riggs ward

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 façade 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

Every year RWD supports a local institution, and this year, we’re proud to give back to our community by supporting Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity. Their organization is dedicated to building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter, and we appreciate all the work they do. We encourage you to join us in supporting worthy causes that make a meaningful impact. https://lnkd.in/eW4PqtPB

Wishing you a joyful holiday season from all of us at RWD! 🎄 We hope your days are filled with warmth, laughter, and time with those who matter most. Please note that our offices will be closed on Monday, December 22 through Christmas Day as we celebrate the season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!