It was founded in 1821[2][3] and is affiliated with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO).

[5][6] A precursor to ÉCAL called the "Ecole Cantonale de Dessin" was founded in 1821, and situated in Cité-Devant.

The school was relocated to the newly built Musée Arlaud [fr] in the centre of Lausanne twenty years later.

[7] Under the directorship of the graphic artist Pierre Keller [fr] from 1995 to 2011, ÉCAL became, "one of the world's most influential design schools.

"[8] The building in which the school is housed was designed by the architect Bernard Tschumi in what was once a pantyhose factory.