With decades of work in theatrical and exhibit design, we’ve encountered our share of challenges and unique situations! We’re happy to share that expertise in a consultative capacity, to help keep your project moving in the right direction. Free 30-minute initial consultation; reasonable hourly rates for additional research, meetings, site visits, etc. Get the conversation started.

Strategic planning can be the most important step to ensure that your exhibits — and your entire facility — are cohesive, inspiring, and visitor-driven. We engage in the discovery process, together with your staff, to understand your organization’s mission, vision, values, target audiences, desired impacts, and measures of success.

A Museum Experience Questionnaire helps us begin to get to know the goals and dreams for your facility and your exhibits.

For many organizations, we recommend development of a comprehensive Strategic Master Plan or Interpretive Plan. This type of document allows us to collaboratively explore your overall Strategic Position, Learning Objectives, Learning Experience Framework, an Exhibit Experience Conceptual Plan (with exhibit themes and descriptions), and even a draft ground plan. It ensures a cohesive vision for all current and future stages of development and can be a beneficial tool to present to stakeholders and potential donors, to build confidence and clarity for the project, both at the current stage and ongoing. The standard Strategic Master Plan process includes the services of our development partner to participate in the initial site visit and brainstorming discussions and to develop the text of the plan. Let’s talk about your options.

Whether or not your organization has taken part in a broader strategic planning process, BKD thrives on creating customized & engaging exhibits that make the most of your space and budget! Whether you need one exhibit or a complete gallery overhaul, our design services can include: a Conceptual Design that “paints a picture” of the anticipated look and feel of the visitor experience, 3D Renderings that help in visualizing individual exhibits and traffic flow between areas, detailed Schematic Designs that clarify dimensions of each component, materials to be used, and/or text for signage and interactives, as well as a style guide (color palette & typography for all graphics). Some sample renderings and drafting projects.

We don’t just design it; BKD will be right with you throughout the fabrication and installation process! Our experienced carpenters and painters will take the utmost care with every part of your special project, and the project manager maintains the lines of communication — critical for keeping BKD staff, building contractors, and organization staff all on the same page and helping to prevent conflicts and costly delays or interruptions. Exhibit fabrication portfolio.

With multiple trained theatrical scenic designers among us, our staff has designed and/or constructed scenery for a combined total of nearly 400 plays and musicals! Scenic design incorporates a unique combination of knowledge and skills in three-dimensional environments, color, textures, history, architecture, construction techniques and materials, and physics. Check out our some of our scenic design highlights and consider contracting BKD for your next production.

Theatrical lighting design not only illuminates the actors but also contours the scenery, enhances the mood, and even helps to tell the story of each production. With more than 160 lighting designs under our belts, BKD staff has amassed knowledge and experience that also translates into effective exhibit lighting design and familiarity with a wide range of lighting equipment. Enjoy a sample of theatrical lighting designs.