Thiagarajar School of Environmental Design and Architecture (T’SEDA) is a part of Thiagarajar College of Engineering (TCE), affiliated with Anna University, Chennai, and approved by the AICTE. Established as the Department of Architecture in 1995 at Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, it was rebranded in 2024 as T’SEDA (Thiagarajar School of Environmental Design and Architecture) to encompass the faculty domains of architecture, planning, and design.

T’SEDA offers a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree, a four-year Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Interior Design, and a two-year Master of Planning (M.Plan) in Urban Planning. The Faculty of Architecture operates with a vision to "impart excellence in architectural education and nurture socially responsible professionals." Driven by this vision, the Department incorporates state-of-the-art technology and is committed to the holistic development of graduates. It adopts a pragmatic yet creative teaching-learning process, ensuring that students become socially responsible, technologically adept, and well-informed architects and designers.

The four-year Bachelor of Design in Interior Design program places a strong emphasis on integrating technology into the design process, ensuring students are proficient in utilizing cutting-edge tools and software to enhance their creativity. Additionally, the curriculum is designed to address real-world industrial challenges, equipping students with practical experience and problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of the industry.

 The two-year full-time Master of Planning program is a postgraduate degree designed in academic collaboration with CEPT University, Ahmedabad. The collaboration extends to system and pedagogy development, the establishment of a teaching-learning center, and the conduct of studio units and courses. This program emphasizes the integration of advanced technological tools and methodologies to address contemporary planning challenges, including urbanization, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.

T’SEDA is a research-driven institution dedicated to exploring new paradigms to tackle critical societal, national, and global challenges. The School prioritizes advancing research infrastructure and fostering a culture of innovation. Located in Madurai, an ancient city built around a non-perennial river, T’SEDA focuses its research on enhancing the built environment’s adaptability and resilience in response to climate change and uncontrolled urban expansion.

The research undertaken at T’SEDA follows an integrated approach to architecture and urban sustainability, addressing the physical, social, ecological, and political dimensions of urbanism. The overarching research theme, “Integrative Sustainable Design Practices,” leverages advanced computational tools and design strategies to inform sustainable outcomes.

T’SEDA actively promotes academic and research exposure for students and faculty through robust global collaborations. Notable partnerships include GSAPP - Columbia University, the University of Kent, the University of Bath, Taylor’s University, and CEPT University, which have occurred on various occasions over the past decade.

The School advocates engagement with socio-cultural, environmental, and energy-related issues in architecture, design, and planning. It aims to nurture graduates with a vision to address these challenges effectively. Through excellence in training and practice, nationally and internationally, and by fostering effective industry-institute collaborations, T’SEDA actively engages in research and scholarly activities to advance its mission.