Welcome to IE School of Architecture and Design in Madrid, Segovia and Beyond
Welcome to IE School of Architecture and Design in Madrid, Segovia and Beyond
IE School of Architecture & Design exists for those who will shape the made world by bridging artistic vision and professional reality. From our campuses in Madrid and Segovia, we offer rigorous architecture programs alongside specialized tracks in design, fashion and real estate development. We operate on the conviction that these disciplines share a fundamental responsibility: to engage with the world as it is, in all its complexity and beauty, and add work that makes it better.
The made world as it is. Yes, & better.
The made world as it is. Yes, & better.
Yes to the world as it is, complicated and beautiful. Yes to work that makes it better. IE School of Architecture & Design is built around the disciplines that act on that conviction: architecture, design, fashion, and the built environment. Work that performs, lasts, and creates joy. Yes, &.
Make Ideas Real
IE School of Architecture & Design helps students turn their imagination, curiosity and rigor into work that actively exists in the world, where our making-and-doing culture distinguishes us from design schools where studios remain theoretical. At IE School of Architecture & Design, the studio is a workshop where students draw, prototype, and shape work that performs, lasts, and creates joy.
Change for the Better
Architecture and design are instruments for shaping a more sustainable, more just, and more beautiful world. At IE School of Architecture & Design, the concept of beauty is reclaimed as a functional discipline: the quality of work that serves its community and lasts for generations. From research that has explored regenerative materials to urban transformation, we ensure that innovation always has a tangible object and a real-world impact.
Collective Intelligence
Creative and built-environment work gets better when made with others. We operate as a collaborative hub where faculty and students share knowledge, programs talk to each other, and critique is collective. We are supported by a noteworthy density of senior practitioners, including Pritzker Prize winners and global firm leads, who are not just names on a list, but active collaborators in our classrooms.
Where Creativity and Entrepreneurship Take Shape
Where Creativity and Entrepreneurship Take Shape
At IE School of Architecture and Design, creativity is the engine of the modern economy. Our mission is to bridge the gap between artistic vision and professional reality, providing a platform where entrepreneurship and design innovation converge to solve global challenges. By integrating business acumen with creative excellence, we prepare our students to lead the creative industries and redefine the future of our urban environments.
Creative Industries
The term 'creative industries' describes businesses with creativity at their heart
The term 'creative industries' describes businesses with human creativity at their heart. These sectors are all around us, impacting every aspect of daily life: from the clothes we wear to the buildings and urban spaces where we live and work.
The creative industries comprise a diverse array of sectors, including architecture, design, fashion, gaming and visual arts, as well as film and media. These are increasingly vital drivers of urban economies, both in historic hubs like Segovia and in major capital regions like Madrid. At IE School of Arts & Humanities, we prepare you to navigate this complex landscape as a future leader.
A dynamic creative ecosystem
The global creative economy relies on the codependency between creating, making, distributing, and critiquing ideas. In recognition of this, a shared creative philosophy informs our teaching methodology and architecture and design programs.
Our creative ecosystem provides students with the time and space to bring their ideas to life, gather expert feedback, and perfect their work. This mirrors the professional landscape where our graduates will launch their own ventures as creative industry leaders.
Our diverse student community
IE School of Architecture and Design welcomes aspiring creatives and professionals seeking advancement in fields like architecture, interior design, real estate development, and fashion design.
With a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, the school provides an ideal environment for individuals passionate about shaping the future of cities. Our students don't just study design; they contribute to the global creative landscape through innovative and ethical solutions.
The Creative Ecosystem
Our Creative Campus is a state of mind focused on experimentation. Whether at IE Tower in Madrid or our historic campus in Segovia, we provide the infrastructure for ideas to become a physical reality.
- Madrid Architecture: A global city at the forefront of the built environment economy, offering a vibrant ecosystem for any ambitious architecture or design professional.
- Segovia Heritage: A World Heritage site where traditional craft meets our modern D-LAB and Fab Lab.
- Real-World Stakes: Through initiatives like the D-LAB, students provide design solutions for city councils, NGOs, and civic associations, managing projects from initial conception through to physical assembly.
Community impact and engagement
We are more than an educational institution; we are a public face that contributes to our surrounding communities. Through our D-LAB, students provide design solutions for public schools, city councils, and non-profit organizations, participating in the entire process from conception to assembly.
By engaging in civic initiatives in Madrid and Segovia, we showcase how architecture and design can foster social progress, ensuring our students are deeply connected to the needs of the real world.
Architecture and design programs
Architecture and design programs
Explore our educational offer designed for aspiring creatives and professionals seeking advancement in higher education architecture and design. At IE School of Architecture and Design, we provide the specialized training, global networking and hands-on experience needed to excel in the creative industries. Whether you are looking for a foundational architect degree or a specialized master's, our programs in Madrid and Segovia are built to bridge the gap between vision and professional reality.
INTERESTED IN CHATTING WITH STUDENTS OR STAFF?
INTERESTED IN CHATTING WITH STUDENTS OR STAFF?
Our students and staff are always available to share their experiences and help resolve any doubts you might have.
Why Study Architecture and Design in Madrid?
Why Study Architecture and Design in Madrid?
Studying architecture and design in Madrid places students at the center of a global city defined by architectural heritage and professional opportunity. As a primary hub for the built-environment economy, the city offers a fast-growing marketplace for any ambitious architect. Our campus here acts as a launchpad where students balance academic depth with immediate industry engagement, connecting directly with major international firms and corporate networks .
Discover Segovia: Architecture Education in Spain
Discover Segovia: Architecture Education in Spain
Experience architecture education in Spain within a World Heritage site. Segovia offers an immersive environment where traditional culture meets cutting-edge fabrication infrastructure. It is a campus built for deep creative focus, allowing students to bridge historic context and modern experimentation through our active D-LAB and Fab Lab facilities.
IE INSIGHTS
IE INSIGHTS
Insights is IE University’s thought leadership publication for sharing knowledge on management, technology and innovation. We bring fresh ideas from research-based analysis, practitioners and world-leading experts.
Get to know us better on Instagram
Get to know us better on Instagram
Don't miss out
Don't miss out
Frequently Asked Questions about Architecture and Design
Frequently Asked Questions about Architecture and Design
What is the difference between architecture and design?
Architecture focuses on the technical and spatial construction of the built environment. Design is a broader discipline encompassing objects, systems, and human experience within a structure. We teach both through the lens of sustainability and entrepreneurial thinking and prepare practitioners to hold both in the same hand.
What should I look for in an architecture school?
Prioritize accreditation, a hands-on studio culture, faculty with real-world practice and an active global network of industry partners.
What programs does IE School of Architecture & Design offer?
We offer numerous graduate and undergraduate programs, including the Bachelor in Architectural Studies, Bachelor in Design, and Bachelor in Fashion Design. Master’s programs include the MArch, Master in Real Estate Development, and Master in Business for Architecture and Design, and more. See our full program offerings for undergraduate and master’s programs here: https://www.ie.edu/school-architecture-design/programs/
Can I study architecture and design in English in Spain?
Yes. All undergraduate and master's programs are taught entirely in English, welcoming an international student body from over 100 countries.
Do I need a portfolio to apply?
Yes. A portfolio is essential for assessing your creative thinking and spatial reasoning. We encourage applicants to show their problem-solving approach, even without formal training.
How long does it take to get an architecture degree?
In Spain and the EU, the path takes five years: a four-year Bachelor in Architectural Studies followed by a one-year Master in Architecture (MArch).
How do you become an architect in Spain?
Complete the four-year Bachelor in Architectural Studies, followed by the one-year MArch at IE School of Architecture & Design, and register with the relevant professional body (Colegio de Arquitectos).
What qualifications do you need to become an architect?
To practice as a licensed architect in the EU, you need an accredited bachelor’s degree in architecture plus a professional master’s (MArch).
What skills will I gain with an architecture degree?
Students develop skills in design thinking, technical drawing, structural systems, environmental sustainability and digital tools like BIM and CAD. Our programs also prepare you to have a blend of spatial visualization, technical proficiency, project management and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
What careers can you pursue with a degree from IE School of Architecture & Design?
Graduates lead as architects, urban designers, real estate developers, sustainability consultants and creative directors.
Why study architecture in Madrid, Spain?
Spain offers a rich architectural tradition and cities that act as living laboratories for urban design and sustainable development. Madrid in particular is a global hub for creative industries and real estate, offering landmark projects and a thriving professional ecosystem. Here, you will have access to major firms and a booming market, supported by our campuses equipped with the latest technology for production and testing.