Foundation for Interior Design Education Research's Early History: Important Developments from 1970 to 1990

Abstract

The Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER), founded in 1970 and now the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), was established to administer interior design accreditation processes in higher education across the United States and Canada. It was the first and only regulatory agency professionally recognized and in the public's interest. This paper examines FIDER's early growth from 1970 to 1990 through key actions in its Founding and Governance, Research and Development, and Accreditation Processes. Content of primary and secondary resources from CIDA archives were analyzed, as well as oral histories collected from leaders. Each action is assessed for its importance during the time and in context to FIDER's mission. A content analysis guided by minutes, significant publications, research reports, and press releases helped identify and clarify important and relevant information as it related to the FIDER/CIDA history, capturing the main milestones. Documentation herein clarifies critical issues and changes that FIDER faced and offers insights into its evolution and status as an instrument of change in interior design education with contributions to the field's identity and professionalism. This history provides definitive stages to its growth, and substantiates key actions that afford its landmark status. Numerous goals are achieved and a model for specialized program accreditation matures with strong, professional, and equitable characteristics. A fervent and dedicated commitment to FIDER exists from those in education and the profession, and an international presence and more expansive agenda emerge with many more volunteers.

Perceptions of professional titles: A mixed methods study of interior design vs. interior architecture

“…In the 1950s the group focused on the functionality of the environment began using the term Interior Design more widely to describe the profession. In the 1960s, Interior Design began establishing itself as a profession, following architectures process, beginning with accreditation requirements, examination, and finally licensure (Harwood & Dohr, 2015;Tijerino, 2009).…”

“…The Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) was formed in 1963, and Interior Design began developing its accreditation process in 1970, 30 years after architecture. By 1972 the first accreditation documents were published (Harwood & Dohr, 2015). In 1973 six schools, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Texas at Austin, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Georgia, the University of Missouri, and Texas Technical University, were the first to be accredited (Harwood & Dohr, 2015).…”

“…By 1972 the first accreditation documents were published (Harwood & Dohr, 2015). In 1973 six schools, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Texas at Austin, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Georgia, the University of Missouri, and Texas Technical University, were the first to be accredited (Harwood & Dohr, 2015). As part of accreditation, the National Council for…”

“…After World War II and the rise in office design, interior decoration transitioned into interior design, where design was focused much more on the functionality of space and the behavior of the people who interacted within that space (Tate & Smith, 1986). This gave rise to a formalization of education and accreditation with the forming of the Foundation for Interior Design Research (FIDER) in 1970, which later became the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) (Harwood & Dohr, 2015). CIDA is the accrediting board for all professional interior design programs in the United States and Canada.…”