Who's Keeping the Fire? An Analysis of Who's Being Published in a Major Interior Design Periodical

Abstract

Ph.D.This study was designed to determine who is receiving public recogni-Whiteside Dickson, tionfor interior design work published in a major design periodical and to speculate on thefiture of the profession and implications for interior design education based on an analysis of the M.S. University of Kentucky., Lexington, Kentucky findings. A matrix was developed to document the biographical data published for the featured designers, including gender, education, professional aflliations, location offirm, and type and location of work published. The biographies of 959 individual designers were analyzedfrom 1980 through 1990. The findings reveal that, despite the development of professionalism during the past 25 years, fewer individuals with degrees in interior design are being published than those educated in allied disciplines. The relationship of these findings to graduate education and research is discussed.Foreign (Outside North America) Pratt Institute

What's in a Name? Interior Design and/or Interior Architecture: The Discussion Continues

“…Most of the popular design periodicals do not make a distinction, nor do many of the professional trade magazines. A study by White and Dickson (1993) revealed that the architects are often given credit for interior works even though the firm may employ a team of interior designers. The majority of these magazines fail to move beyond the aesthetic realm, and few, if any, promote the value of good design.…”

Interior Design Criticism: Developing a Culture of Reverence for the Interior Environment

“…Historically, journalistic or applied criticism in the popular press such as Huxtable's has helped to elevate the public's awareness of and appreciation for the value that architecture brings to society. To date, interior design has lacked this type of public exposure, and current publications, including both popular press and those aimed at the professional trade, focus more on the aesthetic realm emphasizing fashion and emerging trends through the use of photographs rather than substantive dialogue (see White & Dickson, 1993).…”