PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
CREATIVE STRATEGY & CONSULTING
Every great story has a beginning. We’ll work with you to establish the project goals and the criteria for success. We’ll define the key elements of the experience, the narrative that connects them and how guests will journey through them. The result will be a clear guide for the project’s overall direction.
concept development
With the project framework established, we’ll create a visual roadmap – a storybook - that outlines each experience component. This project bible of sketches and renderings will ensure that the whole project team remains aligned from start to finish. We’ll then begin developing the various storytelling elements that will guide guests on their journey, such as infographics, digital opportunities, and interactives.
EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Through schematic design and design development, we’ll further develop the project concepts to include buildable details, materials and finishes, and equipment specifications. Conceptual renderings become detailed technical drawings for stakeholder approval. The resulting documents are then ready to bring the story to life.
BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Throughout the project development process, we’ll be developing and refining the project budget, beginning with Class D or C during the concept development phase, refining the budget to Class B through schematic design, before finalizing the Class A budget on completion of design development.
LANGUAGE SERVICES
We’ll work with the stakeholders to provide language translation services for written and audible content, including accessibility requirements for those with impairments. It’s a critical service that ensures inclusivity for all guests, but furthermore, it helps to preserve the cultural and historical significance of many of the stories we bring to life.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
BUDGET MANAGEMENT
Along with mindfully developing the budget, we’ll carefully manage the budget throughout the project. This includes informing you of potential cost overages and possible savings through value engineering or FF&E selections and providing timely change orders accordingly.
SCHEDULING
The schedule can significantly impact the budget, so the two must be thoughtfully managed in tandem. Much like the budget, we’ll develop and revise the schedule throughout the early stages of the project and rigorously manage it once the project enters the production and installation phases.
PROJECT ADMINISTRATION
Our talented and experienced project managers are responsible for managing all aspects of the project, including the overall vision, documentation, and communication. We use efficient budget, scheduling, and communication tracking tools to ensure the smooth handling of documents, samples, meetings, and project updates.
FABRICATION
MILLWORK
Our millwork capabilities and experience range from commercial-grade cabinetry to custom architectural millwork features, to conservation-grade museum casework and everything in between. The finishes are extensive, from high-pressure laminates to exotic wood veneers and high gloss lacquer spray coatings, to name a few.
METALWORK
We regularly utilize steel and aluminum for structural and decorative structures, but we’re just as comfortable with more exotic materials for details and cladding. Our metal finishing is comprehensive, from powder-coat and spray coatings to anodized and electroplated finishes.
PLASTICS, GLASS, & SOLID SURFACES
We specialize in incorporating plastics, glass, solid surface products, and specialty polymers into our projects, ensuring the correctly specified material for the required application. Display cases, barriers, countertops, graphic applications, and architectural cladding are all areas in which we excel.
CUSTOM
LIGHTING
Our custom lighting capabilities allow for a tailored approach to colour (temperature), intensity, fixture type, and programming control, locally and through show controls. We can create one-off solutions and work with lighting and AV contractors to achieve fully integrated whole-project results.
ELECTRICAL & mECHANICAL INTERACTIVES
We‘re often asked to create elegant and intuitive interactive solutions that seamlessly integrate into the creative theme of the experience while simultaneously being rugged and reliable enough to withstand relentless abuse by the most enthusiastic of children! Our expertise and innovative thinking ensure that the perfect solution is always delivered.
DIGITAL INTERACTIVES
Our digital specialists can create custom content and digital interactives that stand alone or combine with our electronic or mechanical interactives for a more integrated and immersive experience. As with our lighting, these solutions can be fully integrated into the larger environment, managed by a holistic show control system.
PROPS & SCENIC
Our projects regularly include thematic props, show sets, or scenic elements; sometimes, they’re integral to an interactive element and sometimes historic architectural details. We have several solutions, from traditional hand-sculpting and painting to cutting-edge, multi-material, 6-colour 3D printing. More often than not, it’s a combination that works best.
GRAPHIC PRODUCTION
Graphics are an essential part of every project, so we offer several solutions, ranging from basic printed vinyl and direct print substrates, such as acrylic and glass, to more robust solutions like phenolic and powder-coated graphics for long-lasting exterior applications and accessible braille and tactile graphics, allowing for fully inclusive guest experiences.
CUSTOM CRATING
When it comes to crating and specimen protection, we don’t wait until the last minute. We consider and plan these aspects of the project from the beginning as part of our proactive approach and commitment to thorough preparation. We consult shipping and crating specialists on alternative solutions when appropriate to ensure the proper crating and specimen protection needs for each project.
SITE SERVICES
SITE SUPERVISION
With flawless installation being a critical component of any project, our seasoned and experienced site leads have the knowledge, experience, and skill set to manage every install, but more importantly, figure out solutions on the fly when the inevitable site challenges crop up. Often representing our project managers on-site, health & safety, and schedule are top priorities, in that order.
INSTALLATION SERVICES
With an ever-growing network of experienced and qualified installation partners, every project is manageable. Most of our North American partners also have local union affiliations, so we can seamlessly accommodate union and non-union installations, always under the watchful eye of our creative and inventive project managers.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The health and safety of our teams are paramount, and that extends to our partners and the building environment. We understand the air filtration systems on site are complex and sensitive to airborne pollutants and debris, so we come prepared with a dust mitigation plan, which includes HEPA-filtered equipment, carefully sealed workspaces, and air quality monitoring.
GENERAL CONTRACTING
Our experienced project managers are well acquainted with the coordination and understanding required to work effectively in a multi-team environment with a shared goal of completing the project successfully. But sometimes a project only requires a ‘little’ GC work, and our skilful team can accommodate that scope, making the project turnkey, reducing challenges and increasing solutions for stakeholders.