Interior Design
Accreditation
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA, formerly FIDER), brings professionalism and quality to interior design programs by identifying, developing and promoting quality standards for the education of entry-level interior designers. As a leader in the interior design profession, the Council is the primary accrediting agency for interior design education, leading the profession to excellence by setting standards and evaluating academic programs in interior design.
There are over 150 programs accredited under The Council for Interior Design Accreditation Professional Standards. In the state of Georgia, we are one of seven accredited programs; one of only two public institutions and the only accredited institution in Georgia south of Atlanta. The program at Georgia Southern is undergoing regularly scheduled review in March of 2010 to verify compliance with the standards listed below. Please visit the CIDA website for more information.
CIDA Professional Standards (2009 Standards)
There are sixteen standards divided into four sections. In order to be accredited, a program must comply or partially comply with all sixteen standards. Compliance with standards is measured by student learning and program expectations. Judgment of compliance is based on the expertise of experienced peer evaluators and precedent in accreditation.
Section I. Mission, Goals, and Curriculum. This standard describes the context and overarching purpose and intent of the program.
Standard 1. Mission, Goals, and Curriculum
The interior design program has a mission statement that describes the scope and purpose of the program. Program goals are derived from the mission statement and the curriculum is structured to achieve these goals.
Section II. Interior Design: Critical Thinking, Professional Values, and Processes. These standards describe the framework of interior design practice.
Standard 2. Global Context for Design
Entry-level interior designers have a global view and weigh design decisions within the parameters of ecological, socio-economic, and cultural contexts.
Standard 3. Human Behavior
The work of interior designers is informed by knowledge of behavioral science and human factors.
Standard 4. Design Process
Entry-level interior designers need to apply all aspects of the design process to creative problem solving. Design process enables designers to identify and explore complex problems and generate creative solutions that support human behavior within the interior environment.
Standard 5. Collaboration
Entry-level interior designers engage in multi-disciplinary collaborations and consensus building.
Standard 6. Communication
Entry-level interior designers are effective communicators.
Standard 7. Professionalism and Business Practice
Entry-level interior designers use ethical and accepted standards of practice, are committed to professional development and the industry, and understand the value of their contribution to the built environment.
Section III. Interior Design: Core Design and Technical Knowledge. These standards describe historical, theoretical, and technical contents of interior design practice.
Standard 8. History
Entry-level interior designers apply knowledge of interiors, architecture, art, and the decorative arts within a historical and cultural context.
Standard 9. Space and Form
Entry-level interior designers apply the theories of two- and three-dimensional design, and spatial definition and organization.
Standard 10. Color and Light
Entry-level interior designers apply the principles and theories of color and light.
Standard 11. Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and Finish Materials
Entry-level interior designers select and specify furniture, fixtures, equipment and finish materials in interior spaces.
Standard 12. Environmental Systems and Controls
Entry-level interior designers use the principles of lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality to enhance the health, safety, welfare, and performance of building occupants.
Standard 13. Interior Construction and Building Systems
Entry-level interior designers have knowledge of interior construction and building systems.
14. Regulations
Entry-level interior designers use laws, codes, standards, and guidelines that impact the design of interior spaces.
Section IV. Program Administration. These standards describe the institutional and program systems, structures, and resources that are fundamental to an effective higher education learning environment for interior design.
15. Assessment and Accountability
The interior design program engages in systematic program assessment contributing to ongoing program improvement. Additionally, the program must provide clear, consistent, and reliable information about its mission and requirements to the public.
16. Support and Resources
The interior design program must have a sufficient number of qualified faculty members, as well as adequate administrative support and resources, to achieve program goals.
Professional Licensure and Registration:
The State of Georgia has title act legislation. To identify oneself as a registered or licensed interior designer in the State of Georgia, interior designers must provide proof of a minimum of a four-year program or post-professional degree from a college or university with a program accredited by CIDA (Council of Interior Design Accreditation), NASAD (National Association of Schools of art and Design) or NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) in addition to passing the NCIDQ exam. See the Georgia Secretary of State website for professional licensing information.
