K-State's interior architecture program reaccredited by Council for Interior Design Accreditation

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Source: Stephen Murphy, 785-532-5992, smurphy@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Diane Potts, 785-532-1090, potts@k-state.edu

Thursday, October 26, 2006

K-STATE'S INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM REACCREDITED BY COUNCIL FOR INTERIOR DESIGN ACCREDITATION

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's bachelor of interior architecture program has received the maximum reaccreditation of six years from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

The program, offered through K-State's College of Architecture, Planning and Design's interior architecture and product design department, consistently ranks among the best in the country by an annual survey of architecture and design employers. Stephen Murphy, professor of interior architecture and product design and head of the department, said K-State's was one of the first three programs in the nation to receive this accreditation, which started in 1973.

"The accreditation process provides important validation of the quality of students' education," Murphy said.

The council also has extended the accreditation of the bachelor of interior architecture to the professional-level master of interior architecture program being implemented this fall at K-State.

A team of three individuals representing the council's accreditation commission visited the K-State campus in April to examine the curriculum; inspect the facilities; interview students, teachers and administrators; and review student work. The commission report noted, "Parents, students and employers of graduates can be assured that your program meets the rigor of peer review and develops the skills and knowledge required to practice interior design. Furthermore, the accreditation process provides your program with valuable input for continued development and assists the program in adapting to meet evolving professional requirements as the council updates standards."

"A full six-year accreditation for our interior architecture program is a reaffirmation of the quality of education our students receive. Our success is a function of good curriculum, a great faculty and a group of highly talented students," said Dennis Law, dean of the College of Architecture, Planning and Design.

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation was formerly known as the Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research.