WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN?
The Interior Architecture program focuses on the re-use of existing structures and their subsequent transformation into new space and/or form. The curriculum is studio-based, with support curriculum that includes history/theory, structures, mechanical systems, drawing, lighting, codes. This curriculum assumes that our grads have the knowledge to remove and add structure (renovating and adding to existing structures). This is the primary differ-ence with Interior Design.

WHAT TYPES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT?
Financial aid through the department comes in the form of either fellowships and/or assistantships. Fellowships are small grants that are typically for $4,000 per year. Assistant-ships 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.

IS THE PROGRAM ACCREDITED?
RISD is accredited by NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) and NEASC (North Eastern Association of Schools and Colleges). As the department has neither an Architecture nor an Interior Design program, as defined by NAAB and CIDA, respectively, the undergraduate (BFA/BIA) and the graduate (MIA) program are not currently professionally accredited. However, for those who wish to pursue careers as professional interior designers, as graduates of a recognized school you are able to apply to sit for the professional examination in Interior Design (NCIDQ) if you wish, after completion of the required number of years in a professional office. This is identical to the entitlement of those who graduate from a CIDA-accredited program. Potential applicants to RISD should be aware that professional accreditation standards do not remain constant, and it is possible that the status of our programs may change in the future. Accreditation is just one of several factors to be considered when making judgments about the quality of any educational program — another would be the Design Intelligence Rankings.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND ARCHITECTURE?
The primary difference between Architecture and Interior Architecture is that we do not design a building from the ground up. While our work may include a change of structure, an addition or even the removal of a portion of a building, it always begins with an existing structure. The new Tate Modern Museum in London, which reuses an old industrial power building, is a good example.


WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS DO AFTER GRADUATION?
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, the Rockwell Group.