities, and our commitment to technology to ensure rewarding learning experiences for our students.”
Accreditation process
CIDA is an independent, non-profit accreditation organization for interior design programs in the United States and internationally. The organization has existed for 35 years with the mission of advancing the profession of interior design “through a collaborative approach for standard setting for accreditation of interior design and higher education programs with integrity, rigor, and continuous improvement.”
Interior design programs must apply for recertification every six years and undergo a rigorous review process.
The review is a multi-step process that takes more than a year beginning with an internal review of 127 criteria across 16 category standards ranging from human-centered design, design processes, light and color, use of materials, construction, and regulations. Faculty must document the learning outcomes from every course in the program for the past three years and demonstrate that goals have been achieved by providing examples of student work as evidence. Additionally, a program self-study is conducted to prepare for the CIDA accreditation review which includes program and industry data, visioning, evidence, and identification of strengths and gaps.
The accreditation effort at CSU was led by Jain Kwon, assistant professor in Interior Architecture and Design, and Leah Scolere, assistant professor and Interior Architecture and Design Program coordinator. Kwon and Scolere co-wrote a comprehensive 61-page Program Analysis Report with Laura Malinin, associate professor and director of the Nancy Richardson Design Center. The report includes institutional and program data, program goals and curriculum, and analysis and specific evidence outlined for each of the 16 standards. The PAR was sent to a professional team of CIDA reviewers prior to their three-day visit to campus.
“Dr. Kwon and Dr. Scolere provided exceptional leadership in support of CIDA accreditation, both the development of the Program Analysis Report and the on-site program review,” said Hyllegard.
While visiting CSU in December, CIDA reviewers examined a large volume of physical and digital materials including course syllabi and lectures, student projects, construction documents, models, and research papers. In the lead-up to the CIDA visit in December, the IAD faculty collected over 1,600 samples for review. The reviewers also sat in on some classes and presentations and interviewed students, faculty, and university administrators. After the visit, the Accreditation Commission made a final decision on the program’s status based on a comprehensive report submitted by the reviewers.
While the accreditation and recognition of the program’s rigor in compliance could not have been achieved without leadership from Kwon and Scolere, the effort reflects a collaborative effort from the entire program – faculty, students, and administrators alike.
History of high standards
CSU’s Interior Architecture and Design Program has a long history of valuing high standards and hard work resulting in national recognition. The Department of Design and Merchandising earned its first accreditation in 1991.
Additionally, as a part of the reaccreditation process, many programs receive feedback on areas to improve or increase their rigor. CSU’s recognition of compliance in all 188 criteria across 16 standards demonstrates the incredible work of the faculty and their commitment to continuously improve the program even as the CIDA standards continue to evolve to align with industry standards.
Implications for students
The continued accreditation of the Interior Architecture and Design Program also has tremendous implications for the students who choose to study at CSU. Many top interior design firms require a degree from an accredited program as a part of job position qualifications. Earning an IAD degree at CSU demonstrates a student’s thorough understanding of many elements of interior design and opens doors of opportunity to work in varied positions throughout the field after graduation. CSU’s accreditation sets graduates apart and prepares them for success, as many of the top interior design firms require a degree from an accredited program as a part of job position qualifications.
The CIDA accreditation also provides the starting point for students to earn other certifications throughout their careers such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.
“This was a tremendous collaborative effort on the part of the entire IAD team. We are thrilled with this outcome and how this re-accreditation reflects the continued strength of our program, the diverse expertise of the faculty, and our emphasis on innovative experiential learning opportunities for our students,” said Scolere.
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
