The Closing of the 2025/26 Academic Year

On 24 July 2026, Design Academy closes for the summer, marking the end of the academic year.

A big congratulations to all who have graduated this year from the BA and MA programmes! Congratulations also to current students who will return in September for another year of study. 

Thank you to all the staff, students, committee members, board members, guest lecturers, tutors and speakers, our facilities and admin teams, and many others, who have contributed to DAE’s strong community this year.

To all, we hope the past year has been marked by learning, growth, new friendships and time in the workshops playing with materials and thinking through making.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR:

→ DAE launched its Institutional plan for 2025-28

→ Studio Better Matter was founded for BA students

→ Niels Oliver Architects was appointed to design DAE’s new building

→ The Trans Reality Lab was awarded €650,000 by the European Union

→ Inframezzo at Milan Design Week saw 17 alumni showcase graduation projects

→ The DAE Lecture Series continued its strong tradition of inviting speakers to share their practices and ideas with students and the public. Highlights included lectures by Natsai Audrey Chieza, Vera Sacchetti and Anton Rahlwes.

A GOODBYE:

→ Student Counsellor Mona says goodbye to DAE after 24 years. Thank you, Mona, for the support and guidance you’ve given to countless students.

LOOKING AHEAD:

The new academic year begins on 1 September 2026. We look forward to seeing you for the opening celebrations.

Looking ahead to next year, we have a new BA studio being announced, the Graduation Show at Dutch Design Week to look forward to and many exciting events already in the planning. To new students starting in September, we look forward to welcoming you to DAE.

In the meantime, have a safe, enjoyable and well-deserved summer.