Miguel Leiro

Miguel Leiro is a designer, curator, and educator based in Madrid who focuses on expanding the cultural value of design. After receiving a bachelor's in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute (New York City) he started a practice in Madrid that specializes in products, creative direction, interiors, and branding. His creative direction practice often overlaps with his curatorial work, creating a dynamic approach to design and cultural engagement.

In 2020, Miguel founded MAYRIT, a biennial that serves as a platform for experimental architecture and design. Having celebrated its third edition in May 2024, MAYRIT reflects a commitment to fostering new approaches and critical discourse in contemporary design. As a writer, Miguel explores themes at the intersection of design, history, and contemporary culture, having been published by PIN-UP Magazine and ICON Design.

Miguel's projects have been exhibited in more than nine countries with a prominent participation in events such as Salone Satellite, Maison & Objet, EDIT Napoli, Collectible Design, Porto Design Biennale among others. These contributions to design have been recognized with awards such as the Rome Design Award at the Spanish Academy (2017–18) and the Maison&Objet Rising Talent Award in Paris.

As an educator at IED Madrid and IE University, Miguel mentors emerging designers, fostering critical perspectives and practical skills. His studio integrates research, history, and contemporary design into projects that engage with diverse contexts. MAYRIT has evolved into a collaborative space, merging local and international perspectives to challenge traditional approaches to design.

Corporate Experience

• President – Assoc. Office of Design, Madrid, Spain, 2020 – Present

• Founder and Director – Mayrit Design and Architecture Biennial, Madrid, Spain, 2020 – Present

• Board Member – di_mad, Madrid, Spain, 2020 – Present

• Designer – Miguel Leiro Design, Madrid, Spain, 2017 – Present

• Designer – Moneo Brock, Madrid, Spain, 2017

• Designer – HAYONSTUDIO (Jaime Hayon), Valencia, Spain, 2016

• Studio Assistant – Juan Uslé/Victoria Civera Studio, New York, US, 2014 – 2015

Academic Experience

• Adjunct Professor – IE University, Bachelor in Design, Madrid, Spain, 2023 – Present

• Adjunct Professor – IED Madrid, Masters in Product Design, Spain, 2021 – 2023

Academic Background

• BA in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute, USA, 2016 

• Certificate in History, Design and Worldmaking from the New Centre for Research and Practice, USA, 2024 (ongoing) - translate