Authored by Lorraine Bragg, President of the South Florida Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
“For the South Florida Chapter of IIDA (the International Interior Design Association) nominating someone for Educator of the Year is a serious undertaking. There are 7 interior design programs within our geographical boundaries – from Naples to Vero Beach and south – as well as several programs offering architectural degrees.
As Miami is, in many ways, the financial capitol of Central & South America and the Caribbean, Miami has become the education “Mecca” as well. Art and design have a particularly strong draw in Latin culture.
That being said, there is no doubt that the Interior Architecture program at FIU has become the leader in this arena.
In the ten years since Janine has been in charge, not only has the program earned CIDA accreditation and begun offering advanced degrees but, indeed, has become a Master’s program. Research, involvement in the design community, outreach to other centers of design, commitment to sustainability and support of Florida’s licensure act for Interior Designers are only a few of the elements that have brought depth to the FIU Interior Architecture program. Janine, and her team, are responsible for this evolution. The changes are remarkable – and we, the design community, have remarked on it by naming Janine King “Educator of the Year.”
Janine was given this honor before; but at that time the IIDA South Florida Board was acknowledging Janine’s specific involvement with our IIDA Chapter. Her students participate in our events (indeed they have won top awards at “Art by Design and “Design Mix”), our members were invited to sit on juries, acted as mentors and served on the Advisory Board. Our interaction with the FIU program has grown and continues to grow.
This involvement with our IIDA Chapter is, of course, very important to this nomination. But this year we looked at the fullness of Janine’s success. Her commitment to our profession has made a real impact; her own professionalism is paramount.
We are the ones who are honored to have such educator in our midst.”
Congratulations Professor King ! As the only educator who has received this award twice, FIU and the College of Architecture + The Arts are honored to have you among us! For more information on IIDA, please click here.
