BU Design Program Awaits Accreditation

BU Design Program Awaits Accreditation
A program that's often mistaken for simply matching fabrics, colors, and patterns isn't easy, said interior design students, who claim more is involved with the major.

It involves designing spaces to improve quality of life, increase productivity and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

"Interior design is very research-oriented, " Dr. Rita Purdy, professor and chairwoman of the department of family and consumer sciences, said.

"The students must know what their clients want and what their needs are," she said.

According to Purdy, interior design is misunderstood because most people assume anyone can decorate.

From Jan. 28 to Feb. 1, the Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research reviewed Baylor's interior design program for possible accreditation. FIDER will determine whether Baylor's facilities meet interior design standards for education.

Accredited universities enable graduates of the interior design program to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification application upon graduation.

This exam is similar to the bar exam or CPA exam in that once graduates have passed the NCIDQ, they become licensed and can legally call themselves interior designers.

"Design affects our society, so we do projects for all types of people," Fulton said.