WANT TO KNOW MORE?
The Master in Design (MDes) in Interior Design at IE School of Architecture and Design is an intensive 10-month, in-person program based in Madrid, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the field of interior design. Our program focuses on craft, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Interior design plays a pivotal role within the creative industries, enhancing the quality of life, promoting well-being, driving innovation, fostering creativity, demonstrating resilience and making significant societal contributions.
Our Master in Interior Design offers a distinctive educational journey, beginning with designing at the residential scale and expanding to larger environments. Students learn to address various scales, from the intimacy of individual rooms to the grandeur of communal areas across different contexts, ranging from living spaces to areas for social interaction and exchange. Graduates will be prepared for a diverse array of roles in both established and emerging fields, enabling them to lead and innovate. They will be equipped with the skills needed to excel as interior designers worldwide.
Interior designers possess the power to transform spaces and elevate the human experience. Making an impact in interior design entails mastering sustainable practices, understanding ergonomic principles and leveraging technology. It also involves understanding business dynamics, mastering client relationship management and aligning design solutions with overarching strategic objectives.
Our students benefit from the coursework and transversal experience of the Design Innovation Platform, the shared stage, where they will absorb the fundamentals of design principles through courses on materials, sustainability, design for social impact, business, and communication skills.
Our program sets the stage for the next generation of interior design leaders, empowering them to make a significant impact in their field.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR
IS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO WANT...
To lead the future of interior design, building a more sustainable, beautiful and just interior environment. We commit to sustainability, craft and entrepreneurship.
We welcome candidates with a range of life experiences and academic backgrounds. The journey begins with designing at the residential scale and expands progressively to larger environments.
Students learn to address various scales meticulously, from the intimacy of individual rooms to the grandeur of communal areas across different contexts, encompassing both living spaces and spaces for social interaction and exchange.
LOOKING FOR…
An immersive education that offers a rich design culture, preparing you to excel in interior design with a broad exposure to design innovation tools and methods.
Our program emphasizes three key pillars: craft, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Students seek a program that balances core design principles with specialized interior design topics, providing access to global networks, entrepreneurial training, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative teaching methodologies.
The program explores the intersection of space, environment, and media, viewing spatial design as multidimensional and encompassing a range of scales—from material to virtual, local to global, and individual to collective.
TO BECOME…
Interior designers equipped to make a significant impact in their field, ready to succeed wherever their creative career might take them. Graduates will be prepared for a diverse array of roles in both established and emerging fields. Interior designers are essential in well-known and established sectors such as retail, hospitality, education, cultural institutions and the public sector. However, the world of interiors is no longer reliant exclusively on the physical realm. This program will prepare you for roles in a range of fields that move beyond traditional industry sectors, and will place graduates in newly created positions that are only beginning to emerge today, including virtual interiors, stage design and more.
When you graduate you will have the skills to collaborate closely with global design teams, delivering concept designs and 3D space planning, including visuals and CGIs. You will excel in developing comprehensive concept presentations, know how to manage FF&E procurement, maintain budgets and coordinate with suppliers to meet project deadlines.
5 REASONS TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM
PROGRAM DRIVERS
The essence of the (MDes) Master in Interior Design
Comprehensive curriculum with specialization
The Master in Interior Design offers a broad foundation in core design principles and specialized interior design topics. Program students will gain a solid grounding in creativity and design before delving deeply into industry specifics such as acoustics and thermal control, lighting, ergonomics, product and furniture design, interior landscaping, applied technology, space narrative and art curation. Beyond traditional boundaries, students will experiment by incorporating disciplines such as scenography, cinema, photography and music into their interior design projects. Culture and history also play a major role in spatial design, sparking intellectual conversations in the field and addressing complex social, political and environmental challenges. Students will develop a unique and innovative approach to their work through these discussions.
SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT
IE School of Architecture and Design strongly emphasizes sustainable design practices and the transformative social impact of design. Students of the Master in Interior Design learn to use eco-friendly materials and design methodologies that promote sustainability, aligning with the growing global demand for environmentally and socially responsible design and fabrication solutions. Our approach equips students with both a profound understanding of these materials and practical experience of working with them to create designs that improve both human well-being and environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the program addresses interior design’s social, economic and environmental impact, prompting students to consider its potential as a game changer in these contexts. It encourages critical thinking and reflection on the implications of design decisions.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The curriculum integrates robust business skills, ensuring that students become outstanding designers and strategic and entrepreneurial thinkers. Through modules such as The Business of Design, students learn to approach the field with a strategic business focus, helping them cultivate a mindset for success in their own entrepreneurial ventures or within established organizations. Equipped with a well-rounded knowledge of market trends, client needs, project management and the demanding realities of the business aspect of the discipline, students emerge prepared for leadership and innovation in interior design. They will develop the contemporary behavioral and social skills demanded by the design industry, enhancing their communication, leadership and teamwork proficiency. They will learn to engage effectively with various stakeholders, hone their expertise in delivering presentations, negotiate effectively and manage their time efficiently.
FUTURE-FOCUSED DESIGN
The program is forward-thinking, preparing students to be industry leaders. Students will engage with cutting-edge topics and technologies, ensuring they are well equipped to lead and innovate.
Graduates emerge not only up-to-date with the current state of the industry but also as pioneers in this dynamic, highly creative, and rapidly evolving field. Particular attention is dedicated to the use of AI as a creative tool and beyond.
Photo Credit
The order of the image credits is from left to right.
VIVA LA DIFERENCIA Madrid, Design Ciszak Dalmas
MALABABA Madrid, Design Ciszak Dalmas Ferrari, Ph Asier Rua
HISCOX London, Design Ciszak Dalmas Ferrari, Ph Stale Eriksen
Design Ciszak Dalmas, Moodboards
HISCOX London, Design Ciszak Dalmas Ferrari, Ph Stale Eriksen
HISCOX London, Drawings
HOFF Madrid, Design Ciszak Dalmas Ferrari, Ph. Asier Rua
MAX&CO Milan, Design Ciszak Dalmas
UNSURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT PROGRAM TO HELP YOU ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
Discover the (MDes) Master in Interior Design related programs:
FAQs
Are interior designers happy with their job?
Job satisfaction among interior designers can vary, depending on a variety of factors. Due to the creative and dynamic nature of the work, and the ability to make an impact, interior designers often feel very satisfied with their work. In order to maximize your potential for job satisfaction, it’s important to set clear and realistic goals and focus your career decisions on your specific areas of interest. Building a supportive professional network can also be beneficial.
What are the disadvantages of being an interior designer?
As with any career path, there are potential challenges associated with becoming an interior designer. These can be related to changes in demand based on market fluctuations, and possible long working hours, among others. The market for interior designers is very competitive, so it’s important to acquire a diverse skill set that helps you to stand out.
What is the highest paid interior design job?
The highest-paid interior design jobs will typically be senior positions, such as partner or principal in a design firm, or interior design director. Professionals with advanced design skills, as well as leadership skills and business skills, often command higher salaries. Our Master in Design: Interior Design equips you with such skills, preparing you for maximum success.
Is interior design a stable career?
Interior design can be a fulfilling and stable career. Work opportunities can be affected by factors such as economic conditions, location and your skills and experience; maintaining a strong portfolio and a professional network can be beneficial for building a career in interior design.
How many hours a week do interior designers work?
The working hours of interior designers vary considerably based on the type of employment, project demands, and industry, among other factors.
How long are interior design master’s programs?
Master’s programs vary depending on the institution. The Master in Design: Interior Design at IE University is a full-time, in-person program that takes place over ten months, starting in September. You will study in the heart of Madrid at our state-of-the-art facilities.