Over the course of two consecutive capstone courses in the senior year, RIT interior design students execute a self-generated, self-directed design research project. The goal of the capstone is to respond creatively and imaginatively to an emerging circumstance, ongoing debate, or real-world issue and contribute to conversations relevant to the profession of interior design.

Charged with independently identifying a problem based on personal interests and using design as their vehicle, students propose a creative solution. The proposals respond to theoretical and evidentiary findings collected from an exploratory research agenda and literature review. The capstone culminates with a written manuscript inclusive of a creative design proposal that is defended through formal, oral examination with a professional jury.