A new partnership empowers emerging interior designers through world-class mentorship and scholarship opportunities with the iconic Italian design house.
Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) proudly announces the launch of the Pininfarina Scholarship, in partnership with Pininfarina, the world-renowned Italian design house. This prestigious scholarship marks a significant expansion of IMM’s commitment to cultivating creative leadership in interior design, offering an unparalleled pathway for talented individuals to hone their craft and gain exposure to one of the world’s most celebrated design firms.
The Pininfarina Scholarship will be awarded annually to three exceptional applicants entering IMM’s Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design program. One recipient will receive a full-tuition scholarship—valued at $107,340—and a coveted apprenticeship at Pininfarina’s Miami offices, while two additional students will be awarded 50% scholarships toward their MFA studies.
“This partnership reflects our shared belief that design is not only about aesthetics but about shaping experiences and environments that transform lives,” said Hakan Baykam, President of IMM. “The Pininfarina Scholarship is an extraordinary opportunity for students to be mentored by one of the most influential names in the industry while developing their own design vision and leadership potential.”
A SCHOLARSHIP ROOTED IN EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1930, Pininfarina has become synonymous with timeless design innovation across automotive, architecture, and product design. Through this partnership, IMM and Pininfarina aim to support students who demonstrate outstanding creativity, academic excellence, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of interior design.
“At Pininfarina, we are driven by a legacy of excellence and a vision for the future. This scholarship with Istituto Marangoni Miami is a powerful step in shaping that future — by empowering bold, talented young designers to lead with creativity and purpose. We’re not just supporting education; we’re investing in the next generation of innovators who will define the spaces and experiences of tomorrow,” said Claudio Da Soller, General Manager at Pininfarina’s American branch, whose team will manage the ongoing relationship with IMM.
Eligible applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and apply for IMM’s MFA in Interior Design. Submissions will be reviewed based on design innovation, leadership potential, and academic performance.
The inaugural application cycle is now open, and submissions are due in early September. Winners will be announced on September 10, 2025, in conjunction with the Pininfarina x IMM Design Competition. Selected scholars will begin classes in January 2026, with the full-scholarship recipient commencing their apprenticeship at Pininfarina’s Miami office in Spring 2027.
This initiative complements Pininfarina’s broader educational commitment, including the newly launched Pininfarina Academy, which unites the company’s global eff orts to foster design excellence through learning.
A BRIDGE FROM MIAMI TO GLOBAL DESIGN LEADERSHIP
The Pininfarina Scholarship not only alleviates financial barriers for talented creatives but also offers direct industry access through the apprenticeship experience at Pininfarina’s Miami studio. Working alongside the firm’s multidisciplinary team, the full-scholarship recipient will gain invaluable hands-on experience with real-world projects, strengthening their global design perspective.
For more information about the Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design and the Pininfarina Scholarship, visit: https://fashion.istitutomarangonimiami.com/pininfarina-scholarship/
About Istituto Marangoni Miami
Istituto Marangoni Miami is a fashion and design school located in the Miami Design District. Opened in 2018 as part of the global Istituto Marangoni network, which originated in Milan in 1935, the school offers various educational paths, including undergraduate, graduate, vocational, and pre-college programs in fashion design, fashion styling, fashion business, and interior design. IMM provides students with industry-focused education, hands-on learning experiences, and access to international fashion professionals.
For more information, visit istitutomarangonimiami.com / Facebook: IstitutoMarangoniMiami / Instagram: @istitutomarangoni_miami
About Pininfarina
Global icon of Italian style, headquartered in Italy and with presence in Germany, China and the USA, Pininfarina is recognized for its unparalleled ability to create timeless beauty through its values of elegance, purity, and innovation. Founded in 1930, Pininfarina has evolved from an artisan concern to an international service Group, synonym of automotive styling and an established reality in industrial, product and experience design, architecture, nautical and mobility beyond automotive. For over nine decades Pininfarina has designed more than 1,300 automotive and mobility projects and more than 650 product and architecture projects, receiving over 70 international design awards in just the past 10 years.
Every year since 2021, Pininfarina of America’s design studio has been certified among the top Great Place to Work in the United States, where it counts offices in Miami and New York City.