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Integration of Design and Development Expertise
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Leadership Skills
Sustainability and Climate Responsive Development
Global and Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Design-Based Social Equity and Community Impact
Focus on Emerging Design Technologies
Advanced Financial Innovation in Real Estate
Real World Experiential Learning
Overview
GAIN THE COMPETITIVE EDGE IN DESIGN AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
The MSD-PDD at the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design is a one-year course of study featuring summer and spring design studios. Coursework is entrepreneurial in nature and provides program candidates a full immersion into the real estate development process, preparing them to lead or significantly contribute to the development team.
What Will I Learn and Achieve?
THE MSD–PDD IS FOR:
The ambitious designer who wants to gain fluency in development finance to lead projects from concept to completion
The strategic developer who is looking to differentiate projects through design and revitalize communities
The creative entrepreneur who is seeking the financial and business strategy to launch a successful design-build firm
THE MSD-PDD PROGRAM WILL ENABLE GRADUATES TO:
Achieve fluency in development finance
- Gain the quantitative skills to evaluate project feasibility and model financial outcomes
- Develop a core understanding of how buildings are financed to ensure your best ideas get built
Become a hybrid professional with a competitive edge
- Master the ability to speak the language of both design and development
- Learn to unite thoughtful design with financially successful development strategies
Master a design-forward, data-driven methodology
- Engage in studio-based projects that integrate financial modeling directly with geometric design
- Learn to test feasibility, navigate zoning constraints, and manage stakeholder interests
Curriculum
| Dept | No | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUMMER | |||
| ARCH | 7000 | “PropTech” 3D and Finance Modeling Workshop | 2 |
| Sub-total | 2 | ||
| FALL | |||
| ARCH | 7610 | Real Estate Development for Architects | 1 |
| ARCH | 7650 | Project Management 1 | 1 |
| ARCH | 7350 | Finance for Designers/Tutorial | 1 |
| ARCH | 7351/7352 | Sustainable Urban Development | 1 |
| Elective | 1 | ||
| Sub-total | 5 | ||
| SPRING | |||
| ARCH | 7020 | Project Feasibility and Design Studio | 2 |
| CPLN | 6410 | Progressive Development | 1 |
| ARCH | 7620 | Design and Development | 1 |
| ARCH | 7651 | Project Management 2 | 1 |
| Sub-total | 5 | ||
| Total | 12 | ||
Dive Deeper
Get the program overview and FAQs
Why Penn?
The MSD-PDD program was created to fill a critical gap in the educational landscape between design and real estate development. The Weitzman School of Design, with its in-house expertise spanning the built environment professions and strong ties to the Wharton School, is uniquely positioned to fill this gap.
The MSD-PDD program was designed to equip a new generation of leaders with the tools to tackle the most pressing development issues of our time.
The MSD-PDD program builds on nearly 150 years of thought leadership in business, design, and social impact.
The MSD-PDD program connects graduates to a global network of thought leaders in real estate and the built environment professions.
Award-Winning, Interdisciplinary Faculty
Shajay Bhooshan, PhD
Lecturer in Architecture and Associate Director, ZHA (formerly Zaha Hadid Architects), London
William Braham, PhD, FAIA
Andrew Gordon Professor of Architecture; Director, Center for Environmental Building Design
Richard Garber, AIA, Program Associate Director
Senior Lecturer in Architecture; Co-Founder, GRO Architects
Rossana Hu, Hon. FAIA, Program Director
Miller Professor and Chair of Architecture; Co-Founder, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office
Susanne Schindler, PhD
Lecturer in Architecture; Senior Research Fellow, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
Frederick Steiner, PhD, FASLA, FAAR, RAAR, SITES AP
Dean and Paley Professor
Connect with Us
VIRTUAL PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 6:00pm
VIRTUAL FALL OPEN HOUSE
Monday, November 2, 2026, 9:00am
VIRTUAL PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSION
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 10:00am
Register for a virtual information session and earn an application fee waiver.
Admissions Information and Deadline
APPLICATIONS DUE
Wednesday, January 6, 2027
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Visit Weitzman’s How to Apply page for more information on application requirements.
