Who We Are

Academy Studiosʼ extraordinary team of professional designers, writers, graphic designers, painters, sculptors, woodworkers and model-makers are also avid hikers, backpackers, bike riders, surfers, Antarctic explorers, sailors, hot-rod painters, motorcyclists, artists, shoe designers, budding historians, knitters and home chefs. We are fortunate to have had our hobbies become our profession, enabling us to work hard while playing hard, bringing an authentic passion for life to our work. As we work with you on your project youʼll see how our unique talents create distinctive visitor experiences!

Dean Weldon, President and CEO

With over 30 years as a museum professional, Deanʼs vision is to provide distinctive, high quality, exhibition design and fabrication services. Before founding his own company Academy Studios, Dean served as the California Academy of Sciences Exhibits Chairman for six years. As a designer and sculptor, he takes an active role in project design and monitors the quality of all finished products. As a creative thinker, he looks for projects that keep him working on the edge of his abilities – constantly evolving to develop dynamic solutions that cut across discipline, geography and visitor experience. Collaborating with artists, designers, curators, educators, architects and other professionals in the field, his ability to lead and participate in diverse teams has lead to the development of an impressive body of work that embodies the paradigm shifts in the field regarding the way institutions think about and approach their visitor experiences.

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