Katherine Setser, assistant professor in the Department of Architecture + Interior Design, was presented the Design Luminary Award during the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) GATHER National Conference in Miami, Florida on Sept.23.

The Design Luminary Award recognizes an individual or organization for advancing the interior design profession through outstanding education, advocacy, research, or promotion.  

“Katherine’s selection as the 2022 Design Luminary is an exceptional honor that recognizes the impact that her research and engaged scholarship has had and continues to have on the national and international design communities as well as her contribution to the discipline’s body of knowledge,” said John Weigand, acting dean in the College of Creative Arts.

Setser’s scholarship has helped translate research findings into practice and construction interventions within international fire and life safety codes that contribute to the safety and resilience of communities worldwide. She has provided evidentiary research and advocacy-related assistance for interior design legislation in over 15 states, along with critical studies and methodologies that explore new ways to assess the health, safety and wellness impact of design practice. 

ASID CEO Gary Wheeler said the jury recognized Setser for her work in three vital areas that promote design excellence: research, advocacy, and education. 

“She received the Design Luminary Award in recognition of her multifaceted work and scholarship that includes protecting public health, safety and wellness, advancing the interior design profession, and inspiring future generations of designers,” he said. “She is establishing new avenues of research and engagement that are literally changing the profession. The jury praised Katherine’s comprehensive, interdisciplinary accomplishments that have impacted and touched so many lives on so many levels.”

Setser joined the Miami University faculty in 2013. She earned her undergraduate degree in Interior Design from Miami in 1985 and an M.S. degree in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati in 2013.