(CHICAGO – September 10, 2007) – Crandon Gustafson, Department Chair for Harrington College of Design’s Interior Design Program, has been promoted to Director of the Center for Professional Development at Harrington College of Design in Chicago.

An instructor at Harrington since 2001, Gustafson entered the academic community full-time in 2005 after more than 20 years as a practicing architect and designer. In his new role, Gustafson will direct Career Services, Continuing Education for design professionals, and International Studies for the college. During Gustafson’s tenure, the school’s students increased their presence in Chicago’s design community, with work exhibited at NeoCon, DIFFA’s Dining by Design and Stitch, along with community volunteer projects for Design at Home, the Chicago Public Schools, the Heartland Alliance and other not-for-profit organizations in the Chicago area.

"I am excited about the potential of the Center for Professional Development and am confident Crandon’s proven abilities and experience – both at Harrington and in the professional world – will serve the students and employers well. This is a critical role within the institution and I am pleased Crandon has taken on the challenge", said Erik Parks, President of Harrington College of Design.

Gustafson led Harrington’s interior design curriculum revisions in 2006 as part of a continuing process of aligning education with the profession. Gustafson serves as VP for Student Affairs on the IIDA Illinois Board of Directors, and has recently been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Midwest Living and other publications. He is a LEED

Mr. Gustafson has specialized in design for education as a Project Manager with Gensler, Perkins + Will, OWP/P and VOA. A registered architect, Gustafson has worked in Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago, and directed the Managing Architect team for Chicago Public Schools’ Capital Improvement Program, the largest school construction and renovation program undertaken in the United States.

He has presented papers on sustainability and design for education to diverse groups including NeoCon (2004 and 2006) and Midwest Interior Design Educator’s Council.

About Harrington College

Harrington College of Design is a four-year college that offers flexible scheduling for a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Interior Design or Digital Photography and a new Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Communication Design. Harrington is committed to creating the next generation of design professionals to lead and serve the global community.

Harrington has been a member of Chicago’s design and higher education communities since 1931. Located at 200 W. Madison St., Harrington seeks to foster an environment that maximizes students’ intellectual and artistic potential. The majority of the faculty is practicing interior designers, architects, photographers and fine art professionals.

Harrington is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and bachelor's degrees. Harrington is recognized as a private college by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and is authorized by the IBHE to confer baccalaureate and associate degrees. The Interior Design Program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 146 Monroe Center NW, Suite 1318, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2822.

For more information, call 312.939.4975 or visit www.harringtoncollege.com.