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not being FIDER accredited is a MAJOR issue, since to be licensed you have to do at least two years at an accredited school. licensing isn't much of an issue right now, but in the next few years it really will be. laws are poised to change in albany to require that only licensed designers design public/commercial buildings. residences won't fall far behind. this really is important for the professionalism of the field. lots of people don't get the difference between designers and decorators. it's important that you be recognized for the skills you will devleop in school! it's no small endeavor, right? so, i'd say, stick with an accredited school. really and truly. *check out the ASID website for more info on licensing. also, the new york state department of education has a listing of all the requirements for licensing so that you know what you are getting into - six years! (IF, of course, you don't already!) good luck! if you're interested at all in the New York School of Interior Design, feel free to send me an email, and i would be happy to talk tro you! FIT is also a good bet, as is Pratt in Brooklyn.

seema--
Great info. How much do you think licensing is tied to the ability to alter structure, sign off on architectrual plans, etc.?

marissa--
I wonder if, since you were already accepted to Parsons, you could start there, but move to an accredited school somewhere down the road, assuming some/all credits would transfer.
Aside from the accreditation (and issues of any school loyalties aside), I believe Parsons has a fine general reputation, as do the other candidates mentioned.
I am also guessing that if Parsons lost its standing, they are most likely looking to regain it s soon as they are able...

I was so shocked by this that I immediately Googled it. You may want to take a look at this article www.di.net/article.php?article_id=172 The article is from 2002 (still relevant because Parsons lost accreditation in 2000)but in a more recent comment toward the bottom, the editors note that the situation is "puzzling" and they are looking into it. Also of note is that Pratt has been in their top 5 rankings for the past few years. Might be worth some investigation.

Neither designers nor decorators can sign off architectural plans that alter structure or change egress or occupancy. Only licensed architects can do that. Architecture degrees and accredidation can be even more complicated than the changes proposed for designers. Accredited degrees are either 5 year Bachelor of Architure or Master of Architecture degrees. Many architecture programs accept non majors allowing you to get the the higher level of education without starting out as a freshman and taking so many years off. In this town it pays to have the highest level of education and go to the best school you can because competition is stiff, especially when the construction market goes in a downturn.

Everything here is very valid but just to throw in my two cents, I just "graduated" from the AAS programme at Parsons last May and have been working at a great firm for a little over 9 months now. Licensing will be more difficult for me but there are ways to qualify for the exam such as working for a longer period of time before taking the exam. I would say it was a spotty programme, with a VERY tight learning curve and those of us who got the most out of it really wanted to be there, we very motivated to learn on our own and throw ourselves into the practice. You will not have a life and you will not sleep very much. That being said, it was a blast and everyone I know who who did the programme with me is working in the field today.

in general, my feeling is that while the "right" education certainly helps, nothing can do for you what talent, personality, and hard work can! i didn't know you could get licensed without the accredited two years, mlchan - thanks for the info!

Wow, thanks so much for the valuable feedback! I guess this isn't such a cut-and-dry issue? Any additional input much appreciated...

A school having their FIDER accreditation is really important. But it's not the END OF THE WORLD if they don't. Take into consideration it only applies to United States and Canadian regulations. If you want to apply for licensing in other countries that's a whole nother process. I think graduating from Parsons gives you enough credit as it is. Besides, do you really want to work for a firm that only bases their hiring on whether or not you went to a FIDER accreditated school rather than your portfolio? If you want to work for a gigantic firm like Gensler or something it would probably be better to graduate from a FIDER accreditated school. If you don't it certainly isn't going to limit you to private residential practice. I myself researched this quite a bit and I actually settled on a school that doesn't have it's FIDER. Why? Because I think it's a great school and I like what the graduates are doing with themselves. I also like that they have an active ASID chapter. ASID is the American Society of Interior Designers. I think networking is more important than a FIDER accred. Are you really trying to take the NCIDQ? There's tons of hype around it, but most practicing interior designers aren't licensed.

while it's true, sally, that most practicing designers are not licensed, it's a distinct possibility that they will have to be within the next few years. and, in terms of marissa's dilemma, she won't qualify for the exam until 2011 when things might have changed. i think licensing helps the non-design industry understand that what we do is not just about where to put the doilies, it's a real skilled profession that is worth paying for!

Fascinating stuff - remember seeing this when I was looking into Parson's Design and Technology Masters program. Any parsonites have more info on that one too? Or NY designers aware of that program?

I feel like the voice of the cheaters here but as I mentioned before, I did the Parsons AAS programme and have been working, and a friend of mine who has never been to design school was just hired at Gensler. It is important to get a reputable education and the licensing if you want to have your own practice (NY State law was passed last summer to require interior designers to be licensed) but if you want to cut your teeth in an office first, the FIDER accreditation is not an issue. Ultimately I've found it's about getting what you need - I needed to get back into the workforce as quickly as possible and Parsons let me do that. FIT would have been cheaper and just as good but they didn't have a 2-year degree. It's about taking responsibility for your own education and learning what you feel you need to learn (whether it's in the classroom or sketching in your home) to do the work you want. The knowledge and talent will be evident regardless of where you got a formal education.

Oh wait. Are we talking about the AA program? I didn't know Parsons had a two year program. Oh. SORRY. Anyway, FIDER doesn't accredit 2 year programs anymore. Regardless of how good they are. My old school used to but it lost it. Just like Parsons. FIDER isn't accrediting 2 years anymore because the organization doesn't feel all issues can be addressed within a 2 year program. It's that simple.

sally - i heard about that two-year thing! luckily, it doesn't apply to people who finished school before they made that rule. phew!

seema - i missed it by a year. =(

I am also planning to major in interior design. To introduce myself, I am currently a senior in high school, gotten accepted to Parsons and Pratt Institute for the next year course. I am aware that Parsons has lost its accredit in FIDER, so my direction to choosing college has shifted to more Pratt. What I am wondering is-- when you graduate from a FIDER accredited design school, is it to my advantage, and is there a higher percentage of getting a job after graduation? Doesn't getting a job placement in firms/companies depend on your academic history and your portfolio, but not entirely on whether college you graduate from is accredited or not? if I am missing a certain fact about FIDER, I am all ears to hear about it.

what other advantages to having graduate from FIDER college are there? does it really matter on whether I attend parsons or pratt and get the same degree w/or w/o FIDER accredited school?

I thank you in advance

Dear Marissa,
I am going to the AAS Interior Design program this fall at Parson's so I too was concerned when I ran across all this internet, blogging regarding the FIDER issue, so I went right to the top, chair of the department Pamela Klein, here is what she had to say.. (P.S. Have you looked or researched all the fabulous important designers who graduated from this program... look at alumni????)
Parsons didn't loose it's FIDER accreditation-----it never had it because our course of study in Interior Design pre-dated FIDER. That organization has long wished for Parsons' participation, however, we've never found it necessary. Our students and alums are members of ASID and sit for the NCIDQ exam. There's no difference between their qualifications and graduates of FIDER programs. Perhaps because of our reputation in the field our alums have an advantage.
The bachelor's degree program in Interior Design at Parsons is part of the Architecture, Interior Design and Lighting Department (AILD) and is accredited by the NAAB the accrediting body for Architecture----FIDER's requirements aren't as strict. The school is also accredited by NASAD (North American Schools of Art and Design) and Middle States. The AAS program is unique in that it is a defacto post baccalaureate in that all the students have bachelor's degrees -- our curriculum was designed to address the needs of this particular well educated population. PK

Hope to see you there,
bethanie

What a fantastic discussion... whoever is starting the AAS program at Parsons in the fall, would you mind clarifying something? I am applying (very!) late and have had a tough time obtaining any specific info about the home exam/presentation board--it sounds like they want a photo of the board as a jpg or pdf. Is that correct?

Also, if you interviewed, did you find that to be helpful/worthwhile? Thanks so much.

"not being FIDER accredited is a MAJOR issue, since to be licensed you have to do at least two years at an accredited school."


This is not true at all/ NCIDQ categorically states that FIDER is not required for their tests/ However, you have to be sure your state licensing exam (which I think is another test) doesnt require it. I am researching parsons too because I thought it was highly respected, since I want to live and practice in NYC.
Use the link below and search for fider on the page/

http://www.ncidq.com/faqs/index.htm

is it not imp for a intrnational student to see if a institute is FIDER accredited

Hi everybody,

I'm Grace I'm very interested in Interior Design. I would like to know if Parsons is still offering one of the best education in Interior Design and also if their BFA program is FIDER accredited.

P.S. I'm wondering if their is a site or a list where I can find the top school in Interior Design, (Like Yale, Haward, Standford is very well-known)

Thanks, Grace

IT IS OK THAT IT IS NOT FIDER ACCREDITED!!!
I went to Parsons and took the exams and they were all 100 percent fine with it. If you read the requirements for the exam it says FIDER OR a well respected institution, which parsons obviously is!

a few quick questions...sorry if its been asked before.......dont know if someone can answer this or not....but if someone is enroled in the fashion design AAS program at parsons...and wants to eventually get a bachelors in fashion design...is that possible?....are the credits transferable?...do many people do it?...hows the curriculum for AAS...?.....

would appreciate some insight...

thanks

I would like to know the same question posted by Kim (06-10-2005) pertaining to the specific info about the home exam/presentation board which Parsons requests as part of the application. It too sounds like they want a photo of the board as a jpg or pdf. Could someone verify?

Hi Brie,

Yes just a jpg or pdf on a CD is fine. I'm currently in the AAS program, so let me know if you need any help or have questions!
Good Luck!

Amanda

Amanda,

I am interested in applying to the AAS interior design program and was hoping to ask you some questions.
1. How intense is the program? Do you feel there is a solid structure to the program?
2. the liberal arts classes that are required - what types of class do you have to choose from? can they be interior design / architecture related?
3. how well respected do you feel this program is compared to an M.arch1 program when looking for initial jobs out of school?
4. how did you choose this program over pratt's?

Thanks for your insight into this choice I am looking to make between Architecture Vs. Interior Design, Pratt vs. Parsons.

Desperately seeking anyone who has recently graduated or is currently enrolled in the Parsons AAS Interior Design program and/or the Pratt Interior Design program.

I am currently applying and would love to talk to people about their experiences, student life, job prospects, etc.

Contact me at jlmurphy141@hotmail.com

thank you!

Jennifer

Does anybody have any info about the Parsons AAS Fashion Studies program? I will be going in the fall for the 1 year program-any scoop on the curricuulum and what happens after graduation regarding opportunities and jobs?

Would appreciate any feedback!!
Thanx
Jaclyn

Hi,

I am in the process of applying to the Parsons AAS Interior Design program. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to get started on the Home Exam -- the assignment is to design an ad agency office in an urban townhouse. Should I begin by finding an existing floor plan for a townhouse and modifying it? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Hi Everyone -

I know these posts were submitted a few years back, but has anyone on this panel graduated from or currently attending the New York School of Interior Design?

I was hoping to get some feedback on the school and their curriculum/programs.

Thanks!