IED – Istituto Europeo di Design Florence

Master of Arts in Interior Design Hacking Tradition: Reinventing Craftsmanship and Materials

Our Master’s Degree in Interior Design, Hacking Tradition: Reinventing Craftsmanship and Materials aligns with this vision by redefining the relationship between designers and their surroundings through mindful design. It hacks traditional knowledge and explores new applications of material and natural resources within local contexts. By fostering continuous dialogue between innovation and tradition, and between local and global influences, the course equips designers to create sustainable and culturally significant products, in line with the broader vision of DesignXCommons — an approach to ecological design centred on the integration and care of common goods and the regeneration of the planet.

The programme is rooted in a strong connection between mastering design methodologies and engaging directly with the local context. Tuscany’s renowned manufacturing sector, a symbol of Italian excellence in marble, textile, furniture, jewellery, and leather craftsmanship, has long intertwined design and production with its territory, traditions, and related social and economic dynamics.

These manufacturing hubs become open, collaborative laboratories where designers can experiment, develop, and prototype ideas, working with sustainable materials while respecting local resources. Students will learn to understand and interpret social, economic, and cultural contexts, transforming these dynamics into meaningful, context-rooted projects. Through advanced knowledge of materials, product life cycles, and market strategies, combined with practical experience in workshops, field trips, and visiting studios, students will gain the skills to understand market dynamics, strategically position their projects, and communicate their creative process through compelling visual storytelling that values every phase of their work.

The course develops professionals who blend creativity, technical expertise, and process storytelling into a strong, authorial identity with critical analytical skills. Graduates will be prepared to work as independent professionals or as part of design teams in fields like Interior Design, Furniture Design, Sustainable Industrial Design, Collectible Design, and Luxury Design. Their strategic competencies also prepare them for consulting roles with brands and local districts, integrating innovation with tradition.

Additionally, graduates will have the opportunity to pursue PhD programmes at Italian and international universities.