A Decade of Design Excellence: Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) Celebrates 10 Years of Transformative Education

Table of contents

• The Origin Story
• Key Highlights: A Decade of Achievement

The Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD) is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Since its inception in 2015, IIAD has played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of design education in India. Today, the institution stands as a beacon of innovation, creativity, and excellence in design education.

The Origin Story

Founded in 2015, IIAD emerged from a bold vision to challenge the traditional paradigms of design education. At a time when design learning was predominantly theoretical, the institute dared to imagine a different approach—'thinking through making’, which prioritises hands-on, project-based learning and holistic creative development.

"We weren't just building another design college," reflects Dr. Jitin Chaddha, Founder and CEO of IIAD; "we were pioneering a movement. Our goal was to create a space where students could learn by doing, experiment, and develop real-world skills that prepare them to thrive in the industry."

Key Highlights: A Decade of Achievement

Strategic Global Collaborations

The institute's most significant achievements have been its strategic partnerships with Kingston School of Art, Kingston University, London, UK (ranked №1 in London for Art and Design). This partnership, along with collaborations with other leading institutions like University for the Creative Arts, Nottingham Trent University, Coventry University, and Arts University Bournemouth, has brought international perspectives and teaching methods to Indian design education, enriching the learning experience at IIAD.

While IIAD's curriculum meets international standards, it maintains its distinct identity by addressing Indian design contexts and contemporary needs.

Revolutionary Pedagogical Approach

When IIAD was established, the vision was to create programmes that would allow students the freedom to explore and express their creativity in their chosen fields. Today, the institution offers nine diverse courses, each designed to provide a comprehensive and innovative education. 

IIAD's project-based learning methodology stood in stark contrast to conventional design education in India. "We believe that design is learnt through doing, not just listening," explains Professor Usha Patel, Director of Academics. "Challenging conventional rote learning has been central to our approach at IIAD. With information readily available online, true education lies in transforming it into actionable knowledge.

Recognition and Achievements

IIAD's pioneering approach to education has earned widespread recognition through a series of prestigious awards. It was honoured as the 'Leading Design College' by the Economic Times and received the 'Excellence in Design Education' award in 2021. Further cementing its reputation as a top institution, IIAD was named 'Best College of the Year' in 2022 by Silicon India and 'Best Communication Design College in India' by Asia Today. 

The People Behind the Success

At the heart of IIAD’s success is its unwavering focus on its community—students, faculty, and staff alike. The institution believes that a great education is rooted in the strength of its people, which is why IIAD has fostered a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation thrive. 

"Our greatest asset has always been our people," emphasizes Simrat Joshi, Chief Operating Officer. "We've carefully curated a team of educators, industry professionals, and mentors who are not just teachers but inspirational guides who challenge, support, and transform a students' creative journeys."

A Commitment to Continuous Innovation

As IIAD enters its second decade, the institution remains steadfast in its mission to challenge traditional educational norms, nurture creative problem-solvers, and attempt to address complex societal challenges through design. By fostering critical thinking and innovation, IIAD continues to provide a platform for students to push boundaries and shape a more dynamic and thoughtful future.

"To advance design education, it’s essential to stay closely connected with the industry. At IIAD, we emphasize live projects, collaboration with industry experts, and mentorship to bridge the gap between classrooms and real-world challenges. Design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality and its role in driving business and enterprise, a core focus in every department." the Director of Academics states.

About IIAD The Indian Institute of Art & Design is a premier design institution in Delhi NCR, offering innovative programmes in Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, Animation Film Design, User Experience Design Fashion Business Management, Product Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Communication Design and Masters course in Fashion Business Management.

About The Author

Words have always been my compass, guiding me across continents and industries. For the past three years, I’ve been crafting narratives that bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and human experience, from the immersive worlds of AR /VR ... to the dynamic realms of fashion and education. My journey as a content writer has taken me from the bustling tech hubs of India to the publishing houses of the UK and the innovative digital spaces of Canada. Along the way, I’ve developed a knack for turning complex ideas into compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. My mission? To create content that doesn’t just inform but transforms—helping readers see the extraordinary in the everyday and the simple truths in complex innovations.

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