Council for Interior Design Accreditation CIDA

Overview

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits professional-level interior design education programs at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally. Established in 1970 as the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER), it was renamed to CIDA in 2006. CIDA is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a reliable authority on interior design education.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1970, FIDER was established to administer interior design accreditation processes in higher education across the United States and Canada. In 2006, FIDER was renamed the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) to better reflect its mission and scope. CIDA operates as a non-profit organization and is legally structured as an Indenture of Trust. Its first Board of Trustees represented key professional organizations, including the American Institute of Interior Designers (AID), the National Society of Interior Designers (NSID), and the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC).

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

CIDA's mission is to advance the profession of interior design through a collaborative approach to standard setting for accreditation of interior design higher education programs. It aims to ensure that graduates are prepared for the demands of the profession by establishing and maintaining standards for interior design education. CIDA's objectives include:

• Providing a rigorous accreditation process that evaluates interior design programs based on established standards.
• Promoting continuous improvement in interior design education through feedback and assessment.
• Ensuring that accredited programs prepare students for entry-level interior design practice and future professional growth.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

CIDA operates as an independent, non-profit accrediting organization. It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of professionals from academia and the interior design industry. The organization maintains its autonomy by adhering to policies and procedures that ensure its operations are free from external influence, allowing it to make decisions based solely on the best interests of interior design education.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

CIDA's accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of each program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, and student outcomes. The agency also evaluates the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as its alignment with national standards for interior design education. This rigorous process ensures that accredited programs provide quality education that prepares students for the interior design profession.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CIDA accredits interior design programs not only in the United States but also internationally, including in countries such as Canada, Cyprus, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This international scope reflects CIDA's commitment to promoting high standards in interior design education globally. Additionally, CIDA engages in partnerships and collaborations with other accrediting bodies and professional organizations to enhance the quality and reach of its accreditation efforts.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

Currently, CIDA accredits over 160 programs worldwide, impacting thousands of students pursuing careers in interior design. The organization's Future Vision initiative, convened in 2020-21, aims to set priorities for the next generation of CIDA's interior design accreditation standards. This initiative brings together a diverse array of leaders to model how the profession will advance and thrive in the future. By continuously evolving its standards and practices, CIDA ensures that interior design education remains relevant and responsive to the changing needs of the profession and society.

Summary

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and relevance of interior design education. Through its rigorous accreditation process, CIDA helps to prepare graduates for successful careers in the interior design profession. Its commitment to continuous improvement and global engagement underscores its dedication to advancing the field of interior design education.

FAQs

1. What is CIDA?
   CIDA is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits professional-level interior design education programs at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally.
2. When was CIDA founded?
   CIDA was founded in 1970 as the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) and was renamed to CIDA in 2006.
3. What is CIDA's mission?
   CIDA's mission is to advance the profession of interior design through a collaborative approach to standard setting for accreditation of interior design higher education programs.
4. Does CIDA accredit programs outside the United States?
   Yes, CIDA accredits interior design programs in several countries, including Canada, Cyprus, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
5. How many programs are accredited by CIDA?
   As of 2025, CIDA accredits over 160 programs worldwide.

Organization Name

Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Acronym

CIDA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1970

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

International

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

135

Address

206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350
Grand Rapids
49503-4014 Michigan United States

Phone

+1 (616) 458 0400

Fax

+1 (616) 458 4600

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

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