riggs ward

We are honored to announce that the?Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum?has earned the prestigious?2025 MUSE Gold Award?in the?Experiential & Immersive - Exhibition Experience?category. This distinguished award celebrates the museum’s transformative design, which invites visitors to step into the rich, complex maritime history of North Carolina through?immersive storytelling,?interactive exhibits, and cutting-edge?environmental graphics and sound. ??A monumental 26-foot surfboat captured in an abstract wave, evoking the perilous heroism of past rescues. ?? A 14-foot digital map table, allowing guests to explore the thousands of shipwrecks scattered across the coast. ?? Hands-on displays that highlight the technological evolution of navigation and lifesaving at sea. This award is the culmination of a remarkable collaboration between?Riggs Ward Design,?Clark Nexsen, and our amazing client,?North Carolina Maritime Museums. Together, we’ve created an experience that connects visitors with the enduring resilience of the human spirit in the face of nature’s most challenging forces. As we celebrate this global recognition, we are proud of the growing number of design awards?Riggs Ward?has recently earned. These accolades underscore our commitment to creating world-class experiences that leave a lasting impact. If you’re seeking?innovative, award-winning design?that elevates storytelling and engages audiences, we’d love to connect. #ExhibitDesign #NorthCarolinaMaritimeMuseums #MaritimeHistory #RiggsWard #ClarkNexsen

Riggs Ward is honored to have collaborated with Walter Hood Design on the interpretation of the Kitty Foster Homestead and Cemetery at the University of Virginia. This partnership set the foundation for subsequent work together on significant projects at Princeton University and in North Carolina. Walter’s visionary leadership and innovative approach to landscape and cultural storytelling have profoundly influenced our practice. His well-deserved recognition as a Jefferson Medalist, alongside his MacArthur Genius Grant, underscores the impact of his work. Our studios continue to engage in meaningful collaborations, and we look forward to shaping even more transformative projects together in the years ahead. #jeffersonmedalist #walterhood #hooddesign #riggsward #exhibitdesign #visitorexperiencedesign #museumdesign #immersivedesign #graphicdesign #blackhistory #macarthurgenius #UVA #landscapedesign #culturallandscapes

Riggs Ward Creative Director Bob Riggs helped design the original "Remember the Children: Daniel's Story" exhibit for the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. It was a crucial part of the museum's development and set a high standard. Each year we're reminded of it, and each year he feels even more honored to have worked on it.

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision of justice, equality, and hope. We’re proud to have worked on the Civil Rights Memorial at the Southern Poverty Law Center, a space that keeps the spirit of the movement alive. Dr. King’s words there inspire us every day: “Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Let’s keep working to build a more just and compassionate world—together. #MLKDay #CivilRights #Justice #Inspiration #riggsward #experientialexhibits #mediadesign #museumdesign #exhibitdesign

Great exhibits strike a balance between capturing the moment and standing the test of time. Timely exhibits spark conversation, reflect current events, and keep visitors coming back for something new. On the other hand, timeless exhibits dig deep. They inspire reflection, anchor institutions to their values, and endure through changing trends. But who says you can’t have both? Modular exhibit components can bring fresh updates to permanent displays, allowing institutions to stay relevant without losing their core message. It’s about creating a dynamic visitor experience that engages the now while honoring the enduring. At RWD, we work closely with site teams to identify their goals and priorities, ensuring each exhibit meets the moment while staying true to the institution’s mission. By understanding these needs, we create designs that engage visitors today and remain impactful for years to come.

The most successful exhibits aren’t designed in a vacuum—they evolve through dialogue with the audience. From focus groups to on-site surveys, visitor input shapes narratives, interactives, and even layout decisions. By listening to your community, institutions can craft experiences that are more relevant, inclusive, and impactful. Some exhibits go further—and gather visitor input as part of the exhibit experience! From recording booths to survey interactives, there are a myriad of fun ways to infuse an exhibit with the visitors' voice.?

The Riggs Ward team had the privilege of designing the exterior fa?ade and lawn area for this fantastic new facility in Macon, Georgia. Working closely with Karla Redding-Andrews, the talented daughter of the legendary Otis Redding, brought bold and inspiring creative direction to the project. A big thank you to BBTB Architects for seamlessly translating our concepts into detailed construction drawings, and to Sheridan Construction for staying true to the schematic designs throughout the process. This collaboration brought a shared vision to life, and we’re excited to see it become a part of the community. We can't wait to help with the interiors next! #otisreddingfoundation #museumdesign #riggsward #musichistory #R&B #Maconhistory #exhibitdesign #experiencedesign #mediadesign

As we wrap up an incredible year at RWD, we’re reflecting on the milestones we’ve celebrated and the exciting projects still to come! In 2024, we welcomed an incredible group of new team members, who are already bringing fresh ideas, energy, and creativity to our work. We were thrilled to see projects like the Fort Fisher State Historic Site visitor center, Graveyard of The Atlantic Museum, and Loudoun Water Reservoir Park open to the public. Our ongoing projects, including Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Mosquito Hill Nature Center, Holladay City Park and City Hall, and the Museum of Riverside, continue to inspire us. Looking ahead, we can’t wait to kick off new projects in the new year, like upcoming work for Virginia State Parks and the Art Explorer's Gallery at CNU’s Torggler Arts Center. Thank you to our incredible partners, clients, vendors, and team members for making this year so meaningful. Here’s to 2025 and the stories still to be told! Happy New Year! ??

A strong masterplan is a roadmap for your institution’s future, aligning your team, exhibitions, and values with a shared vision. It provides strategic guidance for exhibit development, helping every element reflect your goals and mission while addressing current and future needs. Masterplanning can help prioritize resources, inspire innovative programming, and create a cohesive visitor experience. It’s an essential tool for institutions looking to navigate growth and change with purpose. If you’re planning a new space, reimagining existing exhibits, or responding to shifting audience expectations, it might be the perfect time to create a masterplan! We are happy to help you make this important investment in long-term success and meaningful engagement. ?? Sketch from our Atlanta History Center masterplan

Artifact provenance is essential to creating exhibits that are both ethical and impactful. But ensuring artifacts are ethically sourced and handled with care is just the beginning! Our designs focus on presenting objects with true and robust background information, offering audiences a deeper understanding of their context and cultural significance. By weaving provenance into storytelling, we create exhibits that honor the integrity of the artifacts while engaging visitors with authentic, meaningful narratives. What role does provenance play in shaping your exhibits? ?? Artifacts from the Library of Virginia, "200 Years, 200 Stories" exhibit