DesignIntelligence and the Counsel House Research, in conjunction with the Almanac of Architecture and Design, ranked the Harrington Institute of Interior Design eighth on its list of top interior design schools in the country.

Harrington ranked 14th last year, which was the first time the school made the list.

The rankings were compiled by asking 59 firm owners, partners, and/or principals of private practice interior design and architecture firms to name up to 10 schools with whom they feel best-prepared students for the interior design profession over the past five years. There were approximately 11,021 employees in the participating firms.

Founded in 1931, the Harrington Institute, located in Chicago’s Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., offers a bachelor of fine arts degree in interior design, an associate of applied science degree and a diploma program.

"We are pleased to be in the company of some of the best known schools in the country," says Patrick Comstock, president of the Harrington Institute.

The 2003 complete list of the top 15 schools (in order) includes: University of Cincinnati, Pratt Institute, Kansas State University, Syracuse University, Cornell University, Arizona State University, Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, The Harrington Institute of Interior Design, University of Florida, and California College of Arts And Crafts, University of Oregon, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Auburn University, Lawrence Technological University, Michigan State University and New York School of Interior Design.

Only schools accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) were considered. Firms in each market sector and throughout all regions of the country were contacted. The results provide an overview of the reputation of each school within the practicing interior design community.

The Almanac of Architecture and Design is the only complete reference for rankings, records and facts in the architecture, landscape architecture,interior design, industrial design and historic preservation fields.

The Harrington Institute seeks to foster an environment that maximizes students' intellectual and artistic potentials. The majority of the faculty are practicing interior design, architecture and fine art professionals. Harrington is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and the BFA program is accredited by the Foundation for Interior Designer Education Research. Harrington is also recognized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

For more information about Harrington, call 877.939.4975.

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