iF DESIGN ACADEMY Launches to Empower Leaders Tackling Design's Most Urgent Challenges

New global education platform blends business, leadership, and future-focused learning for senior design professionals

NEW YORK, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- iF Design, one of the world's most respected design institutions, announces the launch of the iF DESIGN ACADEMY, a bold new education initiative created for experienced design leaders. Designed to meet the growing demand for strategic, socially-conscious leadership, the Academy equips professionals with the skills, mindset, and vision to drive inclusive, sustainable innovation and long-term strategic business performance.

Built on over 70 years of design leadership, the iF DESIGN ACADEMY addresses today's complex challenges, rapid technological change, increasing business pressures, and rising expectations around social and environmental impact. It is tailored for mid- to senior-level design professionals who lead teams, shape strategy, or influence business outcomes and are ready to level up their leadership, business fluency, and future readiness.

Courses are delivered in a flexible hybrid format, combining live online cohorts, immersive in-person modules, and self-directed study. Core markets include Germany, the U.S., China, and South Korea. "The founding of the iF DESIGN ACADEMY is a logical next step in the development of our brand," says Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF Design. "It complements our portfolio with a global learning offering tailored to the next generation of design leaders."

The Academy's curriculum is built around three core pillars:

• Personal Growth: Building emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy to lead teams and drive performance with clarity and integrity.
• Business Understanding: Strengthening fluency in business principles and language to align design with broader financial and organizational goals.
• Future Literacy: Anticipating critical technological, business, and cultural shifts to lead and innovate strategically.

"Design leadership has a critical role in shaping a better future," says Lisa Gralnek, Managing Director of iF Design USA and Global Head of Sustainability & Impact. "The Academy gives leaders the tools, insight, and community to lead with purpose."

More than its courses, the iF DESIGN ACADEMY is a global community of practice, drawing from iF Design's deep network of award-winning professionals, institutions, and thought leaders. Participants gain access to peer mentorship and a powerful alumni network. Some instructors include:

• Doug Powell, Executive Design Leader (formerly IBM & Expedia)
• Kim Dabbs, Global VP of Impact, Steelcase
• Peter Merholz, President of Adaptive Path

With the launch of the iF DESIGN ACADEMY, iF Design deepens its role as a force shaping the future of design, not just recognizing excellence, but actively nurturing it. The Academy reflects iF's long-term vision: to foster leadership, integrity, and impact at every level of the design profession. Registration for courses commencing in September is now open, for further information, visit https://ifdesign-academy.com/.

ABOUT IF DESIGN
Since 1953, iF Design has championed excellence, transparency, and impact in the global design community. Owned by the non-profit iF Design Foundation, it presents the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD–receiving nearly 11,000 submissions from 70 countries annually–alongside initiatives like the iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD, iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE, Trend Report, online magazine, and FUTURE OF XYZ podcast. Learn more at ifdesign.com.

SOURCE iF Design