CIDA -The Council for Interior Design Accreditation

NeoCon 2026 kicks off today at The Mart in Chicago!

This year’s theme, “Where Design Connects,” brings together the global commercial interior design community for three days of product launches, thought leadership, immersive experiences, and industry connections.

Wishing safe travels and a great show to everyone attending!

CIDA is saddened to share the news that long-time volunteer Scott Ageloff, FIDEC, ASID, AIA passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

For more than two decades, Scott dedicated a tremendous amount of his time, expertise, and leadership to advancing quality interior design education through service to CIDA. He served as a CIDA site visitor and visiting team chair, participating in more than 20 accreditation reviews. He was known for his professionalism, outstanding performance, and commitment to mentoring new volunteers.

Scott was appointed to CIDA’s Accreditation Commission in 2013, where he contributed thoughtful leadership throughout the two terms that he served. Scott approached every volunteer role with dedication, integrity, and professionalism. During this time, Scott also contributed to CIDA’s standards development project that resulted in the generation of professionals standards used over the past decade. His service left a lasting mark on CIDA and on interior design education.

In recognition of his extraordinary service and leadership, Scott was honored with CIDA’s Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in 2014. Established in 2008, the award is CIDA’s highest volunteer honor and is presented to only one individual each year. Named for Keith Hooks, a respected leader whose dedication helped shape the organization, the award recognizes volunteers who consistently exceed expectations and whose contributions advance CIDA’s mission to provide the foundation for future excellence in the profession through accreditation and standards development.

“Scott Ageloff had an unwavering dedication to excellence in every facet of his work and in his aspirations for the interior design profession. He was an individual with strong conviction, intellect, and a deep expertise in both design education and the built environment. CIDA is honored to have been among those who benefited from his immense talent,” states Holly Mattson, Chief Executive Officer. “On behalf of his numerous colleagues at CIDA, we offer our condolences to Scott’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him over the years. He will be greatly missed, and the impact of his contributions will continue to be felt throughout the CIDA community for years to come.”

What makes a strong interior design program?

It’s not just the courses.� It’s how everything connects.

According to the CIDA report:�
• 90% say accreditation strengthens curriculum�
• 90% say it supports student recruitment�
• 86% say it differentiates programs

That means accreditation isn’t just about recognition. It’s about building better learning environments.

What made your design education stand out? Learn more on our website: https://loom.ly/aOMRDHo

Meet the Directors 👋

Behind CIDA’s mission is a dedicated group of leaders from across the interior design profession, education, industry, and the public sector. Our Board of Directors helps guide the organization’s strategic direction and supports CIDA’s commitment to quality assurance in interior design education.

Learn more about the Board of Directors: https://loom.ly/VrOQLk8

The 6th International Nurten Aksugür Best Concept Communication Student Competition 2026, organized by the Department of Interior Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University, is now open for submissions.

The competition is open to all students studying interior architecture and interior design. It provides an international platform for students to present their design ideas, concept development approaches, and communication skills.

Last date for submission: 13 July 2026

For more information:
https://loom.ly/LGK1hPI

Contact: [email protected]

6. Uluslararası Nurten Aksugür En iyi Kavram İletişimi Öğrenci Yarışması - DAÜ 6. Uluslararası Nurten Aksugür En iyi Kavram İletişimi Öğrenci Yarışması99628, Gazimağusa, Kuzey KıbrısMersin 10, Türkiye

How do you design standards for the future of interior design? At CIDA, it starts with listening and learning.

In 2024, we launched our Future Scan to better understand what’s changing in education and practice. From climate challenges to new technologies, the field is evolving quickly—and that has real implications for how students are prepared.

What we found was important:�there are growing gaps between current approaches to education and what the future may require.

That’s why updating standards isn’t just about making small changes. It’s about stepping back and asking bigger questions. And it’s something we’ve been doing for decades.�CIDA’s accreditation standards have always evolved alongside the profession. This is part of an ongoing journey.

What do you think is the biggest change interior design education needs to respond to right now?

Learn more about the CIDA Professional Standards 2028 Project on our website - https://loom.ly/3RRqY-8

What does accreditation really mean for your career?

For many designers, it means: Faster employment� Stronger confidence� Clearer differentiation

According to the latest CIDA report:�
• 75% found jobs within 14 weeks�
• 77% say accreditation increased confidence

That’s real impact.

Did accreditation shape your career? Share your experience.

Learn more on our website - https://loom.ly/aOMRDHo

Thank you to Stantec for hosting our spring Accreditation Commission meeting.

We are grateful for your generous support and for providing such a welcoming and well-equipped space for our work. Your hospitality helped create an environment that encouraged thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and careful consideration of accreditation decisions.

We appreciate your partnership and your continued support of interior design education and accreditation.