Published on 7 July 2026 by ISAD — School of Design in Milan

Storia

ISAD – Istituto Superiore di Architettura e Design, nasce nel 1980 dall’idea di un gruppo di architetti che, forti di altre esperienze didattiche, hanno voluto fondare una scuola tutta italiana specificatamente rivolta all’architettura degli interni. Forte di 40 anni di esperienza, l’Istituto continua in un costante processo di evoluzione che consente di aggiornare ed implementare continuamente i temi didattici.

Il gruppo docenti è composto da professionisti e ricercatori attivamente impegnati tanto sul fronte della libera professione, quanto in campo critico ed editoriale. L’Istituto, mantiene la sua idea di origine, ovvero essere fondata sul lavoro di gruppo, sulla assidua presenza dei docenti, sulla intensa vita sociale degli allievi, sulla interscambiabilità delle esperienze e degli insegnanti. Spirito di comunità, dove una sana competizione non esclude la collaborazione e lo scambio reciproco.

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The Founding Vision and Early Years

When ISAD opened its doors in 1980, the design education landscape in Italy was dominated by large public institutions and a handful of private academies focused primarily on fine arts or industrial design. The founders—practising architects with previous teaching experience—identified a specific gap: a school entirely dedicated to interior architecture, where the spatial, material, and human dimensions of interior space would be treated as a discipline in its own right, not merely as a sub-category of architecture or decoration. This focus was, and remains, the school’s defining characteristic.

From the outset, the pedagogical model was built around the atelier, a working environment modelled on professional design studios rather than conventional classrooms. Students were expected to learn by doing, to develop projects through iterative critique, and to engage directly with the physical and cultural context of Milan—a city that was then, as now, a global reference point for design, fashion, and architecture. The early curriculum combined technical drawing, history of interiors, materials technology, and design studio, but always with an emphasis on the integrated nature of the design process.

The decision to keep the school deliberately small and selective was also foundational. The founders believed that meaningful design education requires close, sustained contact between students and faculty, and that a community of learners who know each other well is more conducive to experimentation and mutual support. This ethos has not changed: even as the school has grown and modernised, class sizes remain limited, and the ratio of faculty to students is kept intentionally high.

Evolution of the Curriculum: From Interior Architecture to Integrated Design

Over four decades, the curriculum at ISAD has evolved in response to changes in the profession, in technology, and in society. The core commitment to interior architecture has never wavered, but the ways in which that discipline is taught have been continuously updated. In the 1980s and 1990s, the programme was structured around traditional studio projects, hand drawing, and material samples. Today, digital modelling, parametric design, sustainable materials, and building information modelling (BIM) are fully integrated into the coursework, reflecting the tools that contemporary professionals use daily.

One significant development has been the expansion of the school’s scope to include related design fields. While interior architecture remains the heart of the programme, students now encounter modules on product design, lighting design, exhibition design, retail environments, and hospitality spaces. This broader perspective prepares graduates to work across the many scales and typologies that define contemporary interior practice, from a single piece of custom furniture to a large-scale urban interior.

The school has also placed growing emphasis on the theoretical and critical dimensions of design. Courses in history and theory have been strengthened, and students are encouraged to develop a personal design philosophy informed by both Italian and international traditions. The faculty, many of whom are active critics and writers, bring current debates from the pages of design magazines and academic journals directly into the studio, ensuring that the education remains intellectually rigorous and not merely vocational.

Teaching Method: The Atelier as a Community of Practice

At the heart of the ISAD experience is the atelier—a term borrowed from the French tradition of the artist’s workshop and adapted to the needs of design education. In the atelier, students work on long-term projects that simulate real professional commissions, often in collaboration with external partners such as manufacturers, cultural institutions, or local businesses. The projects are developed over weeks or months, allowing for deep research, multiple iterations, and detailed presentation.

The atelier is not only a physical space but also a pedagogical method. Faculty members act as mentors and critics, guiding students through the design process while encouraging them to take ownership of their ideas. Peer learning is equally important: students at different levels share the same spaces, and more advanced students often provide informal guidance to newcomers. This creates a continuity of knowledge and a sense of collective endeavour that is rare in larger, more anonymous institutions.

Regular reviews, or crits, are a central feature of the atelier. Students present their work to a panel of faculty and invited guests, who offer constructive criticism and ask probing questions. These sessions are designed to be challenging but supportive, helping students to articulate their design intentions clearly and to defend their choices with evidence and reasoning. The ability to present and discuss work confidently is considered an essential professional skill, and it is cultivated from the first year.

The Milan Context: A Living Laboratory for Design

ISAD’s location in Milan is not incidental; it is integral to the educational experience. Milan is internationally recognised as a capital of design, home to the Salone del Mobile, the Triennale Design Museum, and countless showrooms, galleries, and studios. The city’s rich architectural heritage—from Renaissance courtyards to modernist masterpieces—provides an endless source of inspiration and case study material. Students are encouraged to explore the city actively, using it as a living laboratory for understanding how interiors relate to buildings, streets, and urban life.

The school maintains close relationships with the local design community. Guest lectures by prominent designers and architects are a regular feature of the academic calendar, and students often have the opportunity to visit professional studios, factories, and construction sites. These encounters give students a realistic understanding of the profession and help them to build a network of contacts that can be invaluable after graduation. The annual Milan Design Week is a particularly intense period, with students participating in exhibitions, installations, and events across the city.

Furthermore, Milan’s international character means that the school attracts students from many countries, creating a multicultural environment that enriches discussions and broadens perspectives. The ability to work in diverse teams and to understand different cultural approaches to space and design is increasingly important in a globalised profession, and ISAD students develop this competence naturally through their daily interactions.

Community Life and Student Experience

Beyond the formal curriculum, ISAD places great emphasis on the quality of student life. The school is intentionally small enough that students and faculty know each other by name, and a spirit of mutual support pervades the corridors and studios. Social events, exhibitions, and informal gatherings are organised regularly, fostering a sense of belonging that many alumni cite as one of the most valuable aspects of their time at the school.

The school also recognises that studying in a new city—especially for international students—can be challenging. For this reason, ISAD offers support through its Counselling & Accommodation service, which assists students in finding suitable housing, navigating administrative procedures, and adjusting to life in Milan. This practical support is complemented by an open-door policy among faculty and staff, who are always available to offer advice on academic or personal matters.

Alumni remain an active part of the ISAD community long after graduation. Many return as guest critics, mentors, or employers, and the school maintains an informal network that helps recent graduates to find their first professional opportunities. This lifelong connection is a testament to the strength of the bonds formed during the intense, collaborative years of study.

Looking Forward: Innovation and Continuity

As ISAD enters its fifth decade, the school continues to balance tradition with innovation. The founding principles—focus on interior architecture, studio-based learning, close student-faculty relationships, and integration with the professional world—remain as relevant as ever. At the same time, the school is constantly exploring new pedagogical approaches, new technologies, and new areas of design practice to ensure that its graduates are prepared for the challenges of the future.

Environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and digital transformation are among the key themes that are being integrated into the curriculum. Students are encouraged to think critically about the impact of their design decisions on the planet and on society, and to use digital tools not as ends in themselves but as means to create more humane, efficient, and beautiful spaces. The school’s commitment to research and experimentation ensures that it remains at the forefront of design education in Italy and beyond.

For those considering a career in interior architecture or related design fields, ISAD offers a unique educational path: rigorous, personal, and deeply connected to the living tradition of Italian design. To learn more about the school’s location and facilities, visit the Location page; for information on internships and professional placements, see Sedi Stage; and for any other inquiries, please go to Contatti or Contacts. The school is also accredited by EABHES, ensuring that its programmes meet high international standards.

Written by ISAD — School of Design in Milan