Memorials

FIDEC (1899 – 2001)

Victoria Ball received her B.S., M.A. and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Her early teaching was in nutrition in Home Economics departments. Victoria joined CWRU faculty in 1924. She retired as Professor Emeritus at CWRU (1970) where she had taught and was head of the interior design program for forty-five years.

Victoria was well known as an author and lecturer. She wrote two texts: The Art of Interior Design (1960) and Opportunities in Interior Design and Decorating Careers (1963). In 1980 she published two volumes that link architecture and interior design: Architecture and Interior Design: A Basic History through the Seventeenth Century and Architecture and Interior Design: Europe and America from the Colonial Era to Today. She continued to revise these volumes until the late 1990s.

The Ohio North Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) named a design award after her to recognize outstanding contributions to the visual arts: The Victoria Kloss Ball Award. She was the first recipient of the award in 1976. She received a Distingyuished Alumna Award from Mather College, CWRU in 1963.

Victoria was an associate member of ASID. She also was a member of the American Home Economics Association, American Society for Aesthetics, College Art Association of America, American Home Fasion League, Phi Beta Kappa, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and American Society of Architectural Historians among others. For 11 years Victoria was a consultant on Committee 20 of the Inter Society Color Council.

In 1963, she was a charter member of IDEC. She was named a Fellow of IDEC in 1979 in absentia by Anna Brightman. Anna noted: “Who in interior design education is not familiar with the name Victoria Ball. From the days of her tenure at Case Western Reserve, her pace-setting publications, to the founding of IDEC, she has evidenced continuing devotion to our organization and to quality education. We are only a few in the legion of her admirers. She has touched virtually every facet of design education and the professions of Interior Design. To have known Vicki and worked with her has been for me a privilege and inspiration.”

Victoria noted in a newspaper interview in 1972 that “…an interior designer is only successful to the degree that he understands, as an artist, how to point up and bring about that person’s ideas (the resident) and create a very good art form…It is also fundamental with any interior designer to know design in relation to architecture.”

Many remember her as not only a woman of distinction, but also as a most dignified and gracious person. She was known as Cleveland’s First Lady of Interior Design.

Memorial by Dorothy Fowles, FIDEC, FASID, FIIDA

Some information for this memorial was obtained from digitized documents in the Case Western Reserve University Archives: 07Pl CWRU Communication Office Biographical Records 1826-2007 & 03Fl CWRU Human Resource Department, Faculty Employment Records 1934-1994.

FIDEC (1921 – 2014)

Doris Burton was a graduate of Iowa State University (BS), and Purdue University (MS) with a degree related to residential interior design. In 1949, she began her college teaching career, most of which was spent as an interior design educator and later Department Chair at the University of Alabama. During her tenure there, she was instrumental in the growth and accreditation of the interior design program and a well-known advocate for interior design education. In 1983, she was recognized with the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award at the university. In 1986, she retired as a Professor Emeritus from the College of Human Environmental Services, University of Alabama. Subsequently, the university Board of Trustees established the Doris Burton Endowed Interior Design Scholarship.

Doris is most remembered for her service to IDEC and the development of the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER, now CIDA). She was a founding member of IDEC and a strong voice for it in the profession. Her IDEC service included FIDER liaison, Corresponding Secretary, Newsletter Editor, and Historian. She made presentations on the IDEC history at the Annual Conferences in 1982, 1987, and 1992, and all of them were accurate, humorous, and memorable! She also was the first historian to truly organize materials for a presentation to the members.

In 1993, she was recognized as a Fellow of IDEC.

Her service to FIDER was equally as committed, and started in the early 1970s as she guided its growth and direction, and served on the first accreditation teams. Later, she served on the FIDER Board of Directors and was Chairman of it in 1981-1982 and Secretary-Treasurer in 1984. During 1986-1991, she was Editor for the Accreditation Committee and a member of the Task Force on Implementation of New Standards, and during 1988 she served for 6 months as Acting Executive Director of FIDER. She also was instrumental in FIDER’s office relocation from New York City to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Joy Dohr remembers her association with Doris in both IDEC and FIDER: “She, along with so many Fellows, seamlessly communicated news and happenings of FIDER to IDEC and back. She, and this team, were truly visionary in their understanding of what needed to be accomplished and worked tirelessly to act on those goals for interior design education. … She was a leader who reached out to those of us coming up.”

Doris Burton died on 9/17/2014 at age 93 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (1921 – 1990)

Dr. Anna Brightman, often called Anne, was a true pioneer and an inspiration to those who knew her and learned from her.

She earned a BFA from Syracuse University in 1943. In 1946 she was hired as Head of the Division of Interior Design at the University of Texas at Austin. She took two absences from the university. In 1952, she received an MFA from Syracuse University, and in 1962, she received a Ph.D. from Florida State University. Later, her dissertation on Colonial window hangings during 1700-1760 was published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She was an active researcher, writer, speaker, and consultant, particularly on 18th century interiors. In 1967, she was promoted to Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1987.

From 1965-1970 Anne was a driving force toward the founding of significant national interior design organizations. In 1964, she participated in the second meeting of the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), and later served as President during 1969-1971. She also served as Vice President and Chairman of the Board. In 1978, she was one of the first four IDEC members to be recognized with a “Fellow” award.

She was also a leader in the development of interior design accreditation, beginning with membership on the joint committee on accreditation in 1968. The resulting Foundation of Interior Design Education Research (FIDER, now CIDA) was founded in 1970. She subsequently served on the FIDER Board of Trustees from 1971-1978. During the 1970s, the interior design program at the University of Texas at Austin was the largest one in the United States (about 350 students), and in 1973 it was one of the first six programs to receive FIDER accreditation.

Anne was an honorary member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), as well as a member of the American Home Economics Association, Friends of Winedale, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Anne is remembered by her students, colleagues and friends for her uncompromising dedication to scholarly pursuit and active contribution to professional activities. Buie Harwood, who was hired by Anna, remembers her “as a great mentor who introduced me to all the significant people in IDEC and FIDER and supported my recommendations for instructional changes within the interior design program.” Betty McKee Treanor, who also was hired by Anne, noted that “Anna Brightman left milestone ‘footprints’ for all dedicated professional interior designers to emulate.” Josette Rabun, a former student, stated that “I contribute my desire to become an interior design professor to the encouragement I received from Anna, who always took an interest in students she felt would be dedicated to the profession.”

Memorial by Dorothy Fowles FIDEC, FASID, FIIDA and Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (d. 2021)

Larry Cindrich was one of IDEC’s earliest members and officers. He taught first at the ‎Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Later he was on the faculty at the ‎University of Cincinnati where he worked along side IDEC’s first president Robert ‎Stevens. It was there that he began to take an active role in IDEC’s future. Larry ‎instituted the IDEC Visual Communications Committee and helped obtain and distribute ‎a number of slide packages provided to IDEC by major design firms. In the late 1960’s ‎and 1970’s this was one of the only ways design programs could share the work of well-‎known national designers with their students. He was made an IDEC Fellow c. 1978-‎‎1980. He continued his IDEC involvement by chairing the Career Guidance Committee ‎during 1986-1988.‎

Beyond Kendall and Cincinnati, Larry also taught at Arizona State University and Kansas ‎State University. He was to eventually make his home in Provo, Utah where he retired ‎from teaching at Brigham Young University.‎

Memorial by Curt Sherman, FIDEC, FASID

FIDEC (d. 2002)

Don, a native of Los Angeles, was a product of the mid-century Southern California design scene, and along with several other Fellow members of IDEC, was a graduate of UCLA. He graduated with a Master of Art (Design) in the late 1950’s and began teaching in the Department of Art at then San Diego State College. He retired as a Professor Emeritus from San Diego State University in 1992. He died in 2002.

He was instrumental in the development of the interior design program at SDSU and brought to it not only a matured sense of design, but a love for architectural and interior design history. His were the first such focused courses in the major and reflected his accomplishments beyond teaching.

He was awarded two “Outstanding Professor of Art” awards, as well as two sabbatical leave awards, which were spent in studying architecture and design in Europe. He was a member of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) and a Fellow in the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). Don was also a recipient of the NSID Attingham Study of English Country Houses Fellowship in 1973. He also attended the Study Centre of the Fine and Decorative Arts in London.

Don was an early supporter of IDEC and served as a member of the Board from 1976-1980, was instrumental in the organization of the West Coast regional chapter, and served as its chair from 1969-1974. He planned the IDEC Annual Conference held in San Diego in 1974.

In accepting the honor of “Fellow” in 1980, Don wrote:
“I shall always count among my most important achievements the membership which I have held in IDEC. Perhaps my single most auspicious decision was the purchase of a round trip ticket to Cincinnati (site of the first IDEC meeting) in order to join a very distinguished group of “young turks” who wanted to start a revolution in design education and practice. It must have been a good idea as it has certainly caught on.”

His important roles in the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER, now CIDA) included service on both the Standards and Accreditation Committees as well as serving on the Board of Trustees in 1984-1985.

His interest in history extended into his years of retirement when he actively promoted his love of San Diego’s small neighborhoods through his writings and publications, his lecture series on Arts & Crafts, and by leading docent tours in San Diego.

Memorial by Curt Sherman, FIDEC, FASID

FIDEC (1900 – 1998 Poland)

Marya Lilien studied in 1927 to be an engineer architect at Lwow Technical University in Poland.

During 1936-1937, she was the first woman to apprentice under Frank Lloyd Wright at his Taliesin Architecture School in Wisconsin and Arizona, and he became a mentor and close friend to her throughout her life. After studying at Taliesin, she moved to Vienna to continue her design studies.

In the 1940s, she founded and later served as Chair of the Department of Interior Design at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. After retirement, she lectured at Columbia College in Chicago. Later, she was recognized in “Who’s Who in Polish America” 1st Edition 1996-1997.

Comments about her from a Chicago Tribune article (January 22, 1998) “Marya Lilien, 97, Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright Student,” by Meg McSherry Breslin, reveal more about her as a professional:

“Ms. Lilien was a woman pioneer in the architectural field, taking up the profession in Poland at time when there were few other women architects in the world.”
“She launched a national trend after introducing an interior architecture program at the School of the Art Institute.”
“She became a mentor and inspiration to thousands of architects and designers.”
“In the 1970s, a group of her former students set up The Marya Lilien Foundation for the Advancement of Interior Design, which awards a yearly scholarship to one of the school’s best interior architecture students.”
“ Ms. Lilien said she sometimes wished she did more designing of her own, but she felt that she could translate her creative abilities and try to inspire others instead.”
“ ‘I’m a good teacher, and I had a good teacher,’ she said. ‘Do you know what he [Wright] wrote in his autobiography to me? It says: To Marya, who knows pretty well what this thing is all about.’ “

Marya was recognized as an IDEC Fellow in 1979.

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (1897 – 1983)

There is a certain mystique about the interior design and architecture of the Northwest, and Hope Foote was instrumental in its development.

She received her BA from Iowa State University and her MA from Columbia University. She continued her education at the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts (New School Parsons) and the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. In Vienna, Austria she studied with Emmy Zweybruck-Procheska and Kem Weber. She maintained a correspondence with Richard Neutra and his son Dion Neutra , and that material is now on file in the University of Washington Library.

In 1923 she began her career at the University of Washington teaching interior decoration, and became tenured and an Assistant Professor in 1928. In 1937 she became an Associate Professor, and in 1948 a full Professor.

Hope Foote was an among the founders of IDEC and contributed substantially to the initial formation of educational standards for the Foundation of Interior Design Education and Research (FIDER, now CIDA).

In 1967, she became a Professor Emeritus in Art and was inducted in 1980 as a Fellow in IDEC. In accepting the award Ms. Foote wrote:

“I am very proud to be a part of the beginning of IDEC. We wanted so very much to pull up the entire design profession. I still think it is a good ambition. I also think it was an original and somewhat courageous effort for us to make. Universities and colleges were so loath to acknowledge a valid profession. The realization that IDEC still is strong, since it has vitality enough to be considerate of its older members, gives great joy. It has brought back many happy memories.”

Among her students were those who have had both a regional and international influence: Jack Lenor Larsen, Dale Chihuly, Dale and Patricia Keller, Lawney Reyes, Win Anderson and Jerry Nielson, FIDEC.

Memorial by Curt Sherman, FIDEC, FASID

FIDEC (d. 2017)

Arnold Friedmann died comfortably and peacefully on 2/17/2017 at his home in Massachusetts. He was a recognized IDEC icon to all that knew him! Throughout his professional career, he was a strong supporter of high quality interior design education and the growth of the interior design profession. He left his mark in IDEC, FIDER/CIDA, NCIDQ/CIDQ, ASID, and IFI.

He was a Professor Emeritus, Art Department, University of Massachusetts, where he taught for many years. Previously, he taught in the Department of Landscaping, Architecture, and Regional Planning at Pratt Institute in New York, and was later Associate Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, and Chairman and Professor of the Department of Environmental Design at the college. During his career, he published or co-authored four books and over 60 articles in professional journals.

Arnold’s professional organization activities were extensive and significant, and had a lasting impact on interior design education and the profession. In 1962, he participated in the educational committee of the Central Region Meeting of the American Institute of Interior Designers (AID) in Chicago, where IDEC was born. In 1963, he helped organize and attended the first IDEC Annual Conference in Philadelphia and worked on IDEC’s Constitution. In 1965, he was elected IDEC’s second President, and served for two years. During the late 1960s, he chaired the IDEC research committee that produced the first comprehensive survey of interior design programs in North America, the Directory, Institutions Offering Interior Design Education, and later the final report A Critical Study of Interior Design Education, both published in 1968. This later study, which built upon the earlier studies, was one of the most significant documents ever published by IDEC. It provided markers for the future of interior design as a whole, and had a lasting impact on the overall quality of the profession. It directly resulted in the formation of FIDER (now CIDA), NCIDQ (now CIDQ), and the Interior Design Issues Forum (meeting of Presidents and Chairman/Issues Forum).

During 1969-1970, Arnold served as the first IDEC rep to IFI. During 1973-1974, he served as an early IDEC representative to the NCIDQ Board and assisted in the development of the first examination. During 1974-1975, he served on the committee that produced the first issue of the Journal of Interior Design Education and Research (JIDER; later re-titled the Journal of Interior Design). In 1978 at the IDEC Annual Conference in Banff, Canada, he was inducted as one of the first four IDEC Fellows.

In 1989, Arnold received the IKEA International Design Award. In 1994, he received a special award from the Interior Design Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was awarded the first IDEC Arnold Friedmann Educator of Distinction Award, “which is presented to a current or former IDEC member in recognition of significant, sustained, and distinguished contributions in interior design education. Specifically, the recipient will have shown a demonstrated leadership in interior design education; will have demonstrated an impact on the profession, … as well as demonstrated excellence in teaching.” Arnold was definitely one of a kind and will be missed by many!

On behalf of IDEC, and with respect, admiration, and gratitude, and for his help in documenting our interior design history.

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (1935 – 2009)

Ben Gunter died in Richmond, Virginia on 8/14/2009 after suffering with Alzheimers for several years. He was a graduate of Bridgewater College, Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University/VCU), and the University of Virginia.

He was on the VCU faculty for over 20 years, and served as Department Chair of interior design during 1970-1984. In 1973, the interior design program at VCU was one of the first six programs to receive accreditation by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER; now the Council on Interior Design Accreditation/CIDA).

Throughout his professional career, he worked hard to enhance the growth of IDEC, establish liaison relationships with other interior design organizations, and promote professionalism.

His service to IDEC included serving as the South Regional Chair, South Regional Conference Co-Chair, Annual Conference Chair, IDEC President in 1973-1977 (two terms), and IDEC Chairman of the Board in 1977-1981. During his term as President, IDEC inducted its first Honorary Members, those who were instrumental in establishing FIDER accreditation processes and forming the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and produced the first issue of the Journal of Interior Design Education and Research (JIDER; now the Journal of Interior Design/JID). Because of these many firsts, his term as President will forever be linked with significant milestones in IDEC’s history.

Curt Sherman, who followed Ben as IDEC President, offered some comments about their time together on the IDEC Board:
“I arrived in Gatlenburg, TN for the 1977 IDEC Conference with no idea I had been elected President. Ben was the happy bearer of the good news. As Ben moved on to become Chairman of the Board, he was helpful to this neophyte as I began my tenure in the office he had held for four years before me. His always positive outlook did much to make my term and IDEC the success that it has become.”

In recognition of his accomplishments, he was made an IDEC Fellow in the early 1980s.

Ben will always be remembered for his friendly personality, wonderful spirit, good humor, graciousness to younger members, and conscientious leadership. He was the epitome of the true Southern gentleman. We will miss him.

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (1915 – 2016)

Joan Harland matriculated from the Toronto Conservatory of Music in 1933, and later graduated in 1938 with the Bachelor of Architecture (Gold Medal) from the University of Manitoba. Soon after in 1939, she began teaching in the Architecture/Interior Design School at the University of Manitoba.

With an increased enrollment due to the influx of returning veterans after 1945, she was charged to establish interior decoration as a department. During the 1950’s, she oversaw its transition into the Department of Interior Design which, at that time, was the only degree program in interior design in Canada. Later, it was one of the early programs accredited by Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER, now CIDA). She served as Department Chair for twenty-three years, until her retirement as Professor in 1980. But, she stayed on at the university for ten more years as she completed 52 undergraduate credits in Religion. In 1981 the University of Manitoba awarded her Professor Emeritus status.

Joan was a founding member of the Professional Interior Designers of Manitoba and a member of the group of educators who founded IDEC. Later she played an instrumental role in the development of FIDER. She worked tirelessly for many years to raise the standards and recognition of the interior design profession, and that of the University of Manitoba.

Her many honors of dedicated service include IDEC Fellow recognition, Fellow of the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), and Fellow of Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba.

Joan was reserved, engaging, committed, and inspiring in her dedication to interior design education. She fostered strong allegiances, helped shaped younger faculty, and supported numerous students while in school and after they graduated. She will be most remembered for being the first professional identity for the interior design program at the University of Manitoba during her tenure there as Department Chair.

Joan Harland passed away on 7/17/2016 at the age of 101 years. Memorials at her death confirm that she was a passionate and inspiring educator, a strong role model, and an advocate for the interior design profession.

Memorial by Paul Petrie (former student of Joan Hartland) and Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (d. 2020)

Dianne Jackman, IDEC Fellow, died November 25, 2020 [from COVID] in Winnipeg, ‎Manitoba, Canada where she lived all of her life. She graduated from the University of ‎Manitoba in interior design, and practiced professionally in the area before joining the ‎Department of Interior Design, Faculty of Architecture there. As a lover and teacher of ‎textiles, she co-authored one of the first university textbooks on textiles, The Guide to ‎Textiles for Interior Designers. She loved teaching, loved her profession, and was a ‎strong supporter of interior design education. ‎

‎“I remember Dianne as a teacher who was always encouraging, never negative in her critiques, ‎always good humored and with that great smile! She clearly loved teaching and worked tirelessly ‎on behalf of the profession.” Carol Jones, University of Manitoba student.‎

Dianne was actively involved with professional and educational associations for many ‎years, and was awarded the highest recognition of “Fellow” status in several of them ‎including IDEC, IDC, and ASID. Among her many achievements, she served as ‎President of the Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba (PIDIM); was a ‎member of the Manitoba Executive of the International Facilities Management ‎Association (IFMA), and subsequently was President and Past President of IDC. ‎Because she was so active in professional practice activities and organizations, she co-‎authored (with Ron Veitch) an early resource, Professional Practice – A Handbook for ‎Interior Designers, which was used in colleges and universities throughout North ‎America. ‎

Perhaps one of her most memorable roles was as IDC representative to the Foundation ‎for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER; now CIDA/Council for Interior Design ‎Accreditation) for six years and as Chairman of the Board of FIDER for three years ‎‎(1986-1988). Later, she served as Vice President of IDEC (1983-1985). She also was ‎involved with student internships for many years, and served on the FIDER Research ‎Committee on student internships. This commitment to the quality of professional ‎practice learning experiences led to other related service. During 1991-1996, she worked ‎on the international research team (with Buie Harwood and Ron Veitch) developing an ‎entry-level apprenticeship program for the profession of interior design, the Interior ‎Design Experience Program (IDEP), which was later activated by the National Council ‎for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ; now CIDQ/Council for Interior Design ‎Qualifications). A final award, from ASID, was for Lifetime Achievement in her ‎profession.‎

Dianne was easy to work with, was fun to be around, and was a lifelong friend to many. ‎She had a great sense of humor, loved teaching, and was dedicated to her profession. ‎Well known for her commitment to quality work, she was recognized as a skillful leader ‎who achieved excellent results. Her laugh and smile will last in the memory of those who ‎knew her, and those who worked with her in the profession.‎

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (d. 2004)

Lyman was a product of mid-century west coast design at its most fertile. He graduated from UCLA with a BA in 1957 and an MA in 1959, and was a classmate of other IDEC Fellows and any number of other IDEC members. Upon graduation he began designing interiors for medical offices and churches, but soon his love of teaching drew him back to education. He directed the Interior Design program at Washington State University from 1960-1966 and directed the Interior Architecture program at the University of Oregon for twenty-four years. In 1998 he was awarded Emeritus status from the University.

Beginning in 1972, a major portion of Lyman’s professional life was his involvement with the Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research (FIDER; now CIDA), two years after that organization’s founding. He served on the Accreditation Committee from 1972-1977, as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1978-1983, and served as its chairman for four years.

In 1989, he chaired the FIDER committee that rewrote the organization’s Standards for Accreditation. A letter from Michael Wirtz, at the time Chairman of the Board of Trustees stated:
“On behalf of the FIDER Board of Trustees, we want to extend our sincere
thanks and appreciation to you for your dedication to serving FIDER. Your participation over the past few years has led to the development of the new standards for design education… We will not know or realize the impact that these standards will have for many years to come.”

In 1991, he participated in the FIDER Task Force on Reorganization and Structure that severed the dependent ties that held the organization to its founding partners and was to lead to its becoming a non-profit corporation. The following year he was a part of a group that looked at research concerning student internships.

Lyman was elected to Fellow membership in IDEC in 1981.

Before Lyman’s death in 2004, from causes related to Alzheimer’s, he and his wife had established the Lyman and Judith Johnson Interior Architecture Award for students interested in teaching as a career at the University of Oregon.

Memorial by Curt Sherman, FIDEC, FASID

FIDEC (1934 – 2009)

Jerry Nielson died in Louisiana on 4/14/2009 after suffering his third stroke. He had been in poor health for several years. He studied interior design with Hope Foote, a founder of IDEC, at the University of Washington, and received his BA degree from there.

He taught at the University of Oregon, Purdue, and later at Louisiana State University where he served as Department Chair in Interior Design and later Dean of the College of Design. He subsequently moved to the University of Florida to serve as Department Chair, a position he held for about 16 years.

Throughout his professional career, he was a strong supporter of high quality interior design education, the growth of IDEC, and the profession as a whole. His service to IDEC was extensive including work as an Annual Conference Coordinator in 1979, Treasurer 1968-1970, Vice President 1970-1973, and President 1995-1997, and subsequently Chairman of the Board.

He was the first Chair of the FIDER Accreditation Committee 1972-1983, and later served as a member of the Board of Visitors 1987-1990. During the late 1980s through early 1990s, he was the IDEC liaison to NCIDQ, and served NCIDQ in various capacities including Treasurer, Secretary, and later President in the early 1990s.

In recognition of his accomplishments, he was made an IDEC Fellow in 1979.

His ability to lead others and collaborate with them on worthwhile projects became legendary, as evident from his many leadership roles. His warm, friendly, engaging personality, and gentlemanly demeanor endeared him to all. His high standard of excellence was an inspiration and guiding light for those many educators that he mentored and supported through their careers.

He was well respected and will be missed by all who knew him, and particularly by this close friend who met him at my first IDEC conference in 1975, and was fortunate enough to know and work with him over many years through IDEC and NCIDQ. I hope that he dances to a really good tune up there!

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (d.2020)

Paul Petrie, IDEC Fellow, died on May 2, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia where he had lived for many years. He received his BID degree in interior design (University Gold Medal) from the University of Manitoba in Canada, and his MFA degree in interior design from Syracuse University in New York. Beginning in 1967, he practiced as a professional designer with several firms in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. During 1964-1995, he taught at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, CN, and was tenured there.

Accepting a position at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 1984, Paul and his family moved to Richmond, VA. He served as Department Chair, Interior Design, School of the Arts. During 1995-1997, he served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, VCU, School of the Arts in Richmond. During 1998-2001, he advanced an international effort serving as the Founding Director for VCU, Shaqab College of Design Arts in Doha, Qatar, and subsequently served as Associate Dean for that school from 2001-2003. During his first year in Doha, he worked with the architect to design the new VCU, School of the Arts building. Among many awards, he received the VCU School of the Arts “Award of Excellence,” 2002, and in 2005, he was awarded the VCU Presidential Medallion for his ongoing contribution to the School of the Arts.

Paul was a strong supporter of high quality interior design education, the growth of IDEC, and the profession as a whole. Paul joined IDEC in 1975, and continued as an active member through 1998. During this time, he served as IDEC Annual Conference Committee, Banff, CN (1977); Midwest Regional Chair (1982-1984); Membership Services Director, Annual Conference Co-Chair, Atlanta (1987); IDEC Representative to the Committee for Certified Virginia Interior Designers Board (1991-1994); Program Chair, South Regional Conference, Atlanta (1992); President’s Restructuring Task Force (1995), and IDEC President (1998). He was awarded Fellow status in IDEC in 1992, and in 1996, he received an IDEC Presidential Citation.

Paul was also active in the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER, now CIDA) where he served on the Board of Visitors, Accreditation Committee, and as the IDEC Representative to the FIDER Board of Trustees (1988-1990). He participated in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) through his service as Virginia Chapter NCIDQ Chair (1990-1997; now CIDQ) and Mid-Atlantic STEP Chair (1985-1990). He was also active in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and was awarded Fellow status for his service.

His ability to work with others in various capacities made him a lifelong friend to many of his colleagues and associates. His many IDEC friends describe him in as a “thoughtful leader, wonderful person, good friend, gracious person, encouraging, dedicated, gentle man, one of the finest, with a quiet humor, and innovative spirit. He was a dear friend to many, including me, and a loving father to his children. He will be missed and remembered by all that knew him and by all that worked with him.

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (d. 2013)

Dick Rankin died on 9/25/2013 in Lexington, Kentucky where he had lived for many years. His professional design practice began in 1954 and continued throughout his teaching career. He was a strong supporter of high quality interior design education, the growth of IDEC, and the profession as a whole. He taught and/or was the interior design Department Chair at Purdue University, University of Missouri, University of Kentucky, and North Dakota State University.

As a founding member of IDEC, Dick was one of about 27 educators in the United States and Canada that attended the first IDEC conference held in Philadelphia, PA in 1963. Later he served as IDEC Secretary/Treasurer 1964-1966, President 1967-1969, and Chairman of the Board 1969-1971. During his term as President, IDEC was incorporated as an organization and the groundwork for interior design accreditation was formulated. In 1970, IDEC published the Guidelines for Accrediting Interior Design Educational Programs, which became the footprint for accreditation development.

Subsequently, he was one of the first two IDEC representatives to the newly formed Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER; which became the Council for Interior Design Accreditation in 2006), and served as one of its six Board members. Later, he served as Chairman of the FIDER Board 1976-1977 and became a member of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation 1978. Throughout his lengthy professional service, he collaborated with numerous interior design educators, design practitioners, government officials, and professional leaders to help establish interior design educational standards for a variety of programs in the United States and Canada.

Because of his many accomplishments, Dick was recognized as one of the first four Fellows of IDEC in 1978.

His ability to lead others and collaborate with them on worthwhile projects became legendary, as evident from his many leadership roles. His warm, engaging, humorous personality endeared him to all. Former IDEC President Arnold Friedmann stated: “Dick gave good advice when I started the ” Critical Study,” … [insisting] that I get an electric typewriter. … It was the demise of my old manual typewriter. Dick was a friend who was fun to be with. He had a great sense of humor and we had many good times, meals, and meetings over the years.” Former IDEC President Curt Sherman commented: “His leadership in the early days of IDEC helped make the organization what it was to become.”

Dick’s death reflects the passing of a generation of leaders in interior design education. He and others formed our foundation, guided our early development, enhanced our mission, and shaped our vision. He truly was a friend to all, mentor to many (including me), advocate for the profession, and a role model for those who served with and after him. Many will miss his friendship and guiding hand.

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (1920 – 2002)

Dr. Kate Ellen Rogers did her post-graduation studies in Fine Arts at George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, and subsequently received her PhD in Fine Arts and Education from Columbia University in New York. She later worked as an interior designer at Design Today in Lubbock, Texas and also taught at Texas Technological College at the same time.

In 1954, she joined the faculty at the University of Missouri at Columbia where she founded the interior design program, one of the first interior design programs in the United States and Canada. She taught there and served as Department Chair until she retired in 1984. She was one of the first women to be awarded the university Faculty Alumni Award in 1968. In 1973, the interior design program at the University of Missouri – Columbia was one of the first six programs to be accredited by FIDER.

In 1963, she established a PhD program through the College of Agriculture. The Housing and Interior Design program, including the PhD, moved to the College of Home Economics in 1972.

Her contributions to IDEC were numerous. In 1971, she served as IDEC’s President and during her term the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER, now CIDA) was founded as the accreditation entity for interior design education in the United States and Canada. In 1975, she authored a widely acclaimed book on design called “The Modern House.” During 1975-1978 Kate founded and served as the first editor of IDEC’s Journal of Interior Design Education and Research (JIDER, now JID). In 1978, she was one of the first four IDEC members to be recognized with a “Fellow” award.

In 1979, she served as Chair of the FIDER (now CIDA) Standards Committee, and was its first Research Chair in 1982. She was a founder and Fellow in the American Association of Housing Educators.

Kate was often called upon as an educational consultant because of her expertise and recognition in interior design education. Over a 20-year time frame, she left a lasting legacy in interior design education: about two dozen of her students (see below, partial list) became higher education interior design faculty across the country. Many remember Kate for her southern charm and accent, cute smile, and funny giggle.

Memorial By Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID and Dorothy Fowles, FIDEC, FASID, FIIDA

Students who became Interior Design educators include: Diana Allison, Nancy Blossom, David Butler, Rodney Casebier, Roxanne Dilbeck, Dorothy Fowles, Pat Hilderbrand, Lee Hill, Dennis James, Gary McCurry, Fred Malven, Roberta Mauksch, Robert Rice, Terry Rothgeb, Janet Schrock, Lydia Sondhi, Dianne Speaks, Joann Asher Thompson, Ruth Stumpe Brent Tofle.

FIDEC (d. 2018)

Don Sherman, who enjoyed a long and extensive career in interior design education and was an IDEC Fellow, died 8/14/2018 in Colorado.

He received his BFA degree in interior design from the University of Colorado and his MA degree from UCLA in Environmental Design. Many Fellows remember him as Chair, Interior Design, Maryland Institute in Baltimore, MD where he served for about 18 years. And, it was there that he hosted, with Marge Kriebel, a fabulous IDEC Annual Conference that many still talk about “including the final dinner in the fabulous library.” He later moved West to be the Director, Graduate Studies, Interior Design at the University of Colorado, Denver. He retired as Professor Emeritus, Interior Design, Dept. of Design and Merchandising, College of Applied Human Sciences, Colorado State University. He practiced interior design from 1960 until he retired, and wrote many articles on painted floor cloths for numerous journals and professional publications.

His service to IDEC was significant. He was a Regional Chair, Membership Chair, Corresponding Secretary, and Secretary of the IDEC Foundation. Subsequently, he served as IDEC President (1987-1989), and later Chair of the IDEC Board. He was also very active and served many years on the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER), now the Council on Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), as a member of Visiting Teams, and on the Standards and Guidelines Committee, where he also served as Chair of the Standards Committee. And, he was very active in the International Interior Design Associate (IIDA), where he was recognized as a Fellow member.

Comments from various IDEC Fellows include many words that characterize his character, humanness, and strong commitment to the profession: “gentleman with integrity and humor,” “wonderful person and colleague,” “teacher,” “mentor,” “friend,” “wonderful role model,” “quiet manner and soft smile,” “he was among the greats that forged our way forward,” and “a leader in the field.” And, for those who had the opportunity, he was a great dancer!

On behalf of IDEC, and his many friends and associates, we all “feel fortunate to have known him for so many years.” And, I will miss all the great conversations we had about interior design education and the profession.

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (1939 – 2012)

Betty Treanor graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA degree and Iowa State University with an MA degree. Later, she served as a Mormon missionary and nurse in South America for a few years. Subsequently, she worked in interior design in Arizona and California.

In the mid 1970s, she joined the faculty in interior design as an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin. She then moved to Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, where she served on the interior design faculty and was Department Chair for many years. She retired from the university in 2004 as a Professor Emeritus. Betty was instrumental in the program being accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER, now CIDA). She retired from that college in the early 2000s.

Betty was an active member of IDEC, and worked diligently as Chair of the Bibliography Committee to develop a comprehensive Bibliography for IDEC. This project involved collecting, checking, and then publishing literature/research/works for interior design educators to use in teaching as well as in research and creative performance. It was a monumental task, and totaled close to 100+ pages. She also served as South Regional Chair, and made several creative/research presentations at IDEC conferences. In 1993, she served as Chair of the IDEC Annual Conference in San Antonio.

Betty’s most active participation was with FIDER, where she served on the Committee on Accreditation during 1982-1985, and later was Chair. As Joy Dohr states: “I remember Betty, not only as a leader and doer, but as someone who would meet with an individual whose program had been denied accreditation and would take the time (permitted then) to go over ideas of how the program could improve based upon their review and then reapply once problems were corrected.” During 1987-1993, she served on the FIDER Board of Trustees, and was Chair of it for a year. In 1991, she participated on the Task Force on Reorganization and Structure and the Task Force for the Implementation of the New Standards.

Due to her contributions to IDEC and FIDER, she was recognized as an IDEC Fellow.

Betty died 5/11/2012 in Utah at about 72 years old. Many people remember her as caring and dedicated, and committed to improving interior design education.

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID with help from Joy Dohr and Josette Rabun

FIDEC

Ron Veitch studied interior design at the University of Manitoba, where he received a BID and M.Arch degrees. He subsequently taught interior design at the school. At the time, it was the premier college for studying interior design in Canada. He also was a licensed interior designer in Canada, with over 35 years of experience in practice and teaching.

He was a Fellow and served as President of the Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba (PIDIM), and was on the committee that achieved a licensing act in 1981. Subsequently, he was a Fellow and served as President of the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and was the IDC representative to the International Federation of Interior Architects/Interior Designers (IFI).

Ron was very active in the Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research (FIDER, now CIDA), and served as Chair of the Standards Committee that established and reviewed criteria for interior design accreditation in academic programs. Joy Dohr, who worked with him, commented on his contribution: “When I think back upon our times and commitment to interior design education, Ron’s leadership as Chair of the FIDER Standards Committee is where we see his mark, a new direction for the field. As Chair of Standards and me as Chair of Research, our task was to gather information from the field, develop and recommend new standards for FIDER’s Trustees and simultaneously design and implement a new assessment system. He was tireless, detailed, focused and strong in this effort. Not only was Ron an excellent educator, knowledgeable author and leader who so appreciated those who mentored him as Kate Rogers did, he was good theater with an outstanding presence.”

He joined IDEC early in his career, and served on various committees over many years. During 1983-1986, he served as IDEC President and was well recognized for his leadership, and this was followed by a two-year term as Chairman of the Board. During his term as President, IDEC celebrated its 20th anniversary, held its first annual Juried Design Exhibition, published its first “IDEC Comprehensive Bibliography for Interior Design,” and published its first “IDEC Appointment, Tenure, and Promotion” document. In 1989, he was recognized as an IDEC Fellow.

In 1990, Professional Practice: A Handbook for Interior Designers by Ron and co-authors Dianne Jackman and Mary Katherine Dixon was published, and became an important reference in North America for teaching business practices in interior design. In 1994, his book Detailing Fundamentals for Interior Design was published. During 1990-1994, Ron (IDEC rep) worked with Dianne Jackman (FIDER rep/now CIDA) and Buie Harwood (NCIDQ rep/now CIDQ) on developing the Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP) for the interior design profession in North America.

Memorial by Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID

FIDEC (1932 – 2019)

Virginia obtained her first degree at Cornell University in chemistry and zoology. Subsequently, she studied at Ohio State University where she received a BFA degree and an MA in Design Management. From 1972-1982, she was the director of interior design at Karlsberger & Associates in Columbus, Ohio.

After a decade of working in the profession, she joined the Department of Industrial Design, later the Department of Design, at The Ohio State University where she taught for over twenty years. During that time, she spent five years as Chair of the graduate program and worked to enhance graduate education in design.

In 1989, she was honored with a Human Achievement Award from the Council for Contract Interior Designers (CID) for her work in advancing contract interior design. Her research work focused on professional ethics and technical subjects related to interior design. In 1988, her book Interior Finish Materials for Health Care Facilities was published, and it became an important reference for health care design work.

She was active in the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER, now CIDA), the Institute of Business Designers (IBD; merged with other organizations to form IIDA), the American Institute of Interior Designers (AID, now ASID), and the National Society of Interior Designers (NSID).

Virginia served as Treasurer of IDEC for several years, as well as being on other IDEC committees. When the IDEC Foundation was being reorganized and the Polsky family challenged us to match their twenty-thousand-dollar gift, she was instrumental to the Foundation’s effort. Within the year, the challenge was met and funds doubled.

One of her students commented in her obituary:
“Her legacy continues as we strive for excellence in interior design education and in our efforts to ensure that Ohio State Design has a representative voice in conversations about the future of design practices.”

Memorial By: Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Honorary FASID, with contributions from Joy Dohr, FIDEC