"As the profession of interior design continues to advance through its achievement of legislation in many U.S. jurisdictions, the boundary between architecture and interior design has been increasingly blurred. In states where interior design practice acts have been legislated, qualified practitioners may independently submit nonstructural interior drawings for building permits - a role previously restricted to registered architects and engineers. As such, the term interior architecture has become common nomenclature for the design of interiors projects, and while it is debatably an accurate description, its use by interior designers has led to controversy between the architecture and interior design professions due to the legally protected status of the title "architect." Further fueling the controversy between these disciplines, the trend for some U.S. colleges and universities to rename interior design programs to interior architecture has been met with opposition on both sides due to the infringement on the term architecture and the resulting confusion between these legally distinct professions. Proponents for interior architectural education, however, argue that a gap exists between architecture and interior design and that the unique principles and theories of interior architecture provide the necessary link. As the term interior architecture is increasingly used to describe the gray area that exists between these professions, there remains a lack of clarity as to what interior architecture is and who is qualified and legally able to practice it. This study explores the historical context of the term interior architecture, its relationship to both architecture and interior design, and how it is currently perceived by practitioners, educators, and students of both disciplines. By seeking the opinions of individuals most impacted by the term, this study provides insight on the historical, present, and potential future applications of the term interior architecture within the U.S. architecture and design community." -- Introduction.