Samford University’s Department of Interior Architecture has been reaccredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The university was notified Aug. 12.
The university offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in interior architecture in the School of the Arts. The undergraduate program has about 50 majors.
The reaccreditation is the culmination of a year-long self-study process and affirms the quality of Samford’s academic program, according to department chair Jeannie Krumdieck.
“CIDA accreditation is important not only to remain faithful to providing the highest quality of education for our students, but is also critical as a standard in the professional registration process by the Alabama Board of Registration for Interior Designers, and in other states with legislation that impacts the practice of our profession,” Krumdieck said.
According to CIDA, “Achieving accreditation is a strong signal of a program’s commitment to delivering a quality professional-level education that prepares students for entry-level interior design practice. Programs seeking CIDA accreditation voluntarily place themselves before the scrutiny of the interior design profession by participating in a rigorous peer review process. This process requires interior design programs to conduct a thorough self-evaluation of compliance with CIDA Professional Standards and report results to CIDA. The program must also organize an extensive display of student work for CIDA’s review and host a three-member team of CIDA peer evaluators for an on-site assessment of compliance with CIDA Professional Standards. A report of the findings from this on-site evaluation as well as follow-up dialogue with the program forms the basis for a final decision on accreditation by CIDA’s Accreditation Commission.”
Arts dean Joseph Hopkins echoed Krumdieck.
“The visiting team and accreditation approval not only affirmed the quality of our program, it enthusiastically commended the innovation, service and work of our faculty and students,” Hopkins said. “The process makes us even more aware that Samford is leading the way.”
In addition to the undergraduate degree, the department recently launched a new Master of Science degree in design studies. The department anticipates moving into renovated space in Swearingen Hall during the 2016–17 academic year.