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Awards
CIDA sponsors various design competitions and awards that celebrate the interior design educators, students, and volunteers who promote excellence in interior design education. CIDA is proud to honor the exceptional individuals who advance the field of interior design through the highest quality of professional education. Please view the individual pages for more information and to see past winners.
Innovative Interior Design Education Awards
CIDA Award for Excellence
The CIDA Award for Excellence Competition recognized outstanding practices in interior design education. The competition was open to faculty members and collaborating teams at CIDA-accredited interior design programs. From 2014 through 2018, one first place winner received a $5,000 award and up to two merit winners received $2,000 awards. This award program concluded in 2018. See winning entries submitted below.
CIDA Award for Excellence
2018 Winning Entries
Merit Winner
Johan Granberg from Virginia Commonwelath University in Qatar, Doha, Qatar and collaborating team members Mohammad Nabil Suleiman and Haithem El Hammali
Honorable Mention
Carl Matthews from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR and collaborating team members Alison Turner and Peter MacKeith
CIDA Award for Excellence
2017 Winning Entries
1st Place Winner
Lindsey Bahe from University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Merit Winner
Tilanka Chandrasekera from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
Merit Winner
Johan Granberg from Virginia Commonwelath University in Qatar, Doha, Qatar and collaborating team members Ben Robinson and Fahad Al Kawari from Doha Film Institute, Doha, Qatar
Honorable Mention
Nathan Bicak from University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE and collaborating team member Vanessa Schutte, AIA, Principal, DLR Group
Learning Spaces Collaborate Studio
Honorable Mention
Tasoulla Hadjiyanni from University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN
CIDA Award for Excellence
2016 Winning Entries
1st Place Winner
Carl Matthews from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
Merit Winner
Stephanie McGoldrick from Mount Ida College, Newton, MA and collaborating team member Moira Gannon Denson from Marymount University, Arlington, VA
Universal Design-athons at Marymount University and Mount Ida College
Merit Winner
Emily McLaughlin and collaborating team member from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, IN
Honorable Mention
Deborah Schneiderman from Pratt Institute
CIDA Award for Excellence
2015 Winning Entries
Honorable Mention
Tilanka Chandrasekera from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
Honorable Mention
Jessica Senne from Maryville University, St. Louis, MO
Suburban Modernism – The Architecture and Interior Design of Ralph and Mary Jane Fournier
CIDA Award for Excellence
2014 Winning Entries
Merit Winner
Taymoore Balbaa and collaborating team members from Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Honorable Mention
Khoi Vo from Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
Innovative Interior Design Education Awards
In 2010, CIDA introduced the Innovative Interior Design Education Competition. This annual competition was open to faculty members from CIDA-accredited interior design programs. Awards recognized and celebrated innovative teaching and program-related practices that advanced the cause of excellence in interior design education.
Innovative Interior Design Education Awards
2013 Winning Entries
First Place
Tilanka Chandrasekera from Oklahoma State University, OK
Merit Winners
Dr. Tasoulla Hadjiyanni from University of Minnesota, MN
Merit Winners
Deborah Schneiderman from Pratt Institute, NY
Honorable Mention
Elizabeth Lockwood from The Art Institute of Portland, OR
Innovative Interior Design Education Awards
2012 Winning Entries
First Place
Sarah Strauss from Pratt Institute, NY
Merit Winners
Stephanie Brooker from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC
Merit Winners
Lauren Baumbach from Philadelphia University, PA
Innovative Interior Design Education Awards
2011 Winning Entries
First Place
Jason Meneely from the University of Florida, FL
Merit Winners
Peter Benarcik from Bellevue College, WA
Merit Winners
Sheryl Kasak from Pratt Institute, NY
Honorable Mention
Hyung Chan Kim from Kansas State University, KS
Innovative Interior Design Education Awards
2010 Winning Entries
First Place
Mark Mappala from Bellevue College, WA
Merit Winners
Kathy Ankerson from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Merit Winners
Nancy Kwallek from The University of Texas at Austin
Honorable Mention
Igor Siddiqui from The University of Texas at Austin
Interior Design Education Video Competition
Each year thousands of interior design students complete their education and examination requirements in order to start their careers as interior design professionals. Qualified interior designers are skilled business people who are prepared to manage complex design projects, leading to better outcomes for clients and users. Building blocks to professional success include certifications, advanced degrees, mentoring, work placement and continuing education. These are just a few examples of how interior design education and the practice of interior design intersect to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare and quality of life through the preparation of interior design professionals.
CIDA is a sponsor of this competition. Learn more about the Interior Design Education Video Competition.
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
CIDA established the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in 2008 to honor exceptional volunteers who have gone above and beyond in service to CIDA. This award commemorates former Director Keith Hooks whose 20+ years of volunteer leadership significantly advanced CIDA’s mission. The CIDA Board may bestow only one award annually.
CIDA is proud to honor the following recipients of the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award:
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2023 Winner
Dr. Lisa Waxman
Lisa Waxman, Ph.D., FIDEC, ASID, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, Professor Emerita, Florida State University, has been honored with the 2023 Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and interior design education.
Dr. Waxman began her service with CIDA in 2015 on the Board of Directors and served as Secretary Treasurer in 2015 and Chair-Elect/Board Chair in 2016-2017. During her service on the Board, Dr. Waxman also contributed extensively to CIDA standards development as Board liaison to the Standards Committee. Her affinity for this work was so strong that Dr. Waxman accepted a position on the CIDA Standards Committee after her Board service was complete, and she presently serves as Chair during her second and final term on the Standards Committee.
In addition to the above CIDA leadership roles, Dr. Waxman has been a regular presenter about CIDA Professional Standards at international conferences and events. She often serves as a panelist at CIDA’s Accreditation Workshops, offering other educators a wealth of knowledge from her perspective as an interior design faculty member (emerita) and a CIDA standards development expert. Dr. Waxman has received many honors across the professional community as an educator, scholar, advocate, and mentor, and CIDA is only one among a plethora of organizations and causes to which Dr. Waxman has leant her volunteer time and professional expertise.
CIDA established the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award as a legacy to former Director Keith Hooks whose 20+ years of volunteer leadership immeasurably impacted thousands of students in CIDA-accredited programs. “The CIDA Board gives a standing ovation to the many accomplishments of Dr. Lisa Waxman. Her exceptional leadership both at CIDA and in the profession at large has culminated in a truly outstanding legacy of achievement and positive impact. The Board is honored to join the profession in recognizing Dr. Waxman with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award. We congratulate her on CIDA’s highest honor,” states Felice Silverman, FIIDA, CIDA Board Chair.
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2022 Winner
Dr. Kristi Julian
Kristi Julian, Ph.D., NCIDQ, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC, WELL AP, Professor and Interior Design Program Director at Middle Tennessee State University has been honored with the 2022 Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and interior design education.
Dr. Julian began her service with CIDA in 2013 as a site visitor and was quickly promoted to a site visit team chair role. She has conducted 21 site visits over the past decade and consistently contributes excellence in abundance, contributing volunteer hours and expertise well above and beyond threshold expectations for volunteers. Dr. Julian’s willingness to participate significantly supported CIDA’s ability to conduct accreditation program reviews during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when volunteer time and resources were scarce. From summer 2020 through spring 2021, Dr. Julian served on six different CIDA visiting teams, which is an astonishing gift of volunteer service.
Beyond time spent on CIDA accreditation reviews, Dr. Julian is an enthusiastic ambassador for CIDA, furthering the community’s understanding of the valuable role CIDA plays in the interior design profession and education. Dr. Julian is also a regular panelist and presenter at CIDA’s Accreditation Workshops, offering a wealth of knowledge from her perspective as an interior design program director and a CIDA peer evaluator.
CIDA established the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award as a legacy to former Director Keith Hooks whose 20+ years of volunteer leadership immeasurably impacted thousands of students in CIDA-accredited programs. “The Board applauds Dr. Kristi Julian’s exceptional volunteer leadership in both interior design education and as a CIDA program evaluator and review team chair. Dr. Julian is a shining example of excellence, generosity, and positive impact. The Board is delighted to recognize her with this award and we congratulate her on this highest honor and her outstanding achievements,” states Vincent Carter, FASID, NCIDQ, CIDA Board Chair.
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2021 Winner
Vincent G. Carter
Vincent G. Carter, FASID, NCIDQ, Senior Architect, Mission Workplace of the Future, Department of Homeland Security, Washington DC, has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of his many outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and interior design education.
Carter began his service with CIDA in 1996 as a site visitor and was quickly promoted to a site visit team chair role. He conducted ten site visits during his time as a CIDA program reviewer. Following his service as visiting team chair, Carter was promoted to CIDA’s Accreditation Commission and served from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2009. He chaired the Accreditation Commission in 2006 and 2007, and also participated in developing new site visitor training mechanisms. The hallmark of Carter’s service on the Accreditation Commission was his balanced decision-making and advocacy for interior design programs.
After completing two full terms on the Accreditation Commission, Carter was invited to serve on CIDA’s Board of Directors as the Accreditation Commission representative, and is currently incoming Board Chair for 2022. Vincent is a strong voice for excellence in interior design education as a pathway to advancing the future of practice. CIDA continues to benefit from his industry savvy as well as his steadfast, grass-roots outreach.
CIDA established the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award as a legacy to former Director Keith Hooks whose 20+ years of volunteer leadership immeasurably impacted thousands of students in CIDA-accredited programs. “The Board applauds Vincent Carters long-term, exceptional volunteer leadership in both the profession and at CIDA. Vincent truly embodies the dedication and service the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award seeks to honor. The Board is thrilled to recognize him with this award and we congratulate him on his achievements,” states Katherine Ankerson, AIA, FIDEC, FIIDA, NCARB, CIDA Board Chair.
Pamela Evans, Ph.D., FIDEC, IIDA, LEED AP
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2020 Winner
Dr. Pamela Evans
Pamela Evans, Ph.D., FIDEC, IIDA, LEED AP is faculty emeritus at Kent State University, Ohio and principal and owner of Pique, Inc., a sole-proprietor design consultancy.
Over her esteemed career, Dr. Evans has been a steadfast supporter of CIDA’s role and mission. Dr. Evans served on the CIDA Board of Directors from 2011-2016 and as Board Chair for two years from 2015-16. During her time on the Board, CIDA undertook a number of strategic initiatives that advanced the organization's mission. For example, the Board developed and implemented the Interior Design Education competition and awards, launched the global study of interior design education and quality assurance, and planned and executed a highly successful Future Vision project. Her service also contributed significantly to Professional Standards 2017. Dr. Evan's leadership and insight were instrumental to CIDA achieving these milestones.
Dr. Evans has been an active and highly valued member of CIDA’s Standards Committee since 2018, stewarding the complex and rigorous process of developing quality assurance standards for interior design higher education. She served as Committee Chair in 2021, stewarding the Professional Standards 2022 revisions project and is slated to serve a second term as Chair in 2022. She has played an important role in analyzing trend information and developing and implementing revisions to accreditation standards. Her work on this Committee helped CIDA advance standards in a way that is responsive to the changing demands of practice and relevant to interior design education’s role in preparing graduates. Dr. Evans has also represented the Standards Committee at CIDA’s Accreditation Workshops in 2018 and 2019, serving as a panelist and answering questions about the standards.
Dr. Evans also served as a juror for the CIDA Award for Excellence, celebrating outstanding practices in interior design education. She also contributed to the Board of Directors' “Faces of CIDA” video project. Dr. Evan's outstanding contributions to the profession and to CIDA are exceptional; she is a stand-out champion of excellence in interior design education.
Joseph Hittinger
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2019 Winner
Joseph Hittinger
Joseph Hittinger, Professional Interior Designer and Realtor, San Francisco, CA, has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of his many outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and interior design education.
Hittinger began his service with CIDA in 2003 as a site visitor and was quickly promoted to a site visit team chair. He conducted twelve site visits in this role. Hittinger also served two terms on CIDA’s Accreditation Commission from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2015. He chaired the Accreditation Commission in 2012 and 2013 and also participated in developing new site visitor training mechanisms. The hallmark of Hittinger’s service on the Accreditation Commission was his strong leadership and ability to cultivate balanced decision-making among individuals with diverse perspectives.
After completing two full terms on the Accreditation Commission, Hittinger served one full term on the CIDA Board of Directors as the Accreditation Commission representative. His Board leadership was critical to advancing CIDA’s mission, as he helped create initiatives for strengthening standards development and CIDA’s outreach. The organization continues to benefit from his contributions with the implementation of rigorous, ongoing future scanning and enhanced CIDA advocacy.
“The Board applauds Joseph Hittinger’s 15 years of outstanding CIDA volunteer leadership. Joseph truly embodies the dedication and service the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award seeks to honor. The Board is thrilled to recognize him with this award, and we congratulate him on his achievements,” states Jan Johnson, FIIDA, CIDA Board Chair.
Lynn Jones, ASID, IDEC, LEED AP
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2018 Winner
Lynn M. Jones
Lynn M. Jones, ASID, IDEC, LEED AP, Professor in the Interior Design Department at Brenau University, has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her many outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and interior design education.
Professor Jones’ involvement with CIDA began in 1998 when she was appointed to serve as a site visitor, and she was quickly promoted to the role of team chair in 2001. Professor Jones continues to be actively engaged in CIDA’s peer review process and has conducted 17 accreditation reviews to date. As a site visitor and team chair, Professor Jones’ performance is consistently outstanding, and fellow team members commend her leadership, knowledge, rigor, and integrity. In addition to serving as a site visitor, in 2005 and 2013 Professor Jones served on a special Site Visitor Committee charged with strengthening site visitor training and recognition programs. Professor Jones also contributed her guidance and expertise to planning and delivering the 2006, 2007, and 2008 CIDA site visitor training sessions.
Above and beyond these contributions, Professor Jones regularly presents at CIDA Accreditation Workshops, most recently in 2010, 2015, and 2017, helping programs navigate upcoming accreditation reviews. Professor Jones also serves as a CIDA program consultant, using her expertise to guide programs on an independent basis toward compliance with CIDA’s standards and processes.
“The Board applauds the extraordinary volunteer service Lynn Jones has contributed for the past 20+ years. Professor Jones exemplifies the dedication and leadership that the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award is meant to recognize,” states Collin Burry, FIIDA, CIDA Board Chair.
Lisa Tucker, Ph.D., IIDA, FIDEC, AIA, ASID, LEED AP BD+C
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2017 Winner
Dr. Lisa Tucker
Dr. Lisa Tucker, IIDA, FIDEC, AIA, ASID, LEED AP BD+C, Interior Design Program Chair at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her many outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and interior design education.
Dr. Tucker’s involvement in CIDA volunteer leadership started in 2004 when she was appointed to serve as a site visitor and was promoted to serve as a team chair in 2006. She was actively engaged in the peer review process and conducted 18 accreditation reviews. As a site visitor and team chair, her performance was consistently outstanding, and fellow team members commended her rigor, integrity, and collaboration. In addition to serving as a site visitor, in 2009 Dr. Tucker served on CIDA’s Site Visitor Committee. Following her participation on the committee, she continued to contribute her guidance and expertise to updating and delivering the 2011, 2012, and 2016 CIDA site visitor training workshops. Dr. Tucker was also a CIDA program consultant from 2007-2014.
Recognizing Dr. Tucker’s talent and dedication, CIDA’s Board of Directors appointed her to serve on the Accreditation Commission as a pro-tem member in 2015 and for a three-year term beginning in 2016. In 2015-2016, she served on an accreditation process task force charged with developing the accreditation framework for the implementation of CIDA’s Professional Standards 2017. Hallmarks of Dr. Tucker’s outstanding performance are her critical thinking and unfailing professionalism, which consistently receive high marks from those who work with her.
“The Board applauds the extraordinary volunteer leadership Lisa Tucker has provided for the past 13+ years. Dr. Tucker truly exemplifies the dedication and service that CIDA seeks to honor with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award,” states Dr. Lisa Waxman, FIDEC, ASID, CIDA Board Chair.
Margaret Portillo, Ph.D., FIDEC
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2016 Winner
Dr. Margaret Portillo
Dr. Margaret Portillo, FIDEC, Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Florida, has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her many outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). CIDA established the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award as a legacy to former Director Keith Hooks whose 20+ years of volunteer leadership immeasurably impacted thousands of students in CIDA-accredited programs. “Margaret Portillo’s commendable, long-standing service, her support of CIDA’s mission in every respect, and the excellence of her work on behalf of CIDA and interior design education are worthy of this highest honor. The CIDA Board is very pleased to recognize her exceptional achievements with this award,” states Dr. Pamela Evans, FIDEC, IIDA, CIDA Board Chair.
Dr. Portillo’s involvement in CIDA volunteer leadership spanned 18 years. Most recently, she served as Chair of the CIDA Standards Committee during a three-year project to research and develop the next generation of quality assurance standards for interior design higher education programs in North America and abroad. Published in January 2016, CIDA Professional Standards 2017 will impact graduates from over 180 educational programs and ensure they are prepared for the rigors and complexities of the interior design profession in an increasingly globally interconnected future. Dr. Portillo’s expertise also was instrumental to CIDA issuing key timely updates to previous accreditation standards that improved the consistency and reliability of their application in the field.
In addition to her outstanding contributions on the CIDA Standards Committee, Dr. Portillo served on the former Research Committee from 1998-2004 and was an advisor in 2005-2006. As Research Committee chair, she was a lead investigator and champion for the ground-breaking Strategic Stories project, undertaken to demonstrate the power and benefit of narrative to document the value of interior design. At the time of publication, the Strategic Stories project garnered wide recognition in the interior design community, with numerous conference presentations and extensive design media coverage, including a dedicated special edition of the Journal of Interior Design. Dr. Portillo presented this project internationally, as part of an invited research delegation, to the World Congress on Environmental Design in Seoul. This project also received an Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) best paper award and resonated with practice audiences, including the readership of several feature articles on Strategic Stories appearing in the trade publication Interiors & Sources and in invited sessions, which Dr. Portillo helped lead at NeoCon—North America’s largest design exposition and conference for commercial interiors.
Dr. Portillo consistently has gone above and beyond in her tenure with CIDA. She has helped organize and lead several presentations on various CIDA-related topics at IDEC conferences. During her concurrent service as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Interior Design, she encouraged CIDA to disseminate scholarly information about research, standards development, and CIDA’s Future Vision session, engendering confidence in CIDA’s mission and initiatives. Dr. Portillo also has been a frequent panel member at CIDA accreditation workshops and site visitor training sessions.
Heather Robertson Corrigan, FIDC
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2015 Winner
Heather Robertson Corrigan
Heather Robertson Corrigan, FIDC, President of Robertson MacLean Design Limited has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
Corrigan initially joined the CIDA Board of Directors in 2007 after then Director Keith Hooks was unable to continue his service due to health complications. Just one year later, Corrigan dove into her first officer role on the CIDA Board, accepting the position of Secretary/Treasurer for 2008. Corrigan served diligently in this position for five years until being appointed as Board Chair for 2013. She was reappointed Board Chair in 2014, her eighth and final year on the CIDA Board. From 2007-2014, Corrigan diligently served as the Board liaison to Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). She also served as the Board liaison to CIDA’s Standards Committee in 2011.
During her tenure as a volunteer leader, Corrigan was extraordinarily dedicated to advancing CIDA’s mission through community outreach. Corrigan consistently went above and beyond promoting CIDA’s role and value, both through generating ideas and strategizing how to improve community engagement as well as representing CIDA at numerous meetings, events, and conferences. A passionate advocate for excellence in interior design education, Corrigan consistently established good will and strengthened the prominence of CIDA as a valued partner in the interior design community. She actively sought and pursued avenues to educate others about the importance of CIDA accreditation and to engage stakeholders in CIDA’s quality assurance mission. Additionally, Corrigan’s strong, steadfast leadership and mentorship, internally, to the Board of Directors throughout her years of service are notable and worthy of recognition.
“CIDA has benefited greatly from Heather Robertson Corrigan’s leadership and dedication during her many years of service,” states Dr. Pamela K. Evans, Board Chair. “She is, in deed and word, a true champion for CIDA and deserves honor and recognition for her outstanding contributions. The Board is very pleased to recognize her achievements with this award.”
Scott Ageloff, FIDEC, ASID, AIA, NCIDQ
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2014 Winner
Scott Ageloff
Scott Ageloff, FIDEC, ASID, AIA, NCIDQ, Director of the MS in Interior Architecture program at Philadelphia University and Principal at Ageloff & Associates Interior Architecture & Design, has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
Ageloff has served as a CIDA volunteer for over 16 years, during which time he has exhibited extraordinary leadership. Appointed in 1998 as a site visitor, Ageloff was actively engaged in the peer review process and conducted 20 accreditation reviews during his tenure. In 2006, he was promoted to serve as a site visit team chair, and in addition to providing leadership during site visits, in this role Ageloff mentored many new site visitors. Ageloff’s performance as a visitor and team chair was consistently outstanding. In 2005, he was appointed to a committee focused on strengthening CIDA site visitor training. Following his service on this committee, Ageloff helped implement the new site visitor training program by participating in the development and delivery of several site visitor training workshops.
In addition to serving as a volunteer site visitor, Ageloff made significant contributions to prospective and accredited programs as a panelist during several of CIDA’s Accreditation Workshops. He also worked with CIDA to develop a new session for the Accreditation Workshop specifically focused on writing the program self-study report and led a question and answer session focused on CIDA’s Professional Standards. Recognizing Ageloff’s talent and dedication, the CIDA Board of Directors appointed him to serve on CIDA’s Accreditation Commission for a three-year term beginning in 2013. His latest contribution to CIDA includes serving on a 2014 Accreditation Commission sub-committee participating in the Standards Development Project.
“CIDA is extremely fortunate to have such an engaged, thoughtful, and dedicated volunteer contributing to accreditation and standards development. Scott Ageloff has demonstrated a remarkable passion for serving fellow CIDA volunteers, programs, and the interior design community as a whole. His expertise greatly benefits CIDA’s mission to ensure quality interior design education,” states Heather Robertson Corrigan, Board Chair.
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2012 Winner
Betsy Gabb
Betsy Gabb, Ed.D., FIDEC, IIDA, Allied ASID, Program Director at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
Gabb has been involved with CIDA leadership in a variety of capacities for nine years. She is currently serving her second three-year term on CIDA’s Standards Committee and is the 2012 Committee Chair. She previously served as chair of the Committee in 2009 and 2010. Gabb also served on the CIDA Board of Directors as liaison to the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) from 2003 through 2008. During her two terms on the CIDA Board, Gabb contributed a high level of leadership to CIDA’s standards development project as the Board liaison to the Standards Committee.
During her tenure as a CIDA volunteer, Gabb has been a champion of quality standards for interior design education and the accreditation process. Her commitment to CIDA paired with her strong communication skills has strengthened CIDA’s relationships with important community stakeholders. She has encouraged other educators to volunteer and has served as an excellent ambassador by promoting CIDA’s role and value throughout her involvement. Gabb’s high level of engagement also has included delivering presentations at CIDA Accreditation Workshops for programs seeking accreditation as well as at CIDA site visitor training.
“Betsy Gabb’s many contributions to CIDA are exceptional and worthy of this highest honor,” states John Lijewski, Board Chair. “Her commitment to strengthening CIDA quality standards for interior design education and promoting a positive relationship with the educator community is remarkable. The Board is very pleased to recognize her achievements with this award.”
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2011 Winner
Cameron Stiles
Cameron Stiles, CID, FASID, a Principal with KSA Interiors in Richmond, VA, has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
Cameron Stiles has been involved with CIDA leadership in a variety of capacities for 13 years. Cameron is currently serving her second term on CIDA’s Accreditation Commission and chaired the Commission in 2008 and 2009. Cameron also was a member of CIDA’s Site Visitor Committee, a working group that successfully developed a new system for site visitor training. Cameron helped plan and deliver three consecutive site visitor training sessions from 2006-2008. Additionally in 2008, Cameron served on CIDA’s Accreditation Process Task Force. This task force developed the accreditation framework (process, procedure, and support services) that led to the effective and seamless implementation of Professional Standards 2009.
Continuing her high level of engagement, Cameron also served on a committee that developed new training materials, methods, and mechanisms to orient CIDA site visitors to Professional Standards 2009. She was a key planner and presenter of CIDA’s 2009 Site Visitor Training Workshop. In 2010, Cameron served as the Commission liaison to the Standards Committee. Prior to her outstanding service on the Accreditation Commission, Cameron participated as a CIDA site visitor and visiting team leader, conducting eleven site visits to interior design programs seeking CIDA accreditation.
“Cameron Stiles’ many contributions to CIDA are substantial and worthy of this highest honor,” states Robert Wright, Board Chair. “Her commitment to strengthening CIDA accreditation is clear, and the quality of her volunteer leadership exceptional. The Board is very pleased to recognize her achievements with this award.”
Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award
2010 Winner
Joseph Pettipas
Joseph Pettipas, IDC, ASID, IIDA has been honored with the Keith Hooks Volunteer Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
Joseph Pettipas was involved with CIDA leadership in a variety of capacities for over 13 years. Most recently, Pettipas completed two terms on the CIDA Board of Directors and was Board Chair from 2005-2007. Pettipas also previously served several years on the CIDA Accreditation Commission, the group that makes accreditation decisions, and was a CIDA site visitor conducting on-site evaluations of interior design programs seeking accreditation. Pettipas served as the liaison to the Standards Committee during his term on the Accreditation Commission, contributing to the strengthening of sustainability and communication expectations in accreditation standards.
“Joseph Pettipas’ extensive service to CIDA and quality interior design education is substantial and worthy of this highest honor,” states Robert Wright, CIDA Board Chair. “He has been a highly visible and engaged leader, elevating the profession’s awareness of CIDA’s role and value through his involvement. The Board is very pleased to recognize his achievements with this award.”