MDes in Interior Studies: Exhibition and Narrative Environments at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) supports students in creating interiors with interesting narratives.

At the intersection of architecture, conservation and design, Interior Architecture (INTAR) at RISD takes an innovative approach to the reuse and transformation of existing buildings.

The department focuses on how the existing built environment can be transformed and how new experiences can be introduced to the spaces we inhabit.

At RISD, you can specialise in one of two areas within the broader field of interior architecture toward a Master of Design (MDes) in Interior Studies degree that prepares you for a wide range of professional and creative practices.

The MDes in Interior Studies: Exhibition and Narrative Environments programme offers a course of study focused on making interior interventions within the context of narrative environments – from museums to spaces that encompass or communicate any form of curatorial work and storytelling.

Learn more about the programme on our website and submit your application by 5 January 2026. Learn about our upcoming online and in-person Open House events.

MDes Interior Architecture Virtual Open House is on 17 November 12pm EDT. Registration is open now.

School: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Course: MDes in Interior Studies: Exhibition and Narrative Environments
Type: Postgraduate
Location: Providence, RI, USA
Course dates: July 2026 to July 2028
Application deadline: 5 January 2026

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Create compelling, communicative interior interventions within the framework of museums and other storytelling spaces
– Develop design strategies that recognise the impact of cultural and social issues on the experience of a narrative environment, for a wide range of clients and users
– Assess design methods for translating content and context into spatial experiences you design
– Learn about the theoretical and technical aspects of what constitutes an exhibition or narrative environment and gain competence in tackling such projects both directly and in collaboration

What are the requirements?

A design background is not required to apply to this MDes programme.
More information can be found on the school's website regarding your application package.

What facilities and resources are available?

– We are located in the CIT Building, where all students have their own dedicated desk and shared studio spaces.
You'll have access to Graduate Workshops and making spaces, as well as the wide range of resources that RISD offers, such as The Nature Lab and the Materials Library.

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

As a long-established department, RISD Interior Architecture alumni have pursued impressive careers across architecture, interiors and product design.
Exhibition and Narrative Environments alumni find work in the museum space, as well as in retail, scenography and experience design.

Aside from employment prospects in cultural institutions and design studios, some alumni have established their own firms, becoming strong employers in the field.

Who teaches this course?

– Eduardo Benamor Duarte, department head, INTAR, RISD
– Francesca Liuini, graduate programme director, MDes Interior Studies: Exhibition and Narrative Environments

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