Dr. Lisa Waxman, Chair of IA&D, Retires after 35 Years of Service

This December the Department of Interior Architecture & Design says goodbye to long-serving faculty member Lisa Waxman.  Having been on the faculty for 35 years, Lisa served at the helm of the department for the last 8 years.  Leading the program to a top 10 national ranking, a name change, and the hiring of many new faculty are just a few of her accomplishments.  Prior to serving as chair, Lisa led the IA&D graduate program, personally guiding 48 master’s students through the thesis process.  Always willing to work on behalf of the profession, Lisa has served in many capacities on the board of the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), including a term as treasurer and as the 2011-2012 president.  Additional board service included the Journal of Interior Design, the IDEC Foundation, and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).  IDEC acknowledged her wide-reaching contributions by awarding her the 2019 Arnold Friedman Educator of Distinction Award, a life-time achievement award for educators who have positively impacted the profession.  Lisa has also been active in the Florida state legislation, often speaking before house and senate committees on behalf of interior design regulation.  She currently serves as the legislative chair for ASID Florida North.  In the classroom, she headed up the department’s computer-aided design program for many years, and more recently taught the environment & behavior, sustainability, and many graduate level classes.  When asked about her retirement, Lisa shared, “I will miss everything about FSU and university life, especially our faculty and students.  However, I feel so lucky to have had this career, and leave with only great memories!”

The department has created a scholarship in her name.  Contributions are being accepted via: https://spark.fsu.edu/LisaWaxman