IDEC History

The Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) is a recognized association for interior design educators in North America. It was established in 1962 and officially named during its first conference in 1963. The organization’s initial purpose was to enhance interior design education, foster communication between individuals and institutions, and elevate interior design’s teaching and professional standards. This broad mission set the stage for IDEC’s impactful history.

Starting in 1972, IDEC began documenting its history and celebrated milestone anniversaries at its conferences in 1982, 1987, 1992, 2008, and 2012. These efforts were crucial in recognizing the organization’s significance both within the profession and externally. IDEC established a historical record through these endeavors, preserved its identity, and marked its achievements on its website. Essentially, the organization’s history acted as its memory and provided the groundwork for its continued development.

View IDEC PRESIDENTS

Modern office with large industrial windows

IDEC History compiled by:

Buie Harwood, FIDEC, Hon. FASID
Professor Emeritus, Interior Design, VCUArts
IDEC Arnold Friedmann Educator of Distinction 2012
ASID Educator of Distinction 2003

IDEC HISTORICAL MILESTONES

Large waterway bridge in a big city and a old piece of paper out of a book

1962

IDEC originates on Nov 10, 1962, at the AID Central Region Meeting in Chicago.

Colorful and circular icons with a collage of images within them

1963

The first IDEC conference was held in Philadelphia with 27 members.

Two people working on schematics together and a page out of an old book

1964

“Chart of 15 Schools Offering Interior Design” distributed; IDEC has 61 members.

Woman in a modern kitchen looking at interior design photos

1965

IDEC proposes a standard 4-year interior design curriculum.

Multiple people having a meeting sharing a tablet and a half purple circle

1966

IDEC issues a white paper on the need for interior design education.

Cityscape skyline and a official State of New York document next to a half yellow circle

1967

The certificate of Incorporation of IDEC was established on May 18 in Albany, NY.

Teacher and student giving a presentation next to a half purple and tan circle

1968

IDEC publishes the first Directory listing 286 schools.

Woman reading a magazine next to a big window and a half green circle below

1969

IDEC publishes the first bound IDEC Newsletter.

Collage of paper images next to a half green circle

1970

IDEC publishes Guidelines for Accrediting Interior Design Programs.

Founding members of FIDER photo next to a half purple circle

1971

The Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) is formed.

Old film and projector next to a half orange circle

1972

IDEC establishes the first slide library.

Woman giving a presentation with a spot light on her next to a half purple circle

1973

FIDER accredits six interior design programs; IDEC holds the first keynote address.

Photo of IDEC's first honorary members next to a half purple circle

1974

IDEC inducts its first Honorary Members and holds scholarly presentations.

Thumbnail image of Journal of interior design education and research book cover next to a half orange circle

1975

Journal of Interior Design Education and Research (JIDER) Vol. 1, No. 1 is released.

circular icons with a collage of images within them

1977

Bylaws are amended to add a new Fellow category.

Colorful and circular icons with a photo of IDEC corporate members within them

1978

IDEC corporate members can use the IDEC designation.

Interior design book cover on top of an orange square and next to a half green circle

1979

IDEC hosts the first town hall meeting; “Enrollment and Statistical Data Survey,” which reveals 207 schools with interior design programs.

Man giving a lecture to his students next to a half orange circle

1980

IDEC forms the first Tenure and Promotion Committee.

Colorful and circular icons with a photo of record reports within them

1982

IDEC RECORD replaces IDEC Newsletter; IDEC adopts a new definition of an interior designer.

IDEC member giving a speech at a podium next to a half green circle

1983

IDEC celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Many people at work talking together next to a half purple circle

1984

IDEC hosts the first “Fun with the Fellows.”

1985

IDEC publishes the first “Appointment, Tenure, and Promotion” document.

Colorful and circular icons with a photo of a person writing within them

1986

IDEC revises bylaws to emphasize education and research.

Colorful and circular icons with a photo of a building and palm trees within them

1987

IDEC establishes its first central office in Irvine, CA.

IDEC members taking a group photo next to a half green circle

1988

IDEC celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Colorful and circular icons with a photo of people talking together within them

1989

IDEC members serve on the NCIDQ Board.

Blurred photo of people in a work meeting next to a half green circle

1990

IDEC members participate in Unified Voice discussions.

1991

IDEC forms the Interior Design Educators Foundation.

Old photo of an IDEC sheet cake next to a half orange circle

1992

IDEC celebrates its 30th anniversary.

1993

IDEC updates the “Appointment, Tenure, and Promotion” document.

Research report cover thumbnail on top of a green square and next to a orange half circle

1994

FIDER hosts Futures Roundtable; IDEC members participate in leadership roles.

Colorful and circular icons with a photo of a woman with glasses within them

1995

IDEC votes to remain an independent association.

1996

Raybourn Group International manages IDEC.

Many people in a meeting at the office next to an orange half circle

1997

IDEC Board restructures organization.

Colorful and circular icons with a photo of a busy city center within them

2000

IDEC participates in the World Congress on Environmental Design.

Colorful and circular icons with a photo of two women shaking hands within them

2001

IDEC strengthens ties at the Korean Global Conference.

2003

IDEC partners on the joint website about careers in interior design.

Woman working on her laptop next to an orange half circle

2004

IDEC activates the organizational website and career guide.

Living plant wall next to an purple half circle

2005

IDEC passes sustainability resolution.

2006

IDEC debuts a new logo; Council on Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) replaces FIDER.

Woman giving a speech at a conference next to a half green circle

2007

IDEC Fellow’s Forum focuses on graduate education.

IDEC members photographs next to a half purple circle

2008

IDEC celebrates its 45th anniversary, the first Design History Symposium.

Colorful and circular icons with a photo of video equipment within them

2009

Interior Design Education Video Competition starts.

Photo collage of IDEC cyber cafe conference within circle shapes

2010

IDEC participates in World Congress on Environmental Design; launches Cyber Cafe.

Photos of IDEC members next to a half orange circle

2011

IFI President presents at IDEC’s annual conference.

2012

IDEC celebrates its 50th anniversary.

2014

Kellen Company provides full-service association management to IDEC.