A field at the intersection of architecture, conservation and design of the built environment, Interior Architecture at RISD takes an innovative and progressive approach to addressing design issues intrinsic to the reuse and transformation of existing structures.
The design studio is central to the curriculum in the MIA program. Graduate students gain insight into various pathways and specialized fields through advanced design studios. The core curriculum includes the study of history, theory, drawing, structures, materials, lighting and technology, all of which ensures that students fully understand the concerns of professionals in the building industry and allied fields.
current enrollment
graduate students: 47
undergraduates: 57
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Interior Architecture Department website
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- Is interior architecture just another name for interior design?
No. Interior architecture focuses on the re-use of existing structures and their subsequent transformation into new space and/or form rather than the design and decoration of spaces just being built. Our curriculum is studio-based, with supporting study of history/theory, structures, mechanical systems, drawing, lighting and codes. In our program, we give our grads the knowledge to remove, renovate and add to existing structures.
- Is RISD's MIA program accredited?
RISD is accredited by NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) and NEASC (North Eastern Association of Schools and Colleges). Since our department does not offer Architecture or Interior Design programs, as defined by NAAB and CIDA, respectively, neither the undergraduate (BFA/BIA) nor the graduate (MIA) programs are professionally accredited. However, if you plan to pursue a career as a professional interior designer after graduating from RISD, you may apply to take the official interior design exam (NCIDQ) after completing the required number of years in a professional office. This puts you in exactly the same position as those who graduate from a CIDA-accredited program. And please keep in mind that professional accreditation standards change, which means the status of our programs may also change in the future.
- Is RISD's MIA program nationally recognized?
Yes. In 2008 US News & World Report ranked ours the top such graduate program in the country. We also received top rankings from Design Intelligence in 2007 and 2006. When making judgments about the quality of any educational program it's obviously important to consider many factors, including peer reviews and student satisfaction levels.
- Does the department offer any financial assistance for grad students?
Yes, we offer fellowships and/or assistantships. Fellowships are small grants that are typically for $3,500 per year. Assistantships are jobs that require a US Social Security number and differ in terms of skill requirements. Most assistantships pay approximately $2,500-$3,500 per semester.
- What do graduates of the program end up doing?
The majority of our alumni go on to work in firms around the country and often land jobs prior to graduation. These firms include SOM, Gensler, NBBJ, Perkins + Wills, Yabu Pushelberg, Architectonica, Polshek Partnership, RTKL, Sasaki Associates and the Rockwell Group, among others.
link to general questions on Graduate Studies at RISD
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“We want students to see that design has a wide spectrum and can be used as a tool in a larger human context — that it's not just for people who can afford to pay for it.”
Liliane Wong, Department Head / Professor
Brian Kernaghan, Professor
Liliane Wong, Department Head / Professor
Markus Berger, Graduate Program Coordinator / Assistant Professor
Peter Yeadon, Associate Professor
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