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Recognizing that their efforts can have a tremendous impact on improving the interior design profession, nearly 200 volunteers, all drawn from interior design practice and education, currently assist the Council for Interior Design Accreditation in carrying out its work. The rewards, these dedicated volunteers say, are numerous and varied:
helping to play an integral role in a process that produces recognizable and tangible outcomes
the excitement associated with charting new territories
the satisfaction gained in helping integrate the worlds of practice and academia
the ability to help “raise the bar” of professionalism for the field of interior design
How You Can Help
CIDA’s adherence to strict fiscal responsibility means it must depend on many volunteers to help with a number of different activities associated with its accreditation process. If you’re interested in being a part of the process that sets the standards for 21st century interior design education, here’s how you might participate:
Site Visitors
Because accreditation involves a peer review process, site visitors are drawn from the field of interior design and play an important role in the accreditation process. As on-site evaluators, site visitors are responsible for gathering evidence and developing informed judgments regarding program compliance with standards. Site visitors must have appropriate academic credentials, teaching or relevant professional experience in the field of interior design, objectivity, and strong communication skills. To serve in this role, volunteers must apply and supply references that testify to professional and personal qualities that will contribute to the effective participation of the volunteer. Site visitors are appointed by the Board of Directors following an application process. Download Application
For a more comprehensive description of site visitor qualifications, see page 5 of CIDA’s Policy and Procedures.
Standards Committee
The Standards Committee develops, reviews, and revises standards for the purpose of the assessment of postsecondary programs in interior design, taking into consideration the body of knowledge and changes in society, higher education, and the profession. Standards Committee recommendations are reviewed by the Accreditation Commission and forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval. The Standards Committee reports to the Board of Directors. A person interested in serving on the Standards Committee should forward a copy of his or her resume or vitae, with a cover letter expressing interest, to the Board of Directors in care of the CIDA office. The Board of Directors makes all volunteer appointments. Inquiries about current openings may be directed to the CIDA office.
Appeal Board
The Board of Directors appoints nine individuals who are familiar with the accreditation process and the field of interior design to an Appeal Board. The Accreditation Commission may appoint five members from this Board to serve, as needed, on a panel to hear an appeal of an adverse decision made by the Accreditation Commission. The panel is responsible for reviewing the appeal and may affirm the decision of the Commission or remand the decision to the Commission for further consideration.
“As an educator and practitioner, serving as a CIDA site visitor and participating in ensuring that the next generation of interior designers have access to a high quality professional-level education has been very rewarding. While I have been pleased to give back to the discipline doing this volunteer work, I have also come away with a broader view of educational philosophies and delivery methods, all of which has greatly enhanced my ability to guide my own programs.”
“I have had the honor and pleasure of working with so many wonderful volunteers who are both practitioners and educators, and I always learn so much from them. I never fail to gain new ideas and insights for curriculum development, and new approaches to teaching design. It’s as much an education for me as it is for the site we are visiting!”
“I very much enjoy the opportunity to be involved in the educational process and to help foster the development of young design professionals. Knowing that the hours I volunteer are essential to the future careers of interior design students and the development of successful design programs brings unmatched reward.”
“As a practitioner in a state with no architecture or interior design programs, being a CIDA site visitor volunteer enables me to participate in the educational process, playing a small part in one facet of advancing the profession. I enjoy the educators that I work with through a very collaborative and fast-paced process. Interacting with the students encourages me and gives me confidence that our profession will continue to evolve and do great things.”
“After being a CIDA site visitor for 7 years, I realize the importance of the organization and the standards for the education of future interior designers. Every university program is unique. It is fascinating to observe interior design programs and to see the passion and knowledge of their faculty and students. Also, the interaction with other outstanding designers in our profession is inspiring.”
“Upholding the stringent requirements of the accreditation process for interior design education is incredibly important to the profession – both for our reputation and for students to get an educational experience that prepares them for the world of work. Volunteering for CIDA provides me with an opportunity to give back to the profession as well as expand my view of the educational process at other institutions. I also get to work with other educators and professionals who are deeply committed to the education of young designers.”