Interior Design's Social Compact: Key to the Quest for Professional Status

Abstract

After nearly twenty years of practice with an emphasis in historic

A Survey on Practitioner Attitudes toward Research in Interior Design Education

“…For example, ASID requires professional members to complete six contact hours of continuing education coursework (0.6 CEUs) every 2 years to retain their ASID membership (ASID, 2010), which is hardly comparable to the amount of time and other requirements for original research needed to complete the graduate degree. Graduate education provides the individual with the knowledgebase to conduct research that expands the body of knowledge in the area of expertise and contributes to design theory, which is one characteristic of a profession (Anderson et al, 2007; Marshall‐Baker, 2005). A master's degree often takes a minimum of 1–2 years to complete versus the 1–8 credit hours offered through CEUs (ASID, 2010).…”

“…Students should be informed that a bachelor's provides broad‐based knowledge, while a master's not only allows for specialization in an area of interest but also provides more research experiences that helps expand the body of knowledge for the profession. Make sure that undergraduates understand that a profession defines its own specialized knowledgebase and that one contributing factor to this knowledgebase is research (Anderson et al, 2007; Birdsong & Lawlor, 2001; Blackmer, 2005; Marshall‐Baker, 2005; Thompson & Guerin, n.d.). Educate undergraduates on the differences between a first professional versus a postprofessional master's degree. Market graduate education to undergraduate interior design students (Dohr et al, 2008).…”

“…According to Piotrowski (2008), a profession has a number of common elements, including the use of skills based on theoretical knowledge, education and training of skills, the competence of professionals ensured by examinations, a code of conduct to ensure professional integrity, performance of a service that is for the public good, and a professional association that organizes members (p. 6). Many scholars agree that a profession defines its own specialized knowledgebase and that one contributing factor to this knowledgebase is research (Anderson, Honey, & Dudek, 2007; Birdsong & Lawlor, 2001; Blackmer, 2005; Marshall‐Baker, 2005; Thompson & Guerin, n.d.).…”

Sustainable Design Re‐examined: Integrated Approach to Knowledge Creation for Sustainable Interior Design

“…Designs not only respond to the societal needs but also challenge conventional norms as a change agent in society. In Interior design, its social obligation as a profession has recently been emphasised (Anderson et al 2007). This is because one of the characteristics of a profession involves ethical conducts and services for the public good beyond its own benefits (Sullivan 2005).…”

“…This is because one of the characteristics of a profession involves ethical conducts and services for the public good beyond its own benefits (Sullivan 2005). In this context, sustainable design has been called for as an ethical responsibility as well as to demonstrate the value of interior design profession to society (Anderson et al 2007;Gurel 2010). The current interior design profession also considers sustainable design a standard for interior design practice.…”