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Summer school
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Pre-Design

Where your creative journey begins
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duration2 weeks
languageEnglish
locationSegovia & Madrid 
IntakeJuly 5th - 17th
formatIn-person
For whoHigh school students graduating in 2026 or 2027

Hands-On Design Experience Before University

The Foundations Program in Architecture, Design and Fashion envisions an inspiring and transformative learning journey that empowers high school students to explore their creative potential and envision futures in design education. Through an immersive, hands-on experience blending studio practice, critical thinking, and exposure to world-wide cultural contexts, the program introduces participants to the intellectual and creative spirit that defines IE University’s School of Architecture and Design. 

By engaging with the disciplines of architecture, design, and fashion within a collaborative and exploratory environment, students develop a foundational understanding of how creative ideas shape the spaces, products, and garments that define our world, preparing them to become thoughtful, innovative, and responsible designers of tomorrow. The program includes an introduction to architecture, design and fashion concepts, creative problem-solving, design principles, and technical drawing. A mix of lectures, interactive lessons, practical workshops, hands-on projects, portfolio development, students are guided by experienced tutors and professionals in the field.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Days to start your best summer

103days
:
05hours
:
42minutes

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?

  • This program is right for you if…

    … you’re a creative, curious student looking to explore Design, Architecture, or Fashion, develop core skills, build a portfolio, and decide if this is the right path before university.

  • Participant profile

    You are a high school student graduating in 2026 or 2027 and under 18 at the start of the program, eager to learn through hands-on studio practice. No prior experience required.

Your first look at the program

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Course Overview – Typical Day in the Pre-Design program

Our Pre-Design Summer Program is mainly based in Madrid, offering an academic experience at IE Tower with access to modern learning spaces and university facilities. On July 13th, 14th, and 15th, students will stay at IE University’s Segovia campus, fully experiencing university life, including its academic facilities and laboratories. All transportation, accommodation, and logistics are fully organized and included by IE Summer School.

This is what a typical day in the Pre- Design Summer program looks like:

  • A young woman is focused on crafting at a well-lit workspace.

    Week 1: (Madrid)

    This is what a typical day in the Pre- Design Summer program looks like:

    • Morning: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm I Classes​.
    • Afternoon: Extracurricular activities. ​

    From sketch to concept, students master the creative fundamentals that bring ideas to life.

  • Two students working on architectural models in a studio.

    Week 2:  (Segovia and Madrid)

    • Monday to Wednesday – Segovia Campus
    • Thursday and Friday – Madrid (IE Tower)
    • Morning: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm I Classes​.
    • Afternoon: Extracurricular activities
    • Friday (Madrid): Final presentations, graduation and awards ceremony. ​

    Students dive into Architecture, Design, or Fashion Design, creating portfolio-ready projects with expert mentorship and personalized guidance.

Focus Areas

Throughout the two-week program, students will explore key areas of design that reflect the creative, strategic, and interdisciplinary nature of the field.

  • 01.

    1. Design Thinking & Creative Process

    Learn how designers approach challenges through empathy, ideation, and experimentation to create meaningful solutions.

  • 02.

    1. Visual Communication & Representation

    Build skills in sketching, storytelling, and layout to express ideas visually and effectively.

  • 03.

    Spatial & Human-Centered Design

    Explore how spaces, objects, and environments are shaped with the user in mind—functionally, emotionally, and socially.

  • 04.

    Portfolio Development & Reflection

    Start building a personal design portfolio while reflecting on your interests and identifying your creative strengths and direction.

Unique Value

A genuine studio experience led by expert faculty, combining hands-on projects in Design, Architecture, and Fashion with insight into studying at a top design school and producing portfolio-ready outcomes.

Learning Outcome

By the end of the program, students will have a foundational understanding of design, a starter portfolio, and greater clarity about whether a creative academic path is right for them.

A dedicated experience for parents

IE also offers the Parent Edge Experience, an optional program designed to help parents gain insight into the university journey and better support students during this transition.

Discover the Parents Edge Experience. It will open in a new tabDiscover the Parents Edge Experience

Program Structure

What You're going to do
2 Weeks
Week 1
    Week 2
      Week 2 - Final Phase
        The final Project
          What You're going to do
          2 Weeks
          Joana Burd

          OUR PROGRAM LEAD FACULTY

          Joana Burd - Design Faculty Lead

          • Artist and researcher working at the intersection of technology, sensory experience, and creative experimentation.
          • PhD in Advanced Artistic Productions, specializing in haptics, sound, and interactive installations that explore emotion, memory, and embodiment.
          • International teaching and research experience across Europe, Latin America and the US, bringing a global, multidisciplinary lens to the classroom.
          • Active creator of installations, sculptures, and sensory-driven works, inspiring students to push boundaries and explore new creative possibilities.
          Meet your professor. It will open in a new tabMeet your professor

          Ernesto Naranjo - Fashion Faculty lead

          • Spanish fashion designer blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation.
          • Trained at Central Saint Martins, presenting his work at London Fashion Week through the Alexander McQueen Scholarship.
          • Professional experience at Maison Margiela under John Galliano and at Balmain with Olivier Rousteing.
          • Recognized talent with multiple nominations in the Vogue Fashion Fund and Fashion Trust Arabia awards.
          A portrait of a smiling bald man wearing a black shirt.

          Cem Kayatekin - Architecture Faculty Lead

          • Cem S. Kayatekin holds a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Oregon (2012–2017) under the mentorship of Howard Davis, a Master of Architecture from Cornell University (2009–2010), and a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University (2005–2009).
          • He is Assistant Professor at IE University, Spain (2018–Present).
          • His research and teaching focus on urban socioeconomic resilience and inclusivity, the intersection of physical, socioeconomic, and political city dynamics, discourse analysis of complex adaptive systems, architecture and urbanism as a product of societal politico-economics and localized problem-solving, and the concept of the “just city” and the right to the city.
          • Cem is co-founder of DICE Group, an architecture and urbanism firm primarily based in Sri Lanka.
          MEET YOUR PROFESSOR
          pre-tracks-agenda-2026-eba20b54-5d03-4419-a0dd-e5ca85137079. It will open in a new tab
          A schedule diagram for a summer program featuring different tracks.

          DISCOVER THE SUMMER CALENDAR

          Take a look to see how you can structure your summer with our various combinations.​

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          Inside the Design Experience

          *Get a glimpse of the hands-on activities, workshops, and unforgettable moments that make our Pre-Design program truly unique.

          • Three artists are painting large blue shapes on a yellow floor.
          • A modern workspace featuring tables, chairs, and multiple 3D printers in a well-lit room.
          • A person is placing a rolled item on a counter with a pink cloth.
          • A person adjusting fabric on a dress form.
          • A woman is working on a project while a man observes her in a creative workspace.
          • A detailed architectural model made of wood with images in the background.
          • A person is presenting colorful design samples on a screen to an audience in a creative workspace.
          • A group of people collaborating in a modern workspace with a robotic arm in the foreground.
          Abstract for Tuition | IE

          TUITION

          2 WEEK PROGRAM
          5,900€

          Spaces for Future Creatives in Design, Fashion & Architecture

          • Creative Labs

            A cutting-edge ecosystem where students prototype, test, and refine ideas using tools like CNC milling, 3D printing, laser cutting, carpentry, and robotic fabrication. Specialized spaces such as the Textiles, Biomaterials, Ceramics, Printmaking, and Construction Labs support hands-on experimentation across disciplines.

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          • Design Studios

            Open, collaborative studio spaces that mirror real professional practice. Here students sketch, build, critique, and iterate in a fast-paced, creative environment designed to spark teamwork and innovation.

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          • Segovia Creative Campus

            A unique setting where historic architecture meets contemporary design. The Segovia campus offers dedicated studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces that encourage exploration and creative growth within an international community.

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          • Fashion Lab

            A fully equipped environment for learning the craft and creativity of fashion design. Students experiment with sewing, draping, pattern making, textiles, and visual presentation, guided by experts who help transform concepts into expressive, polished designs.

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          THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

          1. Online Application

          You will need to complete the online application with the following documents:

          1. Academic transcripts.  
          2. CV (cv template).
          3. Video Assessment: in this section you will complete two live video questions on general knowledge topics.

          *You must complete all sections of the application in order to submit it.

          2. Submit your Application

          Once you complete all sections you may submit your online application to be evaluated by our team.


          3. Admissions Final Decision

          Within 2 weeks of submitting, the Summer School Team will contact you with the final resolution of your Admissions process. Should it be positive, you will be guided through the next steps for your enrollment.

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          START YOUR APPLICATION

          Spaces are limited, so enroll now to guarantee your place!

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          From Summer to Your Future at IE: Explore your path toward a bachelor in design  

          Build on your Pre-Design experience and take the next step with our Bachelor in Design, Architecture, or Fashion Design.

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          Learn more about our Bachelor Programs