Why not consider both types of firms in your search and ask them to propose
a design approach and construction process to meet your goals and budget.
Independent designers sometimes take a more active role in an association or
joint venture with a fabrication firm or as a construction manager
coordinating subcontractors.  This approach may be especially helpful when a
tight schedule or unique project requirements suggest both exceptional
design capabilities and a more hands on involvement by the designer in the
fabrication phase.

Ann Trowbridge, AIA
Philadelphia, PA
[log in to unmask]


----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rumm" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2001 9:10 AM
Subject: Exhibit Design and Fabrication


As a corollary to some of the recent list discussions about identifying an
exhibit design firm, what (if any) are the relative advantages and
disadvantages of selecting a independent designer and a separate exhibit
fabricator, as opposed to going with a firm that can provide both design and
fabrication services in-house?  I've heard differing points of view as to
economies of scale or other cost-saving gains that may result from using a
turnkey outfit to provide both services rather than contracting with
separate firms.  It's also been suggested that independent design firms may
be more "creative" or "cutting-edge" than in-house design departments, which
may design an exhibit more in terms of their firm's fabricating capability
than in terms of a client's needs or preferences.  Should concerns such as
these make a difference when choosing exhibit designers and fabricators?


Collegially,

John C. Rumm
Executive Director
Catholic Heritage Center

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