Gerald O. Young 
helicopter operations facility 

museum exhibit fabrication sales / team lead (+ creative director - helicopter sculpture and acoustic photo wall) 

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The Gerald O. Young helicopter facility covered 2 floors of exhibits. We included highlights in the design such as a dedication zone with timeline and life like mannequin of Gerald O. Young,  an iconic 17 foot custom sculpted helicopter hanging in the atrium, an auditorium with photo acoustic panels and video timeline wall, a heritage lounge with memorabilia, custom wood work and new kitchen,  5 briefing rooms exhibit panels, a 65 inch touch-table with custom programming, artifact cases, custom award and leadership displays.,

In addition to brainstorming ideas and crafting the proposal that sold won the entire 2 floor project, (total budget $859,000.00,) I creative directed and project managed it's most artful features. One of which was a 17 ft. abstract hanging sculpture that would be come the dramatic icon of the facility.  By creating it in a way that that revealed internal and external design, it would immerse visitors in an exciting experience as they approached the sculpture from many angles and peer into it while using the buildings existing wrap around staircase,

 

The sculpture I had in mind was very stylized, abstract and very unusual for a military facility. Persuading the military was part of my role, as well as selecting a sculptor, negotiating the design between the stakeholders. and protecting the budget for art when a simpler fixture would have satisfactory.  But I saw this design opportunity as the jewel of the building and essential to creating a memorable landmark.

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The entire finished project was a huge success for the building and the sculpture became the icon of the facility I had imagined. The leadership of the entire base cane to see the project and the Wing Commander and Air Force One admired the project so much that they expressed interest in working together again on upcoming project.s.