The Savannah College of Art and Design today announced the university's undergraduate and graduate interior design programs have been named No. 1 in the nation for 2016 by DesignIntelligence. This is the fifth consecutive year that SCAD's undergraduate interior design program has been awarded the top ranking on the annual "America's Best Architecture and Design Schools" list. SCAD has led the annual list from 2012 to 2016.

DesignIntelligence, the publication and rankings body of the Design Futures Council, has led industry-driven rankings in design disciplines for more than 15 years. The group's research ranks undergraduate and graduate programs from the perspective of deans and chairs from academic programs across the nation and leading practitioners with direct experience hiring and supervising recent design graduates. The rankings determine which schools are best preparing their students for success in design-related professions.

"SCAD's success is by design," said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. "The clear vision and noted accomplishments of our interior design faculty, students and alumni consistently earn these well-deserved praises. High five to SCAD interior design!"

In September, SCAD announced an upcoming enhancement to its architectural program that will include an integrated path to architectural licensure in response to a 2015 Request for Proposal from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. This groundbreaking academic track at SCAD is anticipated to launch in the fall of 2016 with the first students enrolling in the program expected to graduate in 2023 as licensed architects.