THE SIBBETT GROUP

Designers Of Immersive Learning Environments

co-PrinciPAls of The Sibbett Group, an interpretive planning and exhibition design firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, sat down to reflect on their upcoming 30th anniversary.

Brianna Cutts: Q: When I tell people what I do, they often respond with a look of surprise. How do you describe our design practice?

Donald Sibbett: I usually start off by saying we are designers who work on projects ranging in size from square inches to square miles. If I really need to get into the details, I try to remember how you describe our work being a combination of space planning, design thinking, and learning theory.

DS: How do you describe our work?

BC: I usually say we tell stories in three-dimension. When I taught Exhibition Development, I’d use examples of books and films to emphasize how those methods create a linear journey through a story — a beginning, middle, and end. When we design exhibitions, controlling a visitor’s path is nearly impossible, so we need to design for the “pinball effect” when visitors bounce from one exhibit to another. That’s why it’s key to have one Big Idea that exhibits together.

DS: I’m always amazed at how you get new clients to share ideas. How do you do it?

BC: Along with a clear agenda, I let participants know that we’re in for a fast-paced experience and that all ideas are welcome; no value engineering at this stage! I also do a quick icebreaker to lighten the mood. During a recent remote brainstorming session to design a nature center complex, I encouraged the group to toss ideas my way — I’d keep up as I wore my trail running shoes sitting at my computer.

BC: We’re often asked about our favorite project, and for me, that’s a tough one to answer. What about you?

The problem isn’t that obesity runs in your family. It’s that no one runs in your family.

The Sibbett Group’s website is: www.sibbettgroup.com

Brianna Cutts is also a painter and printmaker: www.breecutts.com

NATURE CENTERS:

01/ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. [PHOTO: CLB Architects]

02/ Jenny Lake, Historic Kiosk, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. [PHOTO: HDLA]

03/ Jenny Lake, Wayside Exhibit, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

04/ Home Ranch Welcome Center, Jackson, Wyoming. [PHOTO: CLB Architects]

05/ Home Ranch Welcome Center, Storyteller Station, Jackson, Wyoming. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

06/ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Mountain Mosaic Exhibit, Moose, Wyoming. [PHOTO: CLB Architects]

07/ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Sound Scape Exhibit, Moose, Wyoming. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

08/ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, 3D Tactile Model, Moose, Wyoming. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

DS: I think back to when I started our firm in 1994, and the types of projects I imagined. When you joined in 1997 it brought the museum studies side to our practice. Soon after we were awarded the Los Altos History Museum project, which is one of my favorite projects. Goody Steinberg and his team looked to the region’s agricultural history to design a contemporary barn-inspired building. Collaborating with the client for over two decades to design the original museum, temporary exhibitions, and now the updated permanent exhibition has been a highlight of my career. My other favorite projects include all of the work we’ve done in Jackson Hole. I’m still not sure how we were selected for the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve project, but I sure am happy that happened. That opened the door to other work, including the Jenny Lake project. We’ve been so fortunate to work with great clients and other design firms to create some truly exceptional work.

DS: What advice would you give to the next generation of exhibit designers?

BC: To ensure creative problem-solving is always top of mind, learn the rules so that you know how to bend them. Study accessible guidelines to ensure exhibits meet the needs of all visitors and try to stay up to date with the latest developments in technology. And bring chocolate to meetings. n