Over the past decade, SoFA Design Institute has established itself as one of the Philippines’ most recognized centers for creative education, dedicated to equipping students with the skills, perspective, and confidence necessary to succeed in design both locally and internationally.
This vision took a significant step forward last March 11 with the launch of SoFA’s academic partnership with IE University in Spain. With campuses in Madrid and Segovia, IE University is internationally recognized for its integration of design, business, and innovation, preparing students to become creative leaders capable of working across cultures and industries.
The collaboration was introduced during a curated launch at SoFA Design Institute’s campus located at The Proscenium Retail Row at Rockwell, Makati City. The event was a curated hour of ideas, creativity beyond borders, and a shared vision for the future of design.
One of the event’s key highlights was a Creative Conversation with Flabelus, a Spanish footwear brand reimagining traditional craftsmanship through contemporary design and storytelling. Pilar Oraa, International PR and Communications Director for Flabelus, led this insightful exchange.
Andrea Pagani, Senior Associate Director of Business Development for Undergraduates in Southeast Asia and Oceania, shared vital IE University information to explain the new possibilities open to SoFA Design Institute students. She was joined by SoFA co-founders Loralee Baron-Soong and Amina Aranaz-Alunan. Mads Constantino, Director for Academic Affairs at SoFA Design Institute, hosted the morning session.
Through this partnership, students will gain access to international internship opportunities, immersive Spanish design tours, exchange programs, and summer school programs with IE University. These initiatives will allow students to experience diverse learning environments abroad and participate in short-term international design experiences.
For aspiring creatives in the Philippines, such opportunities signify a meaningful expansion of their educational and professional horizons. Design education is increasingly shaped by cross-cultural dialogue and international collaboration, and the ability to navigate different creative communities while contributing unique perspectives is becoming a critical aspect of the modern designer’s development.
By fostering connections with institutions such as IE University and brands such as Flabelus, SoFA Design Institute is creating pathways for Filipino creativity to participate actively in global design discourse. What began as a specialized design school in Manila is now evolving into a platform where local talent meets international opportunity.
The launch of this partnership highlights the potential for future students, current learners, and design peers to engage with international networks, explore new design traditions, and cultivate a global mindset in their creative practice.
SoFA Design Institute was founded in 2007 and is considered the first specialized design school in the Philippines focused on design, innovation, and creative entrepreneurship. Guided by its belief, “We Live Design,” the institute is committed to fostering a culture where creativity, critical thinking, and real-world design practice thrive.
