Nam-Kyu Park Takes Helm of UF's Interior Design Department Amid Industry Growth
The University of Florida's Department of Interior Design has appointed Nam-Kyu Park as its new chair, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the nation's premier interior design programs. Park succeeds Roberto Rengel, who retired at the end of 2025 after years of guiding the department through periods of growth and innovation. This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the interior design industry, which continues to expand despite economic fluctuations in other sectors.
The selection of Park reflects the department's strategic focus on maintaining its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving field. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Interior Design at the University of Florida, Park brings a combination of academic expertise and industry knowledge to the role. The timing of this leadership change coincides with projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicating that employment of interior designers is expected to grow 5% over the next decade, outpacing several other design disciplines.
Building on a Foundation of Excellence
Park's appointment represents continuity in the department's commitment to evidence-based design practices, which have become increasingly important in both commercial and residential projects. The interior design program at UF has long emphasized the integration of research and practice, preparing students for a field where decisions about spatial organization, materials, and lighting have measurable impacts on human health, productivity, and well-being. This approach aligns with Park's own professional focus, as evidenced by his Evidence-based Design accreditation (EDAC) and LC-Lighting Certificate.
The transition in leadership comes as the department has been strengthening its international connections. Recently, Associate Professor Shabboo Valipoor spent two weeks in Detmold, Germany, collaborating with partners at the TH OWL university. These global partnerships provide UF students with exposure to international design perspectives and practices, an increasingly valuable asset in a globalized marketplace where design influences cross borders more fluidly than ever before.
Economic Implications for Graduates
The appointment of Park signals stability for current and prospective students concerned about their future job prospects. Interior design remains a resilient profession even during economic downturns, as businesses continue to invest in workspace optimization and homeowners allocate resources to improving their living environments. According to industry analyses, the interior design market in the United States is valued at approximately $40 billion, with steady growth projected through the remainder of the decade.
For graduates of UF's interior design program, this market vitality translates to concrete opportunities. The program's emphasis on sustainable design practices—reflected in Park's credentials as a LEED accredited professional—positions alumni to capitalize on the growing demand for environmentally responsible design solutions. As commercial and residential clients increasingly prioritize sustainability in their projects, designers with specialized training in green building standards find themselves at a competitive advantage in the job market.
Adapting to Industry Evolution
Park takes the helm at a time when the interior design profession is undergoing significant transformation. Technological advancements, particularly in visualization tools and building information modeling (BIM), have changed how designers conceptualize and communicate their ideas. Virtual reality and augmented reality applications allow clients to experience proposed designs before implementation, reducing costly revisions and improving client satisfaction. The UF program has integrated these technologies into its curriculum, ensuring graduates are fluent in both traditional design principles and cutting-edge tools.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated several trends already underway in interior design, most notably the blurring of boundaries between residential and commercial spaces. As remote work became normalized, demand surged for home environments that could accommodate professional activities while maintaining comfort and functionality for personal life. This shift has created new specialization opportunities for designers who understand the complex requirements of multi-purpose spaces.
Professional Certification and Industry Standards
One of the ongoing challenges in interior design education is preparing students for professional certification requirements that vary by state and continue to evolve. Park's own credentials as an NCIDQ certified interior designer position him to guide the department through these complexities. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam represents the industry standard for professional practice, and UF's program has maintained a strong track record of preparing graduates to successfully complete this rigorous assessment.
The department's curriculum balances creative exploration with technical proficiency, ensuring students develop both the artistic vision and practical knowledge necessary for professional success. Courses cover space planning, materials selection, building codes, and contract documentation, alongside design theory and history. This comprehensive approach has contributed to the program's reputation for producing graduates who can immediately contribute value to design firms.
Research Focus and Industry Partnerships
Under Park's leadership, the department is expected to continue its emphasis on research that addresses real-world design challenges. The interior design faculty at UF has established partnerships with healthcare organizations, corporate clients, and government agencies to study how design interventions can improve outcomes in various settings. These collaborations provide students with opportunities to work on projects with tangible impacts while building professional networks that often lead to employment after graduation.
The department's research agenda includes investigations into biophilic design (incorporating natural elements into built environments), inclusive design for aging populations, and the psychological effects of color and lighting in institutional settings. These research areas align with growing market segments within the broader interior design industry, where specialized knowledge commands premium compensation.
Looking Forward
As Park transitions into his new role, the Department of Interior Design at the University of Florida stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. The program's established reputation provides a solid foundation, while emerging industry trends present opportunities for curriculum enhancement and new research directions. The department's commitment to maintaining CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) standards ensures that graduates continue to meet the expectations of employers who increasingly seek designers capable of addressing complex social, environmental, and economic challenges through thoughtful spatial solutions.
The appointment of Nam-Kyu Park as chair represents more than an administrative change; it signals the department's ongoing evolution in response to industry dynamics. With his background in evidence-based design and sustainable building practices, Park embodies the interdisciplinary approach that characterizes contemporary interior design education. As the profession continues to expand its scope and influence, UF's program appears well-positioned to maintain its status as a leader in preparing the next generation of interior design practitioners.