The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), previously named Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER), was established in 1970.

The founding organizations were the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), the American Institute of Interior Designers (AID), and the National Society of Interior Designers (NSID).

AID and NSID merged in 1975 to form the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). The intent of the founders was to promote excellence by developing standards for interior design education and to acknowledge the increasing demands of an emerging profession.

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation provides the foundation for future excellence in the interior design profession by setting standards for education and accrediting academic programs that meet those standards.

Accreditation

In spring 2010, CCA’s Interior Design Program leading to the bachelor of fine arts degree, Interior Design major, was awarded re-accreditation for a term of six years by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Levels of program achievement are defined by student learning expectations. Program quality was assessed through student learning, evidenced in student work and interviews with Interior Design students. The program’s faculty and students were congratulated for their very high achievements, exemplary curriculum, and outstanding display of student work.

An award of CIDA accreditation attests to the quality of the Interior Design Program and carries numerous benefits. Parents, students, and employers of graduates can be assured that the program meets the rigor of peer review and successfully develops the skills and knowledge required to practice interior design.

The accreditation process also provides the program with valuable input for continued development and assists the program in adapting to meet evolving professional requirements.

Re-Accreditation

In spring 2013, the Interior Design Program will submit a progress report addressing any areas for improvement cited in the CIDA Executive Summary. The program will be eligible for re-accreditation again in spring 2016.

For more information about CIDA accreditation, the processes, and its results, contact Interior Design chair Cathrine Veikos.