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ESAM Design,
The School of Interior Architecture and Design

ESAM Design (Ecole Supérieure des Arts Modernes) is a school of interior architecture and design that stands out among institutions for its status as a fully independent establishment.

This independence grants it remarkable academic freedom, allowing it to continuously adapt to market trends and the needs of its students.

Located in Paris (Batignolles district, 17th arrondissement), ESAM Design is dedicated to training future professionals in space design.

For 75 years, we have cultivated a more personalized educational approach focused on hands-on learning, innovation, and individualized support.

The school places a strong emphasis on tailored guidance for its students, ensuring regular progress tracking and personalized advice to help them achieve their goals, develop their creativity, and enhance their critical thinking skills.

ESAM Design’s faculty consists of experienced professionals who are passionate about their fields. They are driven by the desire to share their knowledge and expertise with students while supporting them in their personal and professional growth.

Each student receives special attention, with consideration for their aspirations and specific needs, in order to unlock their creative potential.

Creativity is not something you are born with… It is something you become.

Catherine EXER
Director of ESAM Design

The diploma is overseen and regulated by the CFAI (French Council of Interior Architects), which recognizes only 17 schools in France, including ESAM Design.

FAQ

What is a school of interior architecture and design, and what do you learn there?

A school of interior architecture and design, like ESAM Design, is a higher education institution that trains future professionals in the creation and design of interior spaces. Its programs combine creativity with advanced technical skills.

At ESAM Design, you’ll learn how to draw your projects with precision, master the technical tools needed to bring your vision to life, adopt a professional mindset, and understand the goals and challenges of a design project. Throughout the course, you’ll acquire key skills such as 3D modeling, eco-design, graphic design, and spatial planning. You’ll also build a strong cultural foundation through subjects like art and architectural history, and visual research.

A school of interior architecture and design must also place practice at the heart of its teaching, through hands-on projects and professional immersion. ESAM Design allows you to learn your craft through real-life assignments and in-company experiences such as internships and work-study programs.

Why choose ESAM Design for your studies in interior architecture and design?

ESAM Design is a Paris-based school of interior architecture and design, recognized for its excellence for nearly 75 years. We foster a human-centered approach focused on experience and the development of your creative potential.

You’ll learn alongside experienced and passionate professionals. With personalized guidance, you’ll shape your academic path, define your unique style, and gain the technical skills needed to become an expert in interior architecture and design.

ESAM Design also offers a strong international outlook through the Erasmus program and study trips in the second and third years. We’ve established partnerships with 17 institutions in countries such as Germany, China, Turkey, and Poland. This gives you the chance to explore different design approaches and cultures that will enrich your creative vision.

Finally, our school opens doors for your future. Graduates earn starting salaries between €30,000 and €34,000 per year, with career opportunities in residential design (40% of our alumni), the service sector (26%), and major public facilities (18%) such as hospitals, train stations, and hotels. Our graduate employment rate speaks for itself—90% for the class of 2023.

What programs are offered at ESAM Design?

ESAM Design offers a comprehensive academic path composed of a Bachelor’s and a Master’s program.

  • During the Bachelor in Interior Architecture & Design, your first year will focus on experimentation, drawing, and discovering the fundamentals of design. In the second and third years, the program becomes more practice-oriented, with real-world projects, in-depth project management training, and the progressive development of your ability to lead design processes.
  • In the Master’s in Interior Architecture & Design, you take on the role of both project leader and project author. In the fourth year, you strengthen your conceptual approach and develop critical thinking through socially engaged design projects. The fifth year is dedicated to two personal projects and a thesis. One-on-one mentoring, professional seminars, and a final defense before a panel of experts fully prepare you for a successful transition into the professional world.

Why is Paris the best city to join a school of interior architecture and design?

Paris is simply a global capital for art, design, and creativity—offering a truly unique environment to pursue your studies in interior architecture and design. Inspiring and innovative, the city is filled with museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces dedicated to the applied arts. Its rich architectural heritage, shaped by over 2,000 years of history, creates a vibrant and stimulating setting.

Studying interior architecture and design in Paris means stepping into a world full of professional opportunities. The city is home to countless architecture firms, interior design studios, and creative workshops—giving you access to valuable internships and work-study placements, as well as the chance to connect with seasoned professionals who will deepen your understanding of the field.

Paris also boasts a dynamic student and cultural life. You’ll enjoy an atmosphere that’s both lively and enriching. With year-round cultural events and a buzzing nightlife, your studies in Paris are sure to become one of the most memorable times of your life.

How does the admissions process work at ESAM Design?

Admission to ESAM Design is possible at several levels of study.

To join our interior architecture and design school in the Foundation Year (the first year of the Bachelor’s program) right after high school, selection is based on an application and a motivation interview, held between October and July. Your enrollment is confirmed once you obtain your high school diploma.

ESAM Design also offers the possibility to enter directly into the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year if you have already completed a design-related program leading to a national diploma in applied arts, architecture, or fine arts. In this case, the selection process includes a remote equivalency exam conducted over one day, followed by a motivation interview and a portfolio review with our academic team.

Being able to join our programs at different stages allows you to tailor your academic path to your background and experience.

What career opportunities come from attending a school of interior architecture and design like ESAM Design?

Career opportunities after graduating from a school of interior architecture and design are wide-ranging. While interior architect and interior designer are the most well-known roles, the possibilities go far beyond that. You could become a scenographer, furniture designer, retail designer, or project manager in a design agency.

The types of projects you’ll work on are incredibly diverse. Redesigning a private apartment is a completely different challenge from designing the lobby of a corporate headquarters.

You’ll have the chance to work with a variety of structures—architecture firms, event agencies, the commercial design department of a brand, and more. And of course, you can also choose to work independently as a freelance designer.

Does ESAM Design offer continuing education programs?

If you’re an experienced professional considering a career change, ESAM Design offers dedicated training programs just for you.

We provide several formats to fit your professional and personal life: an intensive one-year program with a two-month internship, or evening classes over two years. In both cases, you’ll earn a certification as an interior designer.

You can also choose a two-year program held on Fridays and Saturdays from September to May, with the possibility of doing a work-study placement, leading to our certified Interior Architect/Designer title.

Lastly, you can obtain one of our diplomas through the VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience) process.