Much is said within the architectural and design community about the 'process.'

Whether the project is a preliminary concept to be used for fundraising and public awareness or a well- defined multi-million-dollar design/build there is an applicable process for taking the client from the kick-off meeting to the opening ceremony.

No two projects are identical. That being said, all projects tend to be a variation on a clear-cut articulable set of processes which have been developed and continue to be refined by M. Catton & Co., LLC, over the last thirty years.

The overriding take-away from the discussion is there is a definable process.  Regardless of the terminology used to describe the steps it is important that all agree there are steps, and all understand them in order keep everyone organized throughout.

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Every opportunity / creation begins with extensive research into the background of the project. From the history of why the project is important to the museum to the educational standards of the state where the museum is located all are assimilated into the final efforts. We can never read too much or see too many similar exhibits to satisfy our need for background.

As it sounds, this phase of design is the view from the 20,000 ft. level. After doing the research and listening, carefully, to the stake holders this iteration literally articulates the vision, visually. Indeed, we feel this level of design is a visual representation of the project.

Sometimes confused with the architectural level of design, which is more akin to our concept design, this phase begins the “tightening up” the design. The drawings are brought into “scale”, the finishes are defined, and the interpretation is solidified.

Typically, we like to prototype any interactives we (or the client) do not have experience with during the schematic phase. In doing so we establish their feasibility and can either continue to develop or introduce a new idea before too many resources are dedicated.

During the final stage of design, design development, all details of the project are finalized. Finishes are specified and sampled to the client. Graphics are approved, and the design is ready to turn over to the shop and sub-contractors.

This describes the level of drawings we typically have the individual shop(s) do. Every construction firm has their methodologies that we incorporate as part of the design/build process. We insist they draw most of this phase and our team double checks the detail.

This phase is where the rubber-hits-the-road, so to speak. The design we have been working on for months, or years, comes to life. Shop visits are scheduled to preview the work and further test the interactive elements.

All the hard work comes to life on the museum floor. Our team of installers are made up of many of the same craftsmen who build the exhibits. Coordinating with local contractors and the facilities team at the museum, we install all the components.

Remediation is an industry term typically used to describe the phase wherein the finished exhibition is evaluated. This phase takes place starting after the gallery is open and we see how children and adults work with the exhibition. There is always one more graphic or some adjustment required to perfect the installation. We typically like to have the museum observe over a few weeks and schedule a trip back to do a couple days of adjustments, insuring the experience is working as it was intended.