Top Interior Design Programs: Savannah College of Art and Design Leads the Way for a Third Consecutive Year

ATLANTA and SAVANNAH, Ga., Nov. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DesignIntelligence has released its 2014 report of "America's Best Architecture & Design Schools," and for an unprecedented third year in a row, the Savannah College of Art and Design is home to the nation's top undergraduate and graduate interior design programs.

"I am ecstatic that design professionals and educators from across the country have once again recognized SCAD's excellence in interior design education and career elevation," said Paula S. Wallace, SCAD president and cofounder. "Congratulations to our star interior design alumni, faculty and students."

"America's Best Architecture & Design Schools" are ranked annually by DesignIntelligence on behalf of the Design Futures Council. The research ranks undergraduate and graduate programs from the perspective of leading practitioners and educators. Read a complete list of rankings.

"We are extremely proud to be named the top interior design programs again. This achievement speaks volumes about the quality of our respected interior design faculty and the strength of SCAD's interdisciplinary approach," said Khoi Vo, chair of interior design at SCAD. "Our students collaborate with industry partners throughout their time at SCAD, so it's no wonder that our graduates are seen as the best prepared for their profession. There can be no more important measure of our program's success."

Industry trends point to a need for well-rounded design professionals with diverse knowledge of the broader art and design fields, in addition to interior design education and experience. SCAD's Collaborative Learning Center projects and the university's cross-disciplinary approach, with more than 40 majors, actively engage business professionals, students and faculty in authentic, real-world partnerships. Interior design students have collaborated with companies including Dell, Hugo Boss, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Benetton, Microsoft, Reebok, JCB, VTech, Cellular Sales and The Limited.

"During my time at SCAD, I was impressed with the outstanding quality of the students' work. Congratulations to SCAD on this well deserved honor," said world-renowned architect, urban planner, educator, theorist and author Moshe Safdie, who is known from Singapore to Israel for his innovative design work.

SCAD students also gain a global perspective on the discipline by having the opportunity to study interior design at the university's locations in the United States, France, Hong Kong and online. SCAD has created inspiring environments for artists and designers at each of its locations, revitalizing more than 100 buildings around the globe.

The most recent examples of SCAD's meticulous and culturally sensitive revitalization efforts include the Maison Basse in Lacoste, France – a former carriage house of the Marquis de Sade that now serves as a center for the study of art, design and architecture – and the former North Kowloon Magistracy Building in Hong Kong, now SCAD Hong Kong. Like SCAD's other facilities, they marry original, historic features with advanced technology and learning resources in an artfully designed setting. UNESCO, the American Institute of Architects, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, among others, have recognized SCAD for its efforts.

SCAD also has been recognized by accrediting bodies across the nation for its innovative curriculum, accomplished faculty and exemplary educational resources. The university has received maximum terms of accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; telephone number 404.679.4500), National Architectural Accrediting Board, and Council for Interior Design Accreditation (accredit-id.org,  206 Grandville Ave., Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503).

SCAD: The University for Creative Careers

The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor's and master's degrees at distinctive locations and online to prepare talented students for professional careers. SCAD offers degrees in more than 40 majors, as well as minors in over 60 disciplines in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia; in Hong Kong; in Lacoste, France; and online through SCAD eLearning. Visit our official blog.

SOURCE Savannah College of Art and Design