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Every project is different. As different as you, your subject and circumstances are from another client’s. While we have a custom fit with each of our clients, our general process and methodology remain the same.
We begin by getting to know you and your project- your intent, your resources (people, objects and services) and the particular parameters of your project. We do our research.
We then begin to develop concepts for the project based upon goals and messages we have agreed upon. We review these with you and listen to your comments.
We then move into refining and documenting the design and spell out how the story will be told and what it will look, sound and feel like. Throughout this process, we have periodic reviews with you so that there are no surprises.
Finally, when the project is ready to be built, we can help you in one of two ways depending upon your preferences. We can help you select a builder and monitor construction to assure you that the quality that was designed into your project is delivered. Or, to keep the process as seamless as possible, as a licensed general contractor we can build your project ourselves.
We meet with you and your team, listen to you and ask questions. We get to know your site, your audience, your stakeholders and your budget. We do our research and hold workshops to clarify goals and messages and try out ideas. We listen.
We meet with you and your team, listen to you and ask questions. We get to know your site, your audience, your stakeholders and your budget. We do our research and hold workshops to clarify goals and messages and try out ideas. We listen.
Observing wildlife on a site
Observing wildlife on a site
We meet with you and your team, listen to you and ask questions. We get to know your site, your audience, your stakeholders and your budget. We do our research and hold workshops to clarify goals and messages and try out ideas. We listen.
A site tour with the client team
A site tour with the client team
We meet with you and your team, listen to you and ask questions. We get to know your site, your audience, your stakeholders and your budget. We do our research and hold workshops to clarify goals and messages and try out ideas. We listen.
Mining for stories
Mining for stories
We meet with you and your team, listen to you and ask questions. We get to know your site, your audience, your stakeholders and your budget. We do our research and hold workshops to clarify goals and messages and try out ideas. We listen.
Mapping the features of a site
Mapping the features of a site
We meet with you and your team, listen to you and ask questions. We get to know your site, your audience, your stakeholders and your budget. We do our research and hold workshops to clarify goals and messages and try out ideas. We listen.
An interpretive site plan identifies the important stories to tell and suggests their locations
An interpretive site plan identifies the important stories to tell and suggests their locations
We meet with you and your team, listen to you and ask questions. We get to know your site, your audience, your stakeholders and your budget. We do our research and hold workshops to clarify goals and messages and try out ideas. We listen.
A brainstorming session with a client team
A brainstorming session with a client team
We begin to invent stories and vehicles that might deliver your messages in a compelling way. Outlines, sketches, rough models, bubble diagrams begin to appear. We review with you. We listen.
We begin to invent stories and vehicles that might deliver your messages in a compelling way. Outlines, sketches, rough models, bubble diagrams begin to appear. We review with you. We listen.
Beginning to address each of the interpretive elements of the project
Beginning to address each of the interpretive elements of the project
We begin to invent stories and vehicles that might deliver your messages in a compelling way. Outlines, sketches, rough models, bubble diagrams begin to appear. We review with you. We listen.
Early sketches- Character begins to emerge
Early sketches- Character begins to emerge
We begin to invent stories and vehicles that might deliver your messages in a compelling way. Outlines, sketches, rough models, bubble diagrams begin to appear. We review with you. We listen.
Early sketches call out features and show options
Early sketches call out features and show options
We begin to invent stories and vehicles that might deliver your messages in a compelling way. Outlines, sketches, rough models, bubble diagrams begin to appear. We review with you. We listen.
Sketches begin to illustrate the experience
Sketches begin to illustrate the experience
We begin to invent stories and vehicles that might deliver your messages in a compelling way. Outlines, sketches, rough models, bubble diagrams begin to appear. We review with you. We listen.
Experimenting with an idea
Experimenting with an idea
We begin to invent stories and vehicles that might deliver your messages in a compelling way. Outlines, sketches, rough models, bubble diagrams begin to appear. We review with you. We listen.
Models and sketches explain an approach and illustrate options
Models and sketches explain an approach and illustrate options
An agreed-upon approach begins to be detailed and defined. We move from
Schematic Design to Design Development and
Construction Documents, each refining and documenting the design in greater detail, from the writing to the graphics, the media and the three-
dimensional elements. Cost estimates are done at intervals throughout each stage, and exhibit specifications are produced for bidding and construction.
An agreed-upon approach begins to be detailed and defined. We move from
Schematic Design to Design Development and
Construction Documents, each refining and documenting the design in greater detail, from the writing to the graphics, the media and the three-
dimensional elements. Cost estimates are done at intervals throughout each stage, and exhibit specifications are produced for bidding and construction.
A detailed interpretive site plan defines in what all of the interpretive elements are and where they will be located
A detailed interpretive site plan defines in what all of the interpretive elements are and where they will be located
An agreed-upon approach begins to be detailed and defined. We move from
Schematic Design to Design Development and
Construction Documents, each refining and documenting the design in greater detail, from the writing to the graphics, the media and the three-
dimensional elements. Cost estimates are done at intervals throughout each stage, and exhibit specifications are produced for bidding and construction.
A detailed scale model captures all interpretive elements and gives the client a good sense of the look and feel of the finished experience
A detailed scale model captures all interpretive elements and gives the client a good sense of the look and feel of the finished experience
An agreed-upon approach begins to be detailed and defined. We move from
Schematic Design to Design Development and
Construction Documents, each refining and documenting the design in greater detail, from the writing to the graphics, the media and the three-
dimensional elements. Cost estimates are done at intervals throughout each stage, and exhibit specifications are produced for bidding and construction.
A detailed scale model of a walk- though recreation of the remains of a 200-year-old sawmill
A detailed scale model of a walk- though recreation of the remains of a 200-year-old sawmill
An agreed-upon approach begins to be detailed and defined. We move from
Schematic Design to Design Development and
Construction Documents, each refining and documenting the design in greater detail, from the writing to the graphics, the media and the three-
dimensional elements. Cost estimates are done at intervals throughout each stage, and exhibit specifications are produced for bidding and construction.
A scale model of a multi-level exhibit experience
A scale model of a multi-level exhibit experience
An agreed-upon approach begins to be detailed and defined. We move from
Schematic Design to Design Development and
Construction Documents, each refining and documenting the design in greater detail, from the writing to the graphics, the media and the three-
dimensional elements. Cost estimates are done at intervals throughout each stage, and exhibit specifications are produced for bidding and construction.
CAD drawings define the details of each interpretive element
CAD drawings define the details of each interpretive element
An agreed-upon approach begins to be detailed and defined. We move from
Schematic Design to Design Development and
Construction Documents, each refining and documenting the design in greater detail, from the writing to the graphics, the media and the three-
dimensional elements. Cost estimates are done at intervals throughout each stage, and exhibit specifications are produced for bidding and construction.
Exploded view shows approach to fabrication
Exploded view shows approach to fabrication
An agreed-upon approach begins to be detailed and defined. We move from
Schematic Design to Design Development and
Construction Documents, each refining and documenting the design in greater detail, from the writing to the graphics, the media and the three-
dimensional elements. Cost estimates are done at intervals throughout each stage, and exhibit specifications are produced for bidding and construction.
Spreadsheet defining all interpretive elements including graphics, copy and live animal habitats
Spreadsheet defining all interpretive elements including graphics, copy and live animal habitats
We help you select a builder and, as required, any specialty fabricators or vendors. We monitor the entire process of fabrication, construction and installation to guarantee that the standards you expect are delivered. Or, as a licensed general contractor, we can build your project for you ourselves.
We help you select a builder and, as required, any specialty fabricators or vendors. We monitor the entire process of fabrication, construction and installation to guarantee that the standards you expect are delivered. Or, as a licensed general contractor, we can build your project for you ourselves.
Installing StoryCorps, Chicago
Installing StoryCorps, Chicago
We help you select a builder and, as required, any specialty fabricators or vendors. We monitor the entire process of fabrication, construction and installation to guarantee that the standards you expect are delivered. Or, as a licensed general contractor, we can build your project for you ourselves.
Installation underway at UW- Madison’s new Signe Skott Cooper School of Nursing
Installation underway at UW- Madison’s new Signe Skott Cooper School of Nursing
We help you select a builder and, as required, any specialty fabricators or vendors. We monitor the entire process of fabrication, construction and installation to guarantee that the standards you expect are delivered. Or, as a licensed general contractor, we can build your project for you ourselves.
Installing artifact cases at Signe Skott Cooper School of Nursing
Installing artifact cases at Signe Skott Cooper School of Nursing
We help you select a builder and, as required, any specialty fabricators or vendors. We monitor the entire process of fabrication, construction and installation to guarantee that the standards you expect are delivered. Or, as a licensed general contractor, we can build your project for you ourselves.
Mammoth wrangling at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
Mammoth wrangling at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
We help you select a builder and, as required, any specialty fabricators or vendors. We monitor the entire process of fabrication, construction and installation to guarantee that the standards you expect are delivered. Or, as a licensed general contractor, we can build your project for you ourselves.
Preparing to raise the new clock at Clark Devon Hardware
Preparing to raise the new clock at Clark Devon Hardware
We help you select a builder and, as required, any specialty fabricators or vendors. We monitor the entire process of fabrication, construction and installation to guarantee that the standards you expect are delivered. Or, as a licensed general contractor, we can build your project for you ourselves.
Installing the Learning Tree exhibit at Creek Bend Nature Center
Installing the Learning Tree exhibit at Creek Bend Nature Center
We help you select a builder and, as required, any specialty fabricators or vendors. We monitor the entire process of fabrication, construction and installation to guarantee that the standards you expect are delivered. Or, as a licensed general contractor, we can build your project for you ourselves.
A happy client at the completion of Signe Skott Cooper School of Nursing
A happy client at the completion of Signe Skott Cooper School of Nursing
1
Getting to know you
and your project
and your project
2
Developing
concepts
concepts
3
Refining +
documenting
the design
documenting
the design
4
Building and installing
your project
your project