Interior Design Program Joins Fay Jones School of Architecture

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Bruce Imhoff, Ashlee Dunaway and Ashli Hart look over Imhoff’s sketches with Jennifer Webb, associate professor of interior design, during a recent studio class in the Agriculture Annex.

The discipline of interior design has evolved and changed with the times. Born out of the home economics discipline, it has now matured into a professional design field.

As a result of that shift, the interior design program at the University of Arkansas has moved to a design-focused school. The program officially joined the Fay Jones School of Architecture on July 1.

Like many interior design programs across the country, the University of Arkansas program originated in 1974 as a housing major in the department of home economics within what was then the College of Agriculture and Home Economics (now the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences). The general degree became the Bachelor of Interior Design (B.I.D.) in 1999-2000.

While many might question the rationale of locating a housing or interior design program in an agriculture college, it was logical from a historical perspective. Marie Gentry, program director, said housing issues were then addressed as part of home economics and agricultural extension programs.

Extension specialists looked at the scope of family life and the basics of home economics that included housing, food, clothing -- "all components of the household environment," she said. "It made sense at the time to have housing and interior design as a part of the agricultural and home economics college."

Over the years, the focus on housing expanded to address a variety of interior environments, including work and leisure environments. As the emphasis broadened, the discipline changed.

Bringing the academic programs related to design together will better prepare students for the realities of contemporary professional practice, in which the design disciplines work collaboratively. Graduates will also be more effectively equipped to compete in the job market. "Our graduates work with architects, they work with landscape architects," Gentry said. "You want your academic environment to encourage this collaboration and to relate to what you're going to be experiencing in the profession."

The physical transition of the interior design program into the school of architecture will be gradual, with the 120 interior design students and the five faculty members housed in the Agriculture Annex until the renovation of and addition to Vol Walker Hall is complete, anticipated for fall 2013.

"When I arrived on the UA campus in 1999, a discussion had just ended about the possibilities of relocating interior design to the School of Architecture. The move today follows the national trend of combined colleges of design," said Jennifer Webb, associate professor, noting such institutions as University of Minnesota, University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky and Louisiana State University.

Having interior design in the architecture school will benefit all three disciplines as students learn from each other in a similar studio culture. Cross-pollination will occur as students take courses in the other disciplines, and understanding and appreciation of the roles of the three disciplines in the design process will likely increase. That includes dispelling the common misperception that interior designers are simply interior decorators.

"There's still a perception that we choose paint colors and carpet. It's important for students and the general public to understand that we're in the space-making business," Gentry said. "And while choosing colors and finishes and furniture is part of it, we start with the space. We're creating space, not decorating space."

Interior designers apply creative and technical solutions in the construction of interior spaces, creating interiors that are functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Interior designers also address issues of quality of life, cultural dimensions, codes and regulations, and environmental sustainability.

Gentry speculated that this change would also stimulate more collaborative teaching and research efforts among faculty. Webb has already collaborated with Korydon Smith, associate professor of architecture, on a book, Just Below the Line: Disability, Housing, and Equity in the South, which was published in May through a collaboration between the Fay Jones School of Architecture and the University of Arkansas Press. In addition, several collaborative studio projects have occurred between interior design and landscape architecture in past years.

"As the built environment has become more complex, effective design now requires a team of experts able to contribute to the final solution," Webb said. "For example, the current focus on sustainable design includes energy efficient heating and cooling systems, reduced chemical emissions for improved indoor air quality, and daylighting and views that improve employee productivity. No one person can be an expert in all of those areas."

Dean Jeff Shannon said it simply makes sense for the interior design program to be housed in a design school.

"We heartily welcome the interior design students and faculty to the Fay Jones School of Architecture family," Shannon said. "This move makes perfect educational sense for this program, and it will enhance the architecture and landscape architecture programs through collaboration. Adding to our degree offerings also strengthens the school as a whole."