UKCoD School of Interiors

09/23/2026

The University of Kentucky College of Design is seeking the next Director of the School of Interiors.

This leadership role will help guide the School of Interiors through an exciting period of growth, curriculum transformation and expanded impact in design education, research and professional practice. We are seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who can advance the school's vision and national visibility.

Applications will be reviewed beginning in the coming weeks.

Learn more: https://design.uky.edu/news/uk-college-design-hiring-director-school-interiors

09/22/2026

The UK Interior Design Student Association is hosting a Design Chat with UK interiors alum Sarah Baker, NCIDQ, KYCID, AUID this Friday, Sept. 25 from Noon-1pm in the Biagi Forum of the Gray Design Building.

Sarah is an interior designer, project manager, marketing professional, and community connector with more than 20 years of experience bringing people, ideas, and organizations together. A University of Kentucky graduate with a B.A. in Interior Design and an NCIDQ certificate, Sarah currently serves as the Senior Interior Designer and Project Manager at the University of Kentucky, where she works on capital and facility projects across campus-from space planning and finish selections to furniture, procurement, budgeting, and project coordination.

Sarah’s career has also taken her beyond traditional interior design. She has held leadership roles in marketing, business development, communications, financial education, and community engagement, building partnerships across the business, education, design, construction, and nonprofit communities.
Known for her creativity, enthusiasm, relationship-building, and ability to turn ideas into action, Sarah is passionate about creating meaningful experiences and making connections that have an impact. Her personal philosophy is simple: Do what you love. Love what you do.

This event is free and open to all. We hope to see you there!

09/22/2026

The UK Interior Design Student Association is hosting a Design Chat with UK interiors alum Sarah Baker, NCIDQ, KYCID, AUID this Friday, Sept. 25 from Noon-1pm in the Biagi Forum of the Gray Design Building. 🗣️

Sarah is an interior designer, project manager, marketing professional, and community connector with more than 20 years of experience bringing people, ideas, and organizations together. A University of Kentucky graduate with a B.A. in Interior Design and an NCIDQ certificate, Sarah currently serves as the Senior Interior Designer and Project Manager at the University of Kentucky, where she works on capital and facility projects across campus—from space planning and finish selections to furniture, procurement, budgeting, and project coordination.

Sarah’s career has also taken her beyond traditional interior design. She has held leadership roles in marketing, business development, communications, financial education, and community engagement, building partnerships across the business, education, design, construction, and nonprofit communities.

Known for her creativity, enthusiasm, relationship-building, and ability to turn ideas into action, Sarah is passionate about creating meaningful experiences and making connections that have an impact. Her personal philosophy is simple: Do what you love. Love what you do.

This event is free and open to all. We hope to see you there!

09/16/2026

Some ideation pinups from our fourth-year healthcare design studio 🏥💡

08/31/2026

Third-year students wrapped up the first week with a fun pinup of their music visualization sketches. ✍️🎶

Each group was assigned a music genre and listened to a song or multiple songs that fit within that category. As they listened they were tasked to visualize the song into an abstract sketch.

This was the first of a multi phase project, and we can’t wait to see the rest! Can you guess what genres are represented in the sketches you see here? 🧐

08/07/2026

Our students are change makers! 👏

University of Kentucky interiors students partnered with The Nest to reimagine its childcare space through trauma-informed design. Their proposals show how thoughtful changes — from calming corners to softer transitions — can help children and families feel safer, supported and at home.

07/10/2026

Today, and always, the UK School of Interiors remembers Terry Rothgeb as an influential and compassionate colleague, mentor, and friend. 

Terry was appointed as Chair of the Department of Housing and Interior Design in 1981 and served in leadership until 1993, returning to the studio and classroom until his retirement in 2012. As Chair, he successfully oversaw the transition to the Department of Human Environment: Design and Textiles, then in the College of Human Environmental Sciences (before the School of Interiors was established as part of the College of Design). Terry is also remembered in the profession for his seminal work in developing courses and study materials for the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) Exam.

In an oral history interview in 2016, Terry reflected on his long career, noting the legacy of Dick Rankin, his mentor and first department chair who Terry credits with establishing a place where a team could thrive. Terry continued the Rankin tradition of attracting faculty with professional experience, often pairing them with career faculty for a more well-rounded student experience. His legacy lives on in a collaborative team approach, which is still part of the ethos in the School of Interiors.

Most notably, hundreds of students recall Terry’s wit and sharp teaching as they learned the principles and elements of design in foundation courses and in projects across scale in Terry’s studios, often taught in collaboration with faculty in architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, and merchandising and textiles.

If you were a student or colleague of Terry’s and you have fond memories of his teaching or your experiences in his classes or studio, please share those in the comments so we can collectively celebrate his life.

07/09/2026

Three outstanding interiors alumni are helping lead the future of the interior design profession as 26-27 officers of IIDA Ohio Kentucky Chapter . Congratulations to Kourtni Kesler (BFA, 2013), named president; Carrie Hendrickson (BFA, 2011), named vice president of student relations; and Alexa Wheeler (MFA, 2021), named director of the Louisville/Lexington area. 👏

From supporting students to strengthening the design community across Kentucky, these alumni continue to make an impact through their leadership and service. We're proud to see them representing UK and the Commonwealth through the International Interior Design Association.

07/02/2026

Alum-owned firm Peace Design is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Fall intern that will be involved in the daily operation and support of an award-winning design team.

Key contributions:
· Assist designers on residential design projects
· Source materials, pick-up/drop-off at showrooms
· Maintain reference library
· Support in clerical duties
· Conduct office errands
· Organize studio and office area

Requirements:
· Current enrollment in an Interior Design program of study or a related field
· Understanding of basic design terms, materials, and product
· Must have a strong work ethic – punctual, attentive to details, professional in demeanor,
and an enthusiastic team member
· Resourceful, inventive, and able to think independently to successfully achieve a task
· Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe
· Must have personal transportation to conduct errands and source materials

Terms:
· A three to six-month internship
· Office location in Atlanta, Georgia

Peace Design is a nationally renowned firm that has been producing luxury-level, residences, restaurants, and commercial projects for over two decades. The firm has a wide range of aesthetics, yet all are rooted in timeless, classic designs created with extraordinary attention to detail. Their projects have been published features in all major markets and have won numerous awards for our design in multiple categories.

If interested, please email your resume, portfolio (if available), and time availability to: [email protected] by July 15.

04/28/2026

At the 2026 IDEC Conference, UK School of Interiors brought home major honors:

- Faezeh Panahandeh + Paymaan Taymouri - IDECF Graduate Scholar Award
- Assistant Professor Jennifer Meakins - IDEC Service Award
- Assistant Professors Ingrid Schmidt + Aanya Chugh - 2nd Place, Scholarship of Teaching + Learning
- Director Helen Turner - 2nd Place, Scholarship of Design Practice

Congratulations to all of our student and faculty winners! These awards are proof of the impact our students and faculty are making on a national stage. 👏

Learn more below.

The University of Kentucky College of Design’s School of Interiors is celebrating a strong showing on the national stage following multiple recognitions at the 2026 Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) Annual Conference in Chicago.