Dr. Diane Al Shihabi, is a tenured associate professor emerita in the College of Design (CoD), the former Director of Graduate Education in the Department of Interior Design (2018-2025), and a professional Interior Designer with National Council on Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Certification. She is a Board of Review Member for the Journal of Interior Design, the premiere tier-one journal in the field of Interior Design, and a former national accreditation site visitor for the Council on Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Dr. Al Shihabi served as the Faculty Development and Administrative Relations Chair for ISU’s Faculty Senate and on the Faculty Senate Executive Board for six years. She holds a PhD in Design Studies (history) with a minor in Art (architecture) History from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and specializes in the Beaux-Arts Design system. Her design historical research serves academia and practice in the fields of Design History and Preservation and Cultural Heritage. While she is a scholar of Design History, she also has seventeen years of high-level practice experience in the specialization of preservation. Her firm, Diane Al Shihabi Historic Restoration, Inc., held contracts for the interior restorations of multiple state capitols and museums, including the Wisconsin State Capitol, Kentucky State Capitol, Cyrus Yawkey Museum, Blackpoint, among others. As the principal, she served as a consultant on the Utah State Capital restoration. In professional validation of her work, the American Society of Interior Designers awarded her multiple first place awards in nationally-judged competitions. The Wisconsin State Historical Society awarded her team the State Preservation Award—the highest award bestowed annually by the Society–for work on the Yawkey Museum. The Governor of Wisconsin appointed her to the State Historic Preservation Review Board. In client recognition of her work, the Wisconsin Supreme Court recognized her work, and that of two other women, on the WI State Capitol restoration through a formal ceremony, an engraved plaque, and an article in the Court’s newsletter. The Wisconsin State Senate and Joint Committee on Finance recognized her with formal citations and plaques. At Iowa State University, Dr. Al Shihabi co-developed the Preservation and Cultural Heritage Program and collaborates with the Office of Cultural Heritage at the US Department of State to research and document culturally-significant properties abroad, an initiative envisioned and co-developed with Dr. Mikesch Muecke (Arch). She served as an elected member of the Board of Trustees of Taliesin Preservation Inc. (TPI) from 2018-2025, is an elected member of TPI’s Facilities Preservation Committee, and a prior member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s Preservation Committee for Taliesin and Taliesin West.
Research Interests
RESEARCH THEMES
Design History and Theory
French Academic Architectural Theory, Beaux-Arts Design System, Neo-Beaux-Arts Classicism, Influence of Beaux-Arts Theory on 20th Century Design and Education
Development/Theory/ Meaning of Typologies of Character, Type, and Style
Global Cultural Design History
Preservation and Cultural Heritage (PCH)
Architecture of Diplomacy and Culturally Significant Properties Abroad
UNESCO World Heritage Sites Documentation and Protection
21st Century Technologies (LIDAR Scanning and Virtual Reality) in PCH Research, Analysis, and Dissemination
Sustaining Global Cultural Identities via Preservation Practice
Interdisciplinary Research Methods & Design Approaches
Postmodern Analyses: Amalgamating Traditional Art Historical Methods with Those Formerly Viewed Non-Scholarly.
Current Projects
SCHOLARSHIP (Selected)
Al Shihabi, D. 2025. Chapter 1. “Beauty (introductory volume chapter).” In A Cultural History of Interiors in the Age of Empire, a history of interior design academic series consisting of six books by international authors. Bloomsbury Publishing, London. Anne Anderson, PhD, Editor and Course Director of Victoria and Albert Museum’s (V&A) Learning Academy, London. Invited. Final text submitted Fall 2023, Final photos submitted February 2024. Accepted for publication March 20, 2025, as part of six-volume Cultural History of Interiors Series.
Al Shihabi, Diane and Mikesch Muecke. Civic Engagement and Design Research: Partnering to Save an Iconic Building in LA that Promoted the Art and Culture of Local Artists, Women, and Minorities. Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) 2022 Annual Conference, New York City. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. 2023. Al Shihabi, Diane. Annual Report Fall 2022-Spring 2023, Faculty Development & Administrative Relations (FDAR), Council, Iowa State University Faculty Senate. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. 2022. Annual Report Fall 2021-Spring 2022, Faculty Development & Administrative Relations (FDAR), Council, Iowa State University Faculty Senate. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. and M. Muecke. 2019. Inventing New Modes of Dissemination: Applied Preservation and Cultural Heritage Pedagogy in Interdisciplinary Studios, ARCC 2019 Conference, Toronto, CA. May 29 -June 1. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. 2019. Community Engagement and Interior Design: Rehabilitation of the Warrior Hotel, Designed to Laud A City’s Amerind Heritage Via the Stylistic Genre of Art Deco,(IDEC) Annual Conference,Charlotte, North Carolina. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. and M. Muecke. 2018. Diplomatic Architecture and Heritage Conservation: Elucidating Neo-Preservation Methodologies to Research, Document and Convey Significance of Cultural Properties Abroad. Association of Critical Heritage Studies (ACHS) Biannual Conference, Heritage Across Borders, Zhejiang Univ., Hangzhou, China, Sep 1-6. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. and M. Muecke. 2018. Diplomatic Relations and Cultural Heritage Protection: Conveying Global History Through Contemporary Technology. State Department.Washington DC. May 29.
Al Shihabi, D. and M. Muecke. 2018. Preservation and Cultural Heritage Curriculum Development: A Case Study in Design Education at the Intersection of History and Technology, ARCHIP, Prague, Czech Republic (March 14). Lecture sponsored by the European Union Structural and Investment Fund.
Al Shihabi, D. 2017. Character Types and the Beaux-Arts Tradition: Interpreting Academic Typologies of Form and Decorum. Athens Journal of Architecture (AJA). Vol. 3, No. 3: 227-50, July. Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed Journal, International.
Al Shihabi, D. 2017. Funding Interdisciplinary Collaborations and Stimulating Economic Development: Genesis of Iowa State University’s Graduate Program in Historic Preservation. Preservation and Education Research Journal (PER) Vol. 9, 79-94. May. Contributors M. Muecke, A. Osterberg, L. Rico-Gutierrez (Dean), T. Reinders, C. Basmajian. Double Blind, Peer-Reviewed Journal.
Al Shihabi, D. 2017. Design Pedagogy and Preservation Education: Advancing a Conservation Ethic Across Interior Design Curricula, Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) Annual Conference, Chicago. March. Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed Venue. International.
Al Shihabi, D. and J. Suh. 2017. Design History and Interior Design: Increasing Application and Relevancy Over Course Types, (IDEC) Annual Conference, Chicago. March. Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed Venue. International.
Al Shihabi D. and T. Grevstad-Nordrock. 2017. Preservation Education in Iowa: The View from ISU’s College of Design. Preserve Iowa Summit 2017. Fort Dodge, IA, July. Peer-Reviewed Venue.
Al Shihabi, D. 2016. Design Education and Historic Preservation Practice: Reconsidering Academic Objectives Amid Unprecedented Destruction of Cultural Heritage. International Education Conference (IEC), 255-1 to 255-12, Venice, Italy. Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed Venue.
Al Shihabi, D. 2016. Design History, CIDA Standards, and NCIDQ Examination: Rethinking Educational Priorities Amidst Global Destruction of Cultural Heritage, (IDEC) Annual Conference, Portland. March. Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed Venue. International.
Al Shihabi, D. 2016. Reduced Legislative Support and New Interdisciplinary Collaborations: Development of Iowa State’s Hybrid Funding Model for Master’s Program in Historic Preservation, (IDEC) Annual Conference, Portland. March. Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed Venue. International.
Al Shihabi, D. 2015. Beaux-Arts Architects and Decoration of Houses: Elucidating French Academic Influences of a Seminal Literary Work. Journal of Interior Design Vol. 40, No. 3, 39-60, September. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. 2015. Character Types and Beaux-Arts Interiors: Transposing Typologies of Tradition, Function, and Location Across Cultures, Journal of Interior Design (JID) Design and Culture Symposium, Fort Worth, March. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. 2015. Engaged Scholarship and Historic Preservation of Interiors: Sustaining Identity and Facilitating Integrity in Iowa’s Carnegie Libraries, (IDEC) Annual Conference, Fort Worth. March. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. 2014. Beaux-Arts Architects and American Interior Design: Fostering a Nascent Profession Through French Traditions and American Literary Works, JID Raison D’Etre Symposium: Crafting a Global History of Interior Decoration and Design, New Orleans, LA. March. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. 2014. Residences of East Coast American Elites and Architectural Theories of the French Académie: Elucidating Precedents of Late Gilded Age Beaux-Arts Capitols, IDEC Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA. March. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D., M. Muecke and A. Osterberg. 2014. Funding and Forming New Interdisciplinary Collaborations: Development of Iowa State University’s Master’s Program in Historic Preservation, a2ru 2014 National Conference, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. 2013. Capitol Furniture Types of Beaux-Arts Architect: Design Hierarchy Reveals Meaning, Journal of Interior Design, Special Design History Issue, Vol. 38, No. 1, 33-48. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D. 2013. Character Types and Beaux-Arts Interiors: Advancing Historic Preservation Practice and Scholarship Through Interdisciplinary Design Research, 4th Annual Visual and Performing Arts Conference, Athens Institute for Education and Research, Athens, Greece. June. Peer-reviewed.
Al Shihabi, D., 2013. Capitol Interiors: An American Beaux-Arts Interior Design System, IDEC Annual Conference, Indianapolis. March. Peer-reviewed.
PUBLISHED WEBSITES
Al Shihabi, D. Principal Investigator, and M. Muecke Co-Principal Investigator. 2025. Preservation and Cultural Heritage UNESCO: International Perspectives and Design Issues (DSN S 5460).
A collaboration with UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Colorado and New Mexico including Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, and The Taos Pueblo (link above). Includes the design of a World Heritage Center in Sante Fe, either rehabilitaiton of new construction.
Al Shihabi, D. Principal Investigator, and M. Muecke Co-Principal Investigator. 2024. Preservation and Cultural Heritage Paris: International Perspectives and Design Issues (DSN S 5460).
A collaboration with the State Department on Rue Weber the Official Residence of the American Ambassador to the United Nations Office of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris (link above).
Al Shihabi, D. Principal Investigator, and M. Muecke Co-Principal Investigator. 2023. Preservation and Cultural Heritage Malta: International Perspectives and Design Issues (DSN S 5460).
A collaboration with the State Department on the Official Residence of the American Ambassador to Malta in Valletta (link above).
Al Shihabi, D. Principal Investigator, and M. Muecke Co-Principal Investigator. 2022. Preservation and Cultural Heritage UNESCO: International Perspectives and Design Issues (DSN S 5460).
A collaboration with UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the San Antionio Missions in Texas (link above).
Al Shihabi, D. Principal Investigator, and M. Muecke Co-Principal Investigator. 2021. Preservation and Cultural Heritage Japan: International Perspectives and Design Issues (DSN S 5460).
A collaboration with the State Department on the Official Residence of the American Ambassador to Japan in Tokyo (link above).
Al Shihabi, D. Principal Investigator, and M. Muecke Co-Principal Investigator. 2020. Preservation and Cultural Heritage Portugal: International Perspectives and Design Issues (DSN
Al Shihabi, D. Principal Investigator, and M. Muecke Co-Principal Investigator. 2019. Preservation and Cultural Heritage Morocco: International Perspectives and Design Issues (DSN S 546).
A collaboration with the State Department on the American Legation in Tangier, the only National Historic Landmark abroad.
Al Shihabi, D., Principal Investigator, and M. Muecke Co-Investigator. 2018. Preservation and Cultural Heritage Czech Republic: International Perspectives and Design Issues (DSN S 546).
A collaboration with the State Department on Villa Petschek (Prague), Official Residence of the American Ambassador to the Czech Republic.
Al Shihabi, D., Principal Investigator, and M. Muecke Co-Investigator. 2017. Preservation and Cultural Heritage England: International Perspectives and Design Issues (DSN S 546 GB).
A collaboration with the State Department on Winfield House (London), Official Residence of the American Ambassador to the Court of St. James's.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEADERSHIP ROLES (Selected)
ACADEMIC
Co-Founder, ISU's Interdisciplinary Preservation and Cultural Heritage Program, w/ C. Basmajian, H. Hohmann, M. Muecke, and A. Osterberg. 2012 - Present. (T. Grevstad-Nordbrock replaced Basmajian in 2015)
Director of Graduate Education, Interior Design, 2018 - 2025
Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Faculty Member, 2019-2025
Chair, Faculty Development and Administrative Relations Council, Faculty Senate, 2021-2023.
Faculty Development Council Member, Representing Interior Design, 2020-2024
Emerging Leaders Academy , Iowa State University, 2022-2023 Cohort (1 of 31)
Pavan Aduri, Diane Al Shihabi, Bryan Bellaire, Rachel Boenigk, Petrutza Caragea, Kyle Holtman, Andrea Little, Arnold Woods III. 2023. Resources for Those Who Support International Graduate Students, Team A Presentation, Emerging Leaders Academy, Jacobsen Athletic Bldg., April 14.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellow, College of Design, 2022-2023
Provost's Appointee, Review Committee, COD Dean Luis Rico-Gutierrez, 2018
Caucus Chair, College of Design, 2018 - 2021.
Faculty Senate Representative to CoD Liaison Council, 2018-2021
Iowa State University, Faculty Senate Representative to CoD Budget Committee, 2021
Director Entrepreneurship and Innovation Search Committee Member, Invited (by Dean), 2021
Chair, Department of Interior Design Promotion & Tenure Committee, 2021-2023
Chair, Search Committee TTE (4 positions), Interior Design International Search.
Dean's Appointee, Center for Excellence in Arts & Humanities Council, 2013-2015
Chair, Interior Design Governance and Strategic Plan Committee, 2014
Chair, Interior Design Tenure Track Search Committee, 2012-2014
PROFESSIONAL
Elected Board of Trustees Member, Taliesin Preservation Inc., 2018-2025
Taliesin Preservation and Facilities Committee, Invited Member, 2018-Present
Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), Site Visitor, 2012 – 2022/S
Site Visitor, Council of Interior Design Accreditation, 2012 - 2022.
Journal of Interior Design (JID), Invited Board of Reviewers Member, 2013-Present
IDEC Counsel of Fellows, Invited to serve as a Committee Member (1 of 5) to Review Nomination for Arnold P. Friedmann Educator of Distinction Award, 2020
Athens Journal of Architecture, Invited Board of Reviewer Member, (international), 2017
International Education Conference (IEC), Invited Paper Reviewer, Venice, Italy. April, 2016
IDEC Awards of Excellence IDEC Annual Conference, Invited Reviewer for Best Paper, 2015
Interior Design Coalition of Wisconsin (IDCW), President, 2005-2008
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Business Day, IDCW Co-organizer, WI Capitol, 2005-2008
Interior Design Coalition of Wisconsin, Newsletter Editor, 2004-2008
Representative, ASID Legislative Symposium- Minneapolis, Interior Design Coalition of WI Representative, 2006
Wisconsin State Historical Society, Preservation Planning Panel, Future of Preservation in WI, 2005
Historic Preservation Review Board, State of Wisconsin, Governor’s Appointee, 2002-2005
American Society of Interior Designers- Wisconsin Chapter, Legislative Chair, 2004-2005
American Society of Interior Designers- Wisconsin Chapter, Board Member, 2001-2002
GRADUATE COMMITTEES (SELECTED)
EXTERNAL
Committee Member, Allyson Hinz, MA Architecture Preservation, “Beyond the Facade: A Case Study Exploration on the Value, Complexity, and Future of Historic Interiors,” Tulane University- New Orleans, LA. Tulane University- New Orleans, LA, Completed in 2025.
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Co-Major Professor, Denis Bjelica, HCI-MS, Terra Virtualis: Bridging Fields of User Experience, Design Education, Preservation, & Cultural Heritage. Completed in 2025/S.
Committee Member, Farah Alzenki, MFA, Interior Design, Motivating Interior Design Toward Professional Creativity: The Role of Feedback. Completed 2023/S.
Committee Member, Andrea Flinn, PhD, Applied Linguistics and Technology, Untitled
Co-Major Professor, Ahmed Elsherif, MFA Interior Design, Portuguese Tilework and American Diplomacy: Cultural Preservation, International Politics and the New Cold War Rhetoric. Completed 2021/Sum.
Committee Member, Ruchi Patel, MArch Architecture, Architecture and identity: A study of colonial and post-colonial architecture in India. Completed 2021/S.
Committee Member. Michael Carson, MArch Architecture, Monuments of Mobility: A Comparative Study in Adaptive Reuse of Washington, D.C.’s Union Station and Kansas City’s Union Station. Completed 2020/F.
Major Professor, Taylor Johnson, MA Interior Design Candidate, Customizable and Interchangeable Furniture Design for Millennials. Completed 2020/S.
Major Professor, Akshaya Sivasankar, MFA Interior Design Candidate, Development of an Inclusive Design Approach to Facilitate Multicultural Integration in Contemporary Design. Completed 2020/S.
Major Professor, Qingrou Lin , MFA Interior Design Candidate, Architectural and Interior Characteristics of Luxury Hotels in Las Vegas and their Impact on Perception, Senses, and Emotions. Completed 2020/S.
Major Professor, Sasiwong Akkisopa, MFA Interior Design, Distortion in Photography as an Ideation Method in Interior Design. Completed 2020/F.
Major Professor, Collin Powell, MA Interior Design Candidate, Queer Domesticity + Semiotics in the Aesthetic Movement, Completed July 2019.
Committee Member, Mackenzie Waddell, Architecture, MS Architecture, Urban Revitalization in America’s Heartland: Preserving Our Past to Create a Sustainable Future. Completed January 2017.
Major Professor, Miranda Spears, MFA Interior Design, Untitled- Preservation
Committee Member, Chunyao Liu, M-ARCH, Financial Incentives and the Adaptive Reuse of Historic Interiors: Three Case Studies from Iowa. Completed June 2016.
Major Professor, Liu Yang, MFA Interior Design, Design Characteristics of Early Ch’ing Dynasty Exteriors and Interiors and Their Re-interpretation in America. Completed August 2015.
GRADUATE MINOR INTERIOR DESIGN
Committee Member, Sedigh Shaghayegh - Architecture
Committee Member, Tavakkolmoghaddam Golnoush - Architecture
