Dr. Tilanka Chandrasekera Named 2025 IIDA Educator of the Year
Celebrating Excellence in Interior Design Education
Dr. Tilanka Chandrasekera, a professor of interior design at Oklahoma State University (OSU), has been awarded the 2025 Educator of the Year title by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). This prestigious recognition was conferred during the IIDA Annual Meeting held in Chicago on June 8, 2025.
An Innovative Leader in Interior Design
This accolade highlights Dr. Chandrasekera’s exceptional teaching capabilities, innovative approaches to education, and valuable contributions to the field of interior design through creative scholarship. As the coordinator of the interior design program within the College of Education and Human Sciences’ Department of Design and Merchandising, he holds the esteemed Christine Salmon Endowed Professorship.
Pioneering Research and Curriculum Development
Chandrasekera’s research focuses on immersive technology, culturally responsive teaching, and inclusive practices. His diverse course offerings include subjects ranging from residential design studios to sustainable design and advanced computer-aided design.
In his role as the director of the Mixed Reality Lab, he integrates cutting-edge research in virtual and augmented reality and explores the applications of artificial intelligence in design and education.
Inspiring Collaboration and Problem-Solving
The Mixed Reality Lab also serves as the venue for his innovative weekend-long Designathons. Here, student teams tackle pressing real-world societal challenges within a 40-hour timeframe. This annual event has garnered participation from across the university and internationally, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering impactful solutions.
Chandrasekera is affectionately known on campus as the "Virtual Reality Guru", thanks to his ability to unite students, faculty, and external partners in hands-on experiences that bridge the realms of design, science, and community needs.
Mentorship and Community Engagement
In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Chandrasekera actively mentors students on significant service projects. These include creating VR-based training modules for first responders, redesigning museum exhibits, and collaborating with NASA on lunar habitat design.
His efforts have also secured vital funding, such as a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, aimed at introducing digital design to K–12 students through after-school programs.
Transforming Design Education
Colleague Dr. Aditya Jayadas, associate professor and graduate coordinator in the Department of Design and Merchandising, highlights Chandrasekera’s transformative impact. “Three years ago, he envisioned a bold idea for a master’s program in digital design. Today, it is a reality, providing undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in just one additional year,” he stated. This initiative has created life-changing opportunities for many students, particularly those from Oklahoma.
The hybrid Master of Science in Digital Design is designed for students across all majors, emphasizing evidence-based design and 3D environments.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Chandrasekera’s deep knowledge, passion for education, and ability to foster collaboration uniquely position him as a leader in design education. He not only teaches; he inspires others by embodying what it means to be an exceptional educator.
Insights on Mentoring
In collaboration with Jayadas and Dr. Lynn Boorady, head of the Department of Design and Merchandising, as well as graduate teaching assistant Zahrasadat Hosseini, Chandrasekera has published research on OSU’s Peer Teaching mentors and the impact of Near Peer Mentoring (NPM) on student success and retention in design education. NPM enables more experienced students to support their peers in navigating the complexities of their educational journeys.
Dr. Chandrasekera’s Vision
“I am incredibly proud of Dr. Chandrasekera and his national IIDA Educator of the Year award,” stated Boorady. “His dedication to student learning is unmatched.”
Dr. Chandrasekera is a trailblazer in interior design education, shaping the next generation of designers and inspiring fellow faculty to embrace emerging technologies. He listens attentively to new ideas and responds with swift action to implement them.
A Moment of Humility
Chandrasekera expressed his gratitude for receiving the title of IIDA Educator of the Year, stating, “This award is deeply meaningful as it acknowledges my dedication to reimagining design education through innovation and collaboration.” He emphasizes the importance of integrating virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive media into the design curriculum, asserting that these tools profoundly transform how students engage with design.
Looking Ahead
For Dr. Chandrasekera, this award symbolizes collective effort and a shared milestone in the ongoing journey to create a more inclusive and impactful design education landscape. “It motivates me to continue evolving as an educator, keeping student voices central to all that we do at OSU,” he noted.
Chandrasekera’s contributions have already made substantial impacts on both OSU and the broader design community. His commitment to making education more relevant, accessible, and forward-thinking is truly remarkable.
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