Who we are. What we do.
Gecko Group is a small, dedicated team passionate about creating excellent visitor experiences through relevant storytelling and beautiful design.
What We Do.
This is the space to introduce the Features section. Use this space to highlight your unique aspects and to present specific credentials, benefits or special features you offer.
Exhibit Design
Our design team are experts on storytelling through design. We work to create beautiful, sturdy, and accessible exhibit experiences. Our designs transform exhibit storylines into dimensional, engaging elements, with bold, vibrant graphics. Whether it is an outdoor Zoo exhibit, a Nature Center with hands-on interactivity, or a History Museum showcasing one-of-a-kind artifacts, we create the best design for the project. Our collaborative process results in designs that reflect the spirit and character of the exhibit.
Exhibit Development
From initial concept to final completion, we develop exhibits that vividly bring stories to life. We engage with client content experts to outline the critical storylines for any exhibit. We work alongside the exhibit design team to develop written content, hands-on interactives, and digital experiences to communicate stories to diverse audiences. We don't just create factually-accurate elements. We develop layered interpretive elements that help connect visitors and content. The results are dynamic displays that educate and inspire people of all ages.
Environmental Design
We create engaging and immersive designs to enhance and spotlight any environment. We are adept at reflecting your brand and voice into the design of the space. Whether it is a newly renovated office space, an outdoor gathering space, or amenities for a cultural institution, we have a solution. We carefully plan the space to create the best visitor experience for your audience. The results are cohesive spaces that communicate identity, guide visitors, and enrich their experience.
Wayfinding Planning & Design
We are Wayfinding enthusiasts! We know how critical a thoughtful, comprehensive wayfinding system can be. And we know the impacts to the visitor experience when a system does not work. Our site assessment and development process is time tested. It ensures a wayfinding program that works for your institution as it is now, and as it will be in the future. We create stunning, flexible wayfinding systems for institutions of all sizes.
Donor Recognition Signage
The generosity of donors makes so many wonderful projects possible. We know that every organization wants to honor and celebrate that charity. Our donor recognition design process ensures we are finding the best way to recognize all levels of giving. We create refined, tiered donor recognition programs that reflect your brand, while creating meaningful and memorable signage to honor donors. We create solutions that are beautiful, classic, and flexible to adapt to the ever-changing world of fundraising.
Interpretive Master Planning
The most successful interpretive exhibits are built on strong planning foundations. We work with organizations to understand their stakeholders and what is most important to them. We work together to develop those interests into specific, targeted messaging. Our Interpretive Master Plans are forward-thinking, actionable, and inspirational. While we encourage pie-in-the-sky visioning, our Interpretive Master Plans are also practical. They incorporate ideas and approaches for executing the Plan in later phases of work. They lay the groundwork for the creation of remarkable experiences that combine mission, audience, and content.
Content Development & Writing
Stories are at the heart of most of our work. We collaborate to create compelling narratives that excite, inspire, and delight your audiences. We know that diverse audiences approach exhibits and learn in distinct ways. We craft clear, engaging, meaningful content that is accessible to a wide range of people and interests. We can translate complex stories and issues into accessible, digestible components. These elements will get audiences thinking and help make your stories relevant.
EXHIBIT DESIGN
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EXHIBIT DEVELOPMENT
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ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
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WAYFINDING PLANNING & DESIGN
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INTERPRETIVE MASTER PLANNING
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CONTENT DEVELOPMENT & WRITING
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What We Do.
Who We are.
Experience adds up. We are experts in creating compelling interpretive experiences, elegant wayfinding systems, impactful branding and marketing materials, and stunning environmental treatments.
GECKO BY THE NUMBERS
AMAZING ARTISTS, DESIGNERS,
WRITERS,
CREATIVE THINKERS
10
LONGEST CLIENT COLLABORATION
20+
AZA
AWARDED
EXHIBITS
7
OVER
100 CLIENTS SERVED
100
YEARS IN
BUSINESS
25
YEAR WBE CERTIFIED
2017
10
AMAZING ARTISTS, DESIGNERS, WRITERS, CREATIVE THINKERS
7
AZA AWARDED EXHIBITS
27
YEARS IN BUSINESS
20+
LONGEST CLIENT COLLABORATION
100
OVER 100 CLIENTS SERVED
2017
YEAR WBE CERTIFIED
Who We are.
Experience adds up. We are experts in creating compelling interpretive experiences, elegant wayfinding systems, impactful branding and marketing materials, and stunning environmental treatments.
Who We are.
Experience adds up. We are experts in creating compelling interpretive experiences, elegant wayfinding systems, impactful branding and marketing materials, and stunning environmental treatments.
GECKO BY THE NUMBERS
AMAZING ARTISTS, DESIGNERS,
WRITERS,
CREATIVE THINKERS
10
LONGEST CLIENT COLLABORATION
20+
AZA
AWARDED
EXHIBITS
7
OVER
100 CLIENTS SERVED
100
YEARS IN
BUSINESS
25
YEAR WBE CERTIFIED
2017
The Gecko Team
Ellie Byrom-Haley
President
Kathy Hughes
Creative Services Director
Jill Metzger
Creative Director
Bradford W. Bartley
Senior Exhibit Designer, Environmental Designer
Lauren Igo
Art Director & Illustrator
Tara Poag
Project Manager
Jessica Church
Graphic Designer
Jesse Flood
Senior Graphic Designer, Marketing Manager
Allie Francies
Content Developer & Writer, Interpretive Planner
Merry Stehling
Office Manager, Accounting
Meet Our Team
Respected, fun, maybe a little kooky, but always passionate.
Ellie Byrom-Haley
President
Oversees creative and interpretive development. Works with all team members to create innovative and unexpected results with a sense of humor and an artistic eye. Ellie likes to decompress from work by growing and baking delicious sourdough creations. She also spends many hours creating beautiful and moving mixed-media art pieces in her studio.
Kathy Hughes
Creative Services Director
Kathy manages clients, projects, and internal teams at Gecko Group to keep everyone productive. She gets things done & remains the Queen of budgets. When she’s not knee-deep in a spreadsheet or a zoom call, you can usually find her spending time with her grandkids, reading her favorite mystery, or dreaming of the beach.
Jill Metzger
Creative Director
Responsible for guiding all creative teams, including exhibit, environmental and interpretive design. Jill’s an amazingly talented designer and leader who inspires her team to make meaningful and beautiful projects. If she’s not online following current design trends or advocating for the use of Adobe Bridge, Jill can be found enjoying a glass of wine while pampering her rescue dogs or watching any classic 80s movie.
Bradford W. Bartley
Senior Exhibit Designer, Environmental Designer
Bringing the team’s vision to life. Brad is adept at creating and designing highly interactive museum experiences which are thought provoking, accessible, and universally engaging. He looks at projects from the visitor’s perspective, keeping them in mind during all phases of the project. When he’s not thinking outside the box, Brad can be found remodeling his home, cooking, or sitting down with his family around a puzzle or streaming a British mystery.
Lauren Igo
Art Director & Illustrator
Helps direct projects from concept to creation while ensuring a cohesive look throughout all graphics. Lauren is a skilled designer whose vision and eye for detail help our projects come to life. When she’s not consumed with design, you can find her in the city at her favorite art museum or getting lost in nature (literally or figuratively). She’s partial to tiki bars and her outfits typically match her dog.
Tara Poag
Project Manager
Tara keeps the visitor engaged and the client elated. When she’s not planning, leading, executing, and managing, you can find her creating and mark making in art class, reliving the 90s through movies and music, or spending time with friends and family, preferably beachside in OCNJ with a cocktail in hand.
Jessica Church
Graphic Designer
Jess helps bring exhibits to life through her thoughtful and vibrant designs for graphic panels, murals, interactives, and more. Jess lends her talents to wide array of projects, bringing a positive attitude with her. When not working her magic in Illustrator, Jess loves competitive board gaming with her family, singing along to her favorite tunes, and playing with her mischievous cat.
Jesse Flood
Senior Graphic Designer, Marketing Manager
Creates beautiful, well-planned graphics and website layouts. Gecko Group relies on Jesse’s artistic approach for many projects, and for marketing strategy, planning, and implementation. When not refining a website, touching up a graphic layout, or reviewing the marketing calendar, Jesse can be found building his impressive sci-fi library or enjoying time waterside with his kids.
Allie Francies
Content Developer & Writer, Interpretive Planner
Allie manages and develops the interpretive content from initial concepts through finished copy. Her organizational skills keep us on point. When she’s not checking the readability of copy, Allie undertakes endless house renovations while singing along to Broadway cast recordings and lavishes attention on her kiddos- both the fur kind and the human kind.
Merry Stehling
Office Manager, Accounting
Merry keeps our office up and running while maintaining our financial health. Merry’s attention to detail and management ability keeps the Gecko machine running smoothly! When she gets away from the office, Merry can be found teaching the practice of Yoga or enjoying the outdoors.
Meet Our Team
Respected, fun, maybe a little kooky, but always passionate.
Clients
“Working together with Gecko on the Elk project was a highlight of my career. You guys are fantastic. I just wish we could have had you on board during the planning phase."
Jean Devlin
Chief, Environmental Education and Interpretive Section,
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
“During my 20 year working relationship, Gecko Group has always done a great job presenting and communicating complex ideas as easy to understand concepts. Their creative approach has allowed us to meet budget without sacrificing quality or value. Our collaborative efforts have resulted in multiple awards including two AZA Exhibit of the Year Awards. As a Gecko Group advocate, I would recommend their team and expertise..."
Karl R. Kranz
Executive Vice President for Animal Programs/COO,
The Maryland Zoo In Baltimore
“Having worked with Gecko Group, there is no finer firm to work with. We retained Gecko Group knowing that the standards and goals that were set would be met and matched well."
Peter Siebert
Executive Director,
Independence Seaport Museum
"I knew Allie was a rockstar, and now I’m adding you to the list too, Kathy– and the whole team who helped to create this powerful and dynamic exhibition for our audiences. This was one of the first fully collaborative exhibitions that team has managed, and it could not have been done without you. Thank you for helping them to understand the process of creating an interpretive exhibition with excellent designs. Your work on this project will help the team more than you know. I hope we will work together in the future! Congratulations!!"
Kate Quinn, MFA
Executive Director
William Maul Measey Chair for the History of Medicine
Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library
“I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but I just wanted to reiterate how thrilled everyone here is with the exhibition. I was so impressed with how much you all were able to do with such a short timeline and, let's face it, a smaller budget than we all would have liked. You found creative solutions to difficult designs problems, you created clean, clear, persuasive written content, you turned around deliverables super quickly, and you all exhibited superhuman patience throughout this entire process. THANK YOU!! I really hope we'll have the opportunity to work together again soon.”
Michael Keys
Exhibition Manager
The Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia