Adam Thabo

Critic

Adam Thabo is an accomplished professional in the field of museum exhibitions with a multifaceted background in fine art printmaking, photography, film, design and engineering. He holds a diploma in mechanical engineering from Imperial College London and a degree in industrial design engineering from the Royal College of Art. During his undergraduate studies at Rhode Island School of Design, Adam specialized in printmaking, with a particular focus on intaglio techniques, specifically photogravure.

With over three decades of experience in the field, Adam has established himself in the museum exhibition industry, primarily operating in New York City. As the founder of Field Trip Design, he has cultivated a distinguished portfolio, collaborating with some of the most esteemed cultural institutions in NYC. These include the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, The New Museum, The Brooklyn Navy Yard Museum, The Noguchi Museum, The Museum of the City of New York, The Jewish Museum and The Museum of Jewish Heritage, among others.

In addition to his work in the cultural sector, Adam has designed and developed innovative installations for a diverse array of corporate clients including Nike, Delta Airlines, Hyatt Hotels, Nabisco, Sonos, Red Bull, Tumi and the 2012 US Olympic Swim Trials. His ability to merge technical precision with creative vision has made him a sought-after expert in crafting immersive and engaging experiences.

Currently, Adam is dedicated to sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for design as a faculty member in both the Interior Architecture department at RISD and the Art and Professions department at New York University. His unique integration of technical expertise and artistic sensibility enables him to deliver a comprehensive educational experience, equipping students with the skills and insights necessary to excel in the dynamic and evolving field of exhibition design.

Courses

Wintersession 2025 Courses

INTAR 2112-101 - EXHIBITION DESIGN & BUILDING
Level Undergraduate
Subject Interior Architecture
Period Wintersession 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Start date
End date

INTAR 2112-101

EXHIBITION DESIGN & BUILDING

Level Undergraduate
Subject Interior Architecture
Period Wintersession 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Start and End 2025-01-03 to 2025-02-06
Times: MT | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 01/27/2025 - 01/28/2025; TW | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 01/21/2025 - 01/22/2025; MT | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 01/13/2025 - 01/14/2025; MTW | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 01/06/2025 - 01/08/2025; MTW | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM | 02/03/2025 - 02/05/2025 Instructor(s): Adam Thabo Location(s): Center for Integrative Technologies, Room 610 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Closed

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This course focuses on the hands-on process of designing and constructing exhibitions. Students will explore the key elements of exhibition design, including spatial planning, material selection, lighting, signage and way-finding. They will also be exposed to standard fabrication and printing techniques commonly used within the industry.

Working collaboratively, students will design and build exhibits, moving from concept development to the physical installation. Emphasis is placed on real-world problem-solving, project management, and understanding the technical aspects of exhibition construction.

The course will culminate in fully realized exhibits giving the students opportunities to engage the public and share their work. 

Estimated Cost of Materials: $50.00

Elective

Spring 2025 Courses

INTAR 23ST-04 - ADVANCED DESIGN STUDIOS
Level Undergraduate
Subject Interior Architecture
Period Spring 2025
Credits 6
Format Studio
Start date
End date

INTAR 23ST-04

ADVANCED DESIGN STUDIOS

Level Undergraduate
Subject Interior Architecture
Period Spring 2025
Credits 6
Format Studio
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: TTH | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PM Instructor(s): Adam Thabo Location(s): Center for Integrative Technologies, Room 610 Enrolled / Capacity: 14 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

Choice of advanced design studios offered by the Department of Interior Architecture. Details & studio descriptions are made available to pre-registered students.

Estimated Cost of Materials: Varies depending on required studio course supplies or related travel. Anticipated costs will be provided in advance, and announced during the lottery studio presentations held in the department.

Major Requirement | BFA, MDes, MA Interior Studies