Formed in 1994, RFA is an established, award-winning, multi-disciplinary design practice specialising in exhibitions with a variety of clients in museums, local authorities and the private sector.
RFA has extensive experience of providing interpretative and design services for projects of this kind. Details are provided below of current and recent contracts. RFA has fully equipped offices at Dean Clough, Halifax, for the production of 3D and graphic designs and a team of highly skilled and motivated designers producing first-class work for clients in many parts of the UK.
In addition to pure design work (concept, scheme and detailed design through to production information and implementation), services include feasibility studies, interpretive planning and concept development. A network of contacts in all related disciplines - architecture, copywriting and research, quantity surveying, illustration, sculpting, fit-out contracting - provides the flexibility to undertake projects of any size or complexity, including design-and-build options.
RFA are known for taking a unique approach with each project that comes across our desk, figuring out new ways to educate and entertain rather than rigidly copy old museum mainstays. This approach has won RFA several prestigious Museums & Heritage Awards.
Museum Exhibition Design
Creativity is key when delivering high quality museum design services. There is no substitute for a good idea when designing and we, at RFA Design, pride ourselves on the range and diversity of our design work: we do not believe in cut-and-paste design. However, we are also pragmatic in our approach and, at all times, take into consideration DDA (Disability Discrimination Act), security and conservation requirements.
Our design philosophy is to work closely with the client to ensure that all aspirations and expectations are met in a fully professional and creative way producing designs for first-class exhibitions in efficient and flexible working spaces.
Graphic Design & Signage
RFA Design provide a full range of in-house graphic design services, including exhibition interpretation, branding and identity, and website design. We can oversee all aspects of design, from concept, through to digital print-ready artwork, production and installation.
Working in tandem with the 3D design team, we offer creative, bespoke solutions that are sympathetic to the display environment.
We are also experienced at designing and implementing unique signage and wayfinding solutions for interior and exterior projects.
Interpretive Planning
It is one of the principles of interpretation that one must know what one is doing for whom and why. Therefore, it is important that the market, the aims and the objectives are all carefully defined.
A design and interpretation plan produced for a museum or visitor centre project would be structured around the following headings and would closely inform the design development process:
· Why interpret – aims and objectives
· What to interpret – the resource/assets
· Who to interpret for – audience
· How and where to interpret – media
· Does it work – evaluation and monitoring
Design & Build
RFA Design has successfully completed design-and-build projects for a wide range of clients. Design-and-build offers several advantages over more traditional tender procurement methods including fixed client costs, reduced administration costs (with associated time savings), and value for money without compromising on quality.
RFA Design
Dean Clough, Halifax
West Yorkshire HX3 5AX
Tel: 01422 300 012
Images: Torre Abbey (Top)
Chester Cathedral (Middle)
Museum of Cannock Chase (Bottom)
