Mapping out a thorough game plan, and then chipping away toward its objectives bit by bit, will bring us a whole lot closer to the place we want to be than will righteous indignation. Participants at both of these new, high-profile programs addressed the need for heightened standards and a reconfiguration of the design education system. And this is far from an exclusive viewpoint held by interior designers. Design practitioners, manufacturers, business owners, academics, facility planners and the design and business press may not always take the same sides in debating industry agendas, but on this topic there is unswerving solidarity. In attempting to fulfill this fundamental need we can all rest assured our individual efforts will be well complemented by those of colleagues and partners.
Education reform transcends the internal concerns of the interior design community.
New directions in mainstream education also are necessary to awaken the public to the value of design. The process must begin early and remain continuous. Educating the public on the value of design begins at the elementary school level and must be a part of all students' learning experience through undergraduate and graduate-level programs. But learning does not end when the school bell rings for the last time. It is equally imperative that design education become a valued, indispensable tool in the industry, public and government sectors.