The college's undergraduate architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture programs are ranked in the top 15 such programs nationwide, according to a survey by DesignIntelligence (November 2004). The architecture program also tied for 2nd place with Kansas State University, Manhattan, in a ranking of programs in the Midwest. And in a ranking of landscape architecture schools that provide the best preparation in construction methods and materials, Iowa State tied for 8th place with Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.

 

Kate Schwennsen, FAIA, associate dean for academic affairs and associate professor of architecture, is president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Inaugurated in December 2005, she is only the second female, second educator and second Iowan to serve as president of this prestigious 149-year-old professional organization.

 

Seven College of Design administrators and faculty members are fellows of their professional organizations (American Institute of Architects, American Institute of Certified Planners, American Society of Interior Designers, International Interior Design Association, Interior Design Educators Council, American Society of Landscape Architects).

 

Dorothy Fowles, professor of interior design, has the rare distinction of being a fellow in three different professional organizations: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC).  

 

Eighteen faculty members serve on editorial or advisory boards of national/international professional journals, hold offices in national/international professional associations, and/or serve on national academy committees.

 

The majority of students in the College of Design's undergraduate professional programs participate in study abroad. More than 125 students per year on average take part in the college's Rome Program in Italy.  

 

The entire College of Design building, as well as the Armory, is covered by the campus wireless network.
 
The Design Exchange residential learning community received the Outstanding Innovations Award for Exemplary Contributions to Iowa State Learning Communities in 2003.
 
In cooperation with several other departments at Iowa State, the community and regional planning department administers a comprehensive graduate certificate program in geographic information systems.
 
Two projects led by College of Design personnel were among 12 winners nationwide of the Federal Highway Administration's 2003 Environmental Excellence Awards presented in April 2003. Both projects were collaborative efforts involving public, private and nonprofit agencies and individuals.
 
Mira Engler, associate professor of landscape architecture, was one of 14 international designers/design teams selected to build a garden for the 2004 Westonbirt Festival of the Garden at the Westonbirt Arboretum, UK.