How we work
From first brief to final strike, one team owns it all
Here's exactly what happens after you reach out, from the first conversation through design, fabrication, delivery and on-site installation.
One team
Designers, builders and installers who talk to each other every day, in the same building.
One timeline
A clear schedule from approval to load-in, built around your event date.
One point of contact
A single project lead who keeps you updated from sketch to strike.
The client journey
Six steps to a finished room
We listen first
A call or meeting to understand your event, audience, venue and goals.
- Event date, venue and room layout
- Theme, brand guidelines and inspiration
- Budget range and must-haves
We design it
Concept sketches and renderings show you what we propose, with options where it helps.
- Sketches, renderings and mockups
- Material and finish recommendations
- Revisions until it's right
We engineer the details
Once you approve the design, we finalize build drawings, the quote and the production schedule.
- Final drawings and dimensions
- Venue rules and load-in access
- Confirmed production timeline
We build it in-house
Our shop cuts, builds, paints and finishes every piece, with precision parts from Capitol CNC.
- Carpentry, CNC and foam work
- Scenic painting and finishing
- Quality checks before anything ships
We deliver and install
Our crew loads in, assembles and dresses every element on site, working with your venue and production team.
- Scheduled delivery to your venue
- On-site assembly and finishing
- Walk-through before doors open
We see it through
We stay available through your event, then strike, pack and remove everything when it's over.
- Show-day support as needed
- Careful strike and load-out
- Pieces stored, reused or returned
Design to reality
What you approve is what you get
A 1950s diner record wall: the design rendering we presented, and the finished piece our shop delivered.
Planning ahead
Help us help you
What to send with your request
The more we know up front, the faster and more accurate your quote will be.
- Event date and venue
- Room or stage dimensions
- Logos and brand guidelines
- Inspiration photos or sketches
- Install and strike times
- Approximate budget
Custom work needs lead time
Custom fabrication takes extra lead time for design, approvals and building. Reach out as soon as your date and venue are set. If time is short, ask about ready-made pieces from our rental inventory.
FAQ
Questions we often hear
Do I need my own design, or can you create one?
Either works. Many clients come to us with only a theme or a few inspiration images, and our team develops the concept and renderings. If you already have artwork or a design from your agency, we'll build from that.
Can you match our brand colors and logos?
Yes. Send us your brand guidelines and logo files and we'll match colors and proportions in paint, print, acrylic and dimensional letters.
Do you deliver and install, or do we pick up?
Our crew delivers, installs and strikes the scenery we build. We coordinate directly with your venue and production team on load-in and load-out times.
What areas do you serve?
We're based in Gaithersburg, Maryland and work throughout Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. Through Uniquely DC, we also support events across the East Coast. Ask us about your location.
How far in advance should we contact you?
As early as possible. Custom fabrication needs extra lead time for design, approvals and building, so reach out once your date and venue are confirmed. For tight timelines, our rental inventory offers ready-made options.
Can we rent pieces instead of building new ones?
Yes. Many of our backdrops, entrances, monuments, lecterns and props are available to rent through Uniquely DC. We can also mix rentals with custom pieces to fit your budget.