Based on an idea that Antoni de Moragas came up with in 1957, the first attempt was made to create a design institution in the Official Architects' Association of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. As a result of a group of people coming together, all concerned about design, in 1960 there was a possibility to set up a design section together in the Development of Decorative Arts (FAD), where specific groups were already working.

On March 16, 1960, the Industrial Design Group of the FAD (ADI-FAD) was founded on the FAD premises in the Cupula del Coliseum and its first executive board was chaired by Antoni de Moragas.

Its basic aim has been to channel this specialty towards its natural objective, the corporate world. ADI-FAD stands out in the world of industrial design in Catalonia and Spain for its leading role. Its pioneering character has been promoted by the favourable context of Catalonia’s long industrial history and its tradition of decorative arts. Its development and continuity has been supported by its accumulated experience over more than forty years, its representative character, its large number of members and its presence in the national and international scene.

ADI-FAD is an association that is ideologically independent and pluralist. Due to its non-corporate nature, the members belonging to the ADI-FAD are not only industrial designers but also students of similar specialties or individuals and companies interested in developing the field of design. Since 1961 it has been a member of Icsid and held its II Congress/Assembly in Venice.