1991: When Global Design Began to Sync

In 1991, the world took a defining leap into the digital age with the launch of the World Wide Web. As people everywhere began to connect online for the first time, FIDER was building its own network — one rooted not in technology, but in shared standards for interior design education.

This was the year local classrooms began to link to a broader national and international conversation. FIDER expanded its reach, strengthened its accreditation practices, and refined the principles that helped programs align around consistency, quality, and a growing sense of community.

As global communication accelerated, design education followed suit. Accreditation became a unifying force, bringing together programs that were preparing students for a profession increasingly shaped by innovation and connection.

In 1991, the world got online — and design education began to sync, one standard at a time.