When Emmy Award-winning set designer Rich Murray walked into Mrs. Brown’s Set Design class recently, the energy in the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre instantly shifted. Her students buzzed with excitement as Mr. Murray kicked off a fascinating and entertaining presentation about his career in set design—one that spans theater, film, and hit television shows like Only Murders in the Building. His visit was a great example of The Storm King School’s efforts to connect students with working professionals, who bring real-world insight and inspiration to the classroom.

With vivid color photos and detailed technical drawings from his own projects, Mr. Murray gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how Hollywood sets are brought to life, from the initial concept to the final decoration. He shared stories about working with stars like Selena Gomez and Steve Martin, and how set design plays a vital role in storytelling.

Students were especially eager during the Q&A session, asking thoughtful questions about the creative process, collaboration with actors and directors, and the day-to-day realities of a career in the entertainment industry. Mr. Murray took the time to answer each question with humor and enthusiasm, leaving the students inspired and eager to learn more.

Murray’s visit is a great example of Storm King’s efforts to connect students with professionals working in various industries. In Mrs. Brown’s Set Design class, this real-world encounter enriched the curriculum and helped her students see how their developing skills could translate into professional opportunities beyond the classroom.

About Rich Murray

Rich Murray, AB’94, is a celebrated set decorator and designer whose Emmy-winning work has brought visual depth and character to productions across theater, film, and television. His portfolio includes work on Little Miss Sunshine, The Nate Berkus Show, Madam Secretary, And Just Like That…, and most notably, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building—for which he won an Emmy for Outstanding Production Design.

Known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to tell stories through spaces, Murray continues to influence audiences with immersive, character-rich environments.