WHO WE ARE
We are the English-language chapter of the IACC (International Association of Color Consultants/Designers). We are based in the United States but are comprised of color professionals from around the world. Our membership consists of professionals who have chosen to become more educated about color, its proper application, and the human response it elicits. Knowledge, credibility, and validity set IACC-NA members apart from other color professionals by our commitment to integrating the art and science of color.
Our parent organization, the IACC, is one of the oldest color associations in the world and is the only one that accredits architects, interior designers, environmental designers, color psychologists, marketing specialists and other color professionals to carry the title of “IACC-Qualified Color Consultant/Designer.”
AS PART OF THE IACC, OUR TASK IS TWOFOLD:
Accreditation through the IACC educational courses with the titles of “Associate Member” and “Accredited Member” if strict IACC qualification standards have been met. Those who practice color consulting/design without having met IACC qualifications are not recognized by the IACC or the IACC-NA as accredited color consultants/designers.
International representation of the profession by:
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Promoting an understanding of the necessity for functional color design.
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Advancing the profession of color consultant/designers through professional training, and the elevation of professional standards.
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Protection of the professional designation of “IACC-Qualified Color Consultant/Designer.”
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The Integration of Art and Science
IACC’s interdisciplinary approach to color design seeks to create a human-centered balance among the expression of universal aesthetics, the reality of the psychological and physiological effects of color, and the presentation of personal taste. As IACC-trained professionals, we exploit both the objective and subjective experiences of color to their most purposeful advantage to practice environmental design that is not only beautiful but functional, and that strives to support the health and well-being of human beings in an architectural space.
The IACC professional:
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is trained to help a client analyze and realize design goals effectively
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avoids preconceived design notions
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refrains from subjective personal design opinions
Neuro-psychol-ogical Aspects
Emotional Aspects
Visual Ergonomics
Psychological Effects
IACC HISTORY
Our Founding
The IACC was founded in Hilversum, Holland in 1957 by architects, designers, educators, scientists and artists from 12 countries. Their motivation was the understanding that many design dilettantes hid behind the unprotected professional name of Color Consultant, and that there existed an absence of competent training and education in the field as well as an acute shortage of true professionals. To bring attention to the differentiation of the IACC’s training curriculum Frank Mahnke made “designer” an inclusive part of the title.
The IACC’s first President, Dr. Heinrich Frieling, founder of the Color Psychology Institute of Germany, was given the assignment of creating an interdisciplinary training program leading to an IACC diploma. Frieling collaborated with national and international experts from the fields of architecture, interior architecture, design, environmental psychology, art and lighting engineering.
These individuals became the permanent lecturers of the IACC curriculum in Salzburg, with the addition of guest lecturers who brought their special expertise to the training program. The IACC training program began in 1958 as the “Independent International College for Color and Environment of the IACC.” The program’s name was later changed to “Salzburg Seminars for Color and Environment” and is known today as “IACC Academy: Salzburg Seminars for Color and Environment.”
Our Growth
After becoming a widely respected resource for color training in Europe, Frank Mahnke expanded IACC’s reach by establishing the “IACC Seminars for Color and Environment” in San Diego, California in 1991, which are now known as the “IACC Academy Branch USA: Seminars for Color and Environment.” The USA seminars are open to all English-speaking participants world-wide. In 2000 the “IACC School of Japan for Color and Interior Design” was established in Nagoya; in 2004 a branch was opened in Fukuoka and in the following years an additional branch was established in Tokyo. The IACC-Italy Seminars is the most recent addition, established in Milan 2011.
Because of its unique training, high professional standards and international scope, IACC-NA continues to grow. In addition to members from across the United States and Canada, IACC-NA members also live and work in such diverse locales as in Europe: Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and South Africa.
IACC-NA BOARD MEMBERS
IACC INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
VICE PRESIDENTS - USA
Pattie
Heaton
International Vice President
Laura Deubler-Mercurio
International Vice President
Carolyn
Richardson
International Vice President
