The Place of Interior Design in K–12 Education and the Built Environment Education Movement

Issue Built environment education presents a unique opportunity for interior design to contribute to the quality of K–12 education in the United States. A need exists for substantive programs and curricula that promote a deeper understanding of the importance of interior design. While the field of architecture has spearheaded the majority of K–12 built environment initiatives, interior design has remained largely absent from this effort. Goal The place of interior design in built environment education needs to be established by emphasizing its own uniqueness in relation to allied disciplines. Application Emphasizing interior design concepts in built environment education can assist in integrating problem–solving skills and academic knowledge through interior design. Description Opportunities for interior design to advance built environment education are discussed. Conclusion Clearly presenting interior design as a profession and a unique entity of the built environment requires coordinated effort by the interior design community. This will reap many benefits for the future of the profession.