2007: New Name. New Direction.

The year 2007 reshaped how people connected with the world around them. The iPhone redefined mobile interaction, and green building accelerated globally as LEED certifications expanded—signaling rising expectations for technology, sustainability, and transparency in the built environment.

Against this backdrop of transformation, FIDER entered a new chapter. In 2007, it officially became the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), a name that better reflected a maturing profession and an evolving set of responsibilities. The rebrand wasn’t cosmetic—it marked a shift toward greater accountability, clearer communication, and alignment with the changing needs of students, educators, employers, and the public.

This transition signaled a renewed purpose. As interior design education grew more visible and interconnected, CIDA’s identity needed to represent both its history and its forward-looking role in shaping quality and consistency across accredited programs.

Why does 2007 matter? Because it marks the moment the field embraced a name—and a direction—that reflected its growing influence and responsibility. The transition from FIDER to CIDA stands as a milestone in aligning accreditation with the future of design.