Florida State University’s College of Fine Arts is launching the School of Design at the start of the 2026-27 academic year, a move that reflects the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the design profession.
Formerly the Department of Interior Architecture & Design, the newly designated school better reflects the breadth of design education now offered at FSU while advancing its nationally recognized interior design program.
The School of Design builds on more than 50 years of excellence in design education. FSU’s interior design program is ranked No. 3 in the nation for both undergraduate and graduate education by Niche, reinforcing the university’s longstanding reputation as one of the country’s top destinations for design education.
The transition coincides with the launch of a new bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary design and the addition of a graduate certificate in graphic design last year. Together, the programs expand opportunities for students while positioning the School of Design to meet the evolving needs of the profession.
“For more than half a century, Florida State University has been training leading designers who shape how we live, work and interact with the world,” said James Frazier, dean of the College of Fine Arts. “The launch of the School of Design reflects our dedication to design thinking, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. We are preparing students not only for today’s creative industries, but also for the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping the future of design.”
The new name reflects a broader vision for design education, said Amy Huber, professor and chair of the School of Design.
“Design is problem solving,” Huber said. “It’s thinking about how people need to use spaces and objects and how they receive messages.”
While the School of Design broadens FSU’s academic offerings, its nationally ranked interior design program will remain unchanged. Current students will not be affected by the transition, and the school’s faculty, specialized admissions process and core curriculum will continue to evolve with theprofession.
The College of Fine Arts will celebrate the launch of the School of Design during a private gathering Friday, Aug. 28, at the William Johnston Building.
Looking ahead, Huber said the School of Design will prepare graduates to lead in a rapidly changing profession.
“I see the future as really getting our students out there,” Huber said. “They’re going to be change makers while society is changing; technology is changing. They’re really the ones that can pull all these thoughts together and really act on problems out in the world and develop solutions alongside others in the field.”
To learn more about the School of Design and its programs, visit design.fsu.edu.
