The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) has announced the winners of the 2012 Innovative Interior Design Education Award. The award recognizes and celebrates innovative teaching and program-related practices that advance the cause of excellence in interior design education.

Strauss

The first place winner is Sarah Strauss, LEED AP, who was a Visiting Associate Professor at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Strauss’ entry, “Tropical Interiors Studio,” modeled experiential learning, blending classroom and studio techniques with immersion into place. The project developed students’ design skills while also exposing them to cultural aspects of design and thoughtfully integrating sustainability issues specific and appropriate to the unique project site.

“The CIDA Board congratulates Ms. Strauss on this outstanding example of innovative teaching that achieves multiple learning objectives through engaging students in culture, community, and real-world design outcomes,” said Heather Robertson Corrigan, FIDC, Board Chair. Strauss received a $3,000 award in recognition of this honor.

Baumbach

Two entries were also recognized with $1,000 merit awards. Lauren Baumbach Associate Professor at Philadelphia University, received a merit award for her entry, “Sustainable Bank of the Future 2020 (TD Bank).” Stephanie Brooker, Lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, also received a merit award for the entry, “Experiencing Design: An Immersive Studio Exploration.”

Brooker

Numerous submissions were received for the third annual 2012 Innovative Education Award. Winning entries are available for viewing here.

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation is an independent, non-profit, accrediting organization responsible for setting standards and evaluating degree granting interior design programs.