JLL and IE University launch award program to grow top design talent globally

CHICAGO, Nov. 7, 2024 – JLL Project and Development Services (PDS) announced today that it is launching an award program with IE School of Architecture and Design at IE University in Madrid, Spain. The IE and JLL Design Wonder Award will grant awards to nine post-graduate students to pursue the Master of Interior Design at IE School of Architecture and Design. JLL has committed to funding this program for three years, and applications for the award will open in November 2024 for the 2025-2026 school year.

The IE and JLL Design Wonder Award will help students learn to address design at all levels, from smaller individual rooms to grand communal areas. Students will leave the intensive 10-month, in-person program with a deep understanding of how people engage with the built environment and with the skills and knowledge they need to become leaders in the field of interior design. IE University is renowned as one of the most innovative universities in the world. With bachelor and master students from 160 countries on its Madrid and Segovia campuses, the institution is recognized among the top 25 universities globally in international rankings.

“Our collaboration with IE University in delivering masterclasses for interior design students has revealed a powerful synergy between our organizations,” said Nicasio Gutiérrez, PDS Global Head of Design, JLL. “IE School of Architecture and Design’s innovative and forward-thinking approach to design education is evident in the quality of global talent they nurture. As we work with our clients to push the boundaries of design and shape the future, this award represents an exciting opportunity to drive innovation and excellence in our industry.”

JLL will have the opportunity to provide course content and lectures throughout the program – ensuring students have insight to real-world challenges and leave the program ready to excel as interior designers worldwide.

Upon completion of the program, successful graduates will have an opportunity to apply what they learned by working on a team in a design studio as part of JLL Design Solutions or JLL’s Tétris Design and Build. JLL is at the forefront of elevating human experience through innovative design by leveraging cutting-edge research, data and analytics, technology and world-class talent.

“Our school is committed to building a more sustainable, more just and more beautiful world, and the design of thoughtful and humane interior environments is a huge part of that effort,” said David Goodman, Dean of IE School of Architecture and Design. “That's why I'm especially pleased to partner with JLL on this initiative. Through their generous support and their expertise in interior design, we're looking forward to attracting top talent to our program and to strengthen our connection to the professional world.”

JLL is committed to providing a full spectrum of project and development management services, that starts with transformative designs that create inspiring places for people and businesses. Industry-leading teams leverage market insights, research expertise and project data to save clients time and money. Part of honoring that commitment is supporting, encouraging and fostering new talent.

“Great interior designers have the power to transform spaces, enhancing the way people live, work and play,” said Adrian Davidson, Head of Design, EMEA, JLL. “Positively impacting the education of interior designers like this ensures the next generation of designers will not only master sustainable practices and leverage technology like AI. It also means they will master business dynamics and client relationship management, aligning best-in-class design solutions with overarching strategic objectives.”

More information on the program is available here, and information on pursuing a Master of Interior Design at IE School of Architecture and Design can be found here.

JLL unified its PDS business earlier this year, enabling a more cohesive approach to connecting people, processes, and expertise. This strategic move set the stage for growth in key areas, including interior design.

JLL Project and Development Services is a leader in the advisory, design, management and delivery of commercial real estate projects for the world’s most prominent corporations, educational institutions, public jurisdictions, healthcare organizations, industrial facilities, retailers, hotels, sports facilities and real estate owners. JLL’s project management team comprises 9,300 project managers across 80 countries with $87.4 billion in projects managed annually. JLL’s design teams consist of 1,200 design professionals from over 50 countries, across more than 50 studios and three Centers of Excellence to service clients with end-to-end design solutions. Visit jll.com/deliver-projects to learn more.

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IE School of Architecture and Design is one of the six schools that comprise IE University, renowned as one of the most innovative universities in the world. With bachelor and master students from 160 countries on its Madrid and Segovia campuses, IE University is recognized among the top 25 universities globally in international rankings. IE School of Architecture and Design redefines design education based on pedagogical and technological innovation, project-based learning and environmental responsibility. In an international and entrepreneurial environment, the IE School of Architecture and Design seeks to connect architecture and design with the broader society and believes in the power of human creativity and collaboration to shape a more sustainable, more just and more beautiful world for all. More information on IE School of Architecture and Design can be found here.