Business Details
Custom Architectural Design & Fabrication Services
Gropen Exhibit delivers turn-key architectural solutions with a focus on experiential design and precision craftsmanship. Our multidisciplinary team combines architectural, industrial, and graphic design expertise with artisan fabrication capabilities in wood, metal, stone, and composite materials. Since 2001, we've specialized in creating custom signage, exhibits, and wayfinding systems for museums, corporate spaces, healthcare facilities, and public institutions.Our collaborative approach integrates design consultation, code compliance review, and material specification to ensure cost-effective, high-quality execution. With decades of combined experience, our craftsmen and project managers take pride in transforming client visions into tangible, museum-quality installations.
Services
Architectural Design
Fabrication
Installation
Custom Signage
Exhibit Creation
Wayfinding Systems
Material Specification
Code Compliance Review
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in architectural fabrication and installation
- Our team includes certified designers with museum-quality craftsmanship expertise
- We provide end-to-end project management from concept to installation
- We work with diverse materials including wood, metal, stone, and composites
- Our team includes certified project managers and technical design specialists
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design team creates custom solutions for signage, exhibits, and environmental graphics. With expertise in spatial planning and code compliance, we develop detailed shop drawings that translate concepts into buildable designs. Our designers collaborate with clients and architects to ensure functional, aesthetically pleasing results that meet project specifications and budget requirements.
Custom Fabrication
Gropen Exhibit's artisan fabrication team works with diverse materials including wood, metal, stone, and composites. Using advanced techniques and precision tools, we create high-quality architectural elements that meet exacting standards. Our craftsmen combine traditional skills with modern technology to produce complex components for commercial and institutional projects.
Professional Installation
Our experienced installation team handles projects in museums, hospitals, airports, and corporate environments. Using specialized equipment and proven methodologies, we ensure precise execution of design plans while maintaining safety standards. The team adapts to unique site conditions to deliver flawless implementation of architectural elements and wayfinding systems.
Wayfinding Systems
We design and implement comprehensive wayfinding solutions that enhance navigation in complex environments. Our systems integrate signage, digital displays, and environmental graphics to create intuitive user experiences. From initial space planning to final installation, we ensure consistent visual communication that aligns with brand identity and functional requirements.
Exhibit Creation
Gropen Exhibit specializes in creating immersive museum-quality exhibits for cultural institutions and educational facilities. Our team handles everything from concept development to final installation, using specialized materials and fabrication techniques. We focus on creating engaging, durable exhibits that effectively communicate educational content while meeting strict safety and preservation standards.
People
T.J. Ronayne
Owner, President
T.J. Ronayne founded Gropen Exhibit in 2001 after graduating from the University of Virginia. With over two decades of experience in architectural fabrication, he leads the company's strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex projects.
Michael Scalise
CEO
Michael Scalise oversees Gropen Exhibit's operations and business development. With extensive experience in architectural design and project management, he ensures the company maintains its commitment to quality while expanding its capabilities in new markets.
Robert Steele
Conceptual Designer
Robert Steele leads the conceptual design team, developing innovative solutions for complex architectural projects. His expertise in spatial design and environmental graphics contributes to the creation of unique, functional spaces that meet client objectives.
Casey Kilmartin
Design Director
Casey Kilmartin directs the design team's efforts, ensuring technical accuracy and creative excellence in all projects. With specialized knowledge in architectural graphics and wayfinding systems, she plays a key role in client collaboration and project execution.
Paul Frazier
Installation Manager
Paul Frazier oversees all installation operations, managing teams that implement projects in diverse environments. His expertise in complex installations ensures precise execution of design plans while maintaining safety standards and project timelines.
Questions
What types of projects does Gropen Exhibit specialize in?
Gropen Exhibit specializes in custom architectural signage, museum exhibits, wayfinding systems, and environmental graphics. We work on projects for cultural institutions, corporate offices, healthcare facilities, and public spaces.
Do you work with existing design teams or provide full design services?
We offer both options. Our design team can collaborate with your existing architects or provide complete design services including scaled shop drawings and material specifications.
What materials can you work with for fabrication projects?
Our fabrication team works with wood, metal, stone, glass, acrylic, and composite panels to create precision-engineered architectural elements and exhibits.
Are your installation services available nationwide?
While based in Charlottesville, VA, we provide installation services for projects across the United States, including museums, airports, and corporate campuses.
How does Gropen Exhibit ensure quality in fabrication and installation?
Our artisan craftsmen combine technical expertise with attention to detail, following strict quality control processes from material selection through final installation.
Can you handle complex, custom design projects?
Yes, we specialize in complex, one-of-a-kind projects requiring innovative solutions. Our team has extensive experience with challenging installations in unique environments.
