Adirondack Studios

06/10/2026

Robert Willard knows a little something about making the impossible possible. That's because he's been leading our FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) team in upstate New York since 2015.

Along the way, he's brought his skills and expertise in fiberglass, casting and mold-making, fabrication leadership, mathematics, graphic design, woodworking, machining and paintwork to such clients as Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Destinations & Experiences, Meow Wolf, Six Flags, Playland, Brookfield Properties, The Franklin Institute, San Francisco Opera, and several world-renowned visual artists.

Learn how Robert achieves feats of fiberglass that others think unachievable, as well as how he puts his critical thinking skills to work outside the studio. You'll also discover how Robert's dream project digs into his hometown roots and why, for him, creating a network of friends is more than just a game.

Robert Willard knows a little something about making the impossible...

06/09/2026

Signed, sealed, and hired!

ADKS HR Manager Maurice O'Connell and Metal Shop Manager Myles Roberts attended the WSWHE BOCES CTE Signing Day last week for our intern Andrew Lienwol from Schuylerville, NY.

Andrew started with us in December in an observational internship. By February, he had successfully completed that phase and converted to a working internship, contributing to projects on the shop floor. During this working internship phase, he displayed stellar attendance, a solid worth ethic, and an aptitude for fabrication, as well as a creative mindset and a strong drive to improve his abilities. All of these qualities helped drive the decision to offer Andrew a full-time position with us upon graduation, and we're excited for him to MAKE A SCENE® with us!

More than 60 high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) students and adult learners from WSWHE BOCES took a major step toward in their careers that day, signing letters of intent to begin employment with 49 regional businesses during the annual CTE Signing Day at the WSWHE BOCES Conference Center. Adirondack Studios has been a proud partner of this program and looks forward to signing more talented team members like Andrew in the future.

For more information on Signing Day, click here: https://www.wswheboces.org/apps/news/article/2205777

06/08/2026

Located in the UAE?
Looking for your next career move?
Then consider one of our open positions at Adirondack Studios Middle East!
We have immediate need for the following:

EMIRATI IT SPECIALIST
Reporting directly to our ADKS ME Office Manager, the IT Specialist will ensure the smooth operation, security and reliability of all information and communication technology systems within the organization, enabling efficient workflows and uninterrupted business operations. Responsibilities include installing, configuring and maintaining computer hardware, software and networks, monitoring system performance, providing technical support, ensuring data security and training staff in IT systems and best practices.

Full description: https://www.adkstudios.com/jobs/emirati-information-technology-specialist-dubai-uae/

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CERTIFIED WELDER
Reporting to the Welder Foreman, the Certified Welder will perform high-quality welding and fabrication work in accordance with engineering drawings, industry standards, and company safety procedures. The role involves assembling metal structures, repairing components, and contributing to efficient manufacturing processes while maintaining strict quality control. Responsibilities include reading, analyzing, and interpreting drawings and sketches to understand project requirements, preparing templates, assembling, building, and cladding raw materials, conducting site related work and practicing and promoting safety. Welding certification and proficiency in multiple welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick, FCAW) are required.
Full description: https://www.adkstudios.com/jobs/certified-welder-dubai-uae/

These roles are full-time positions in our Dubai, UAE office. Qualified candidates should submit their CV to [email protected]. Please include specifics as to your qualifications in line with the above description for full consideration. No calls or social media messages please.
To learn more about Adirondack Studios, visit www.adkstudios.com.

06/05/2026

Please join us in offering a fond farewell to Adirondack Studios’ VP of Creative Design, Seth Harkins, who will be leaving the company to pursue new opportunities in design leadership. Seth’s last day at ADKS will be June 26, 2026.

To say that we are grateful for Seth’s contributions is an understatement. In his 19 years at the company, his trajectory has taken him from Creative Designer to Creative Director to his current VP role, which he has held since 2020. Throughout this journey, Seth has contributed his leadership, design skills, and strategic thinking to some of ADKS’ most iconic projects.

As we begin the search for a new VP of Creative Design, current Portfolio Director Kelley Ritch will oversee the design group in an interim role of Executive Producer – Design. In addition, Kelley will oversee and support the hiring of new staff designers and staff extensions on a project-by-project basis. Prior to joining ADKS in 2022, Kelley worked for the Hettema Group (now THG Creative), so she is no stranger to managing design delivery. She also has an extensive list of producing and operations credits, including the National WWII Museum, “Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts” at Universal Orlando, “Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness” at Universal Beijing, and touring show sets for Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and Cirque du Soleil.

Under Kelley’s leadership, and with the continued excellent work of our design directors and talent, we are certain that our clients and partners will continue to receive the same concierge level of design service they have come to expect from ADKS.

“As Seth’s time with us draws to a close over the next month, I wish him the very best as he explores a wider world of design,” said Michael Blau, ADKS President / Principal. “He has been a valuable collaborator, colleague, and friend that I will miss working with, but I am comforted in the certainty that our paths will cross in the future.”

Seth, thank you for everything you’ve done for ADKS. We’re sure you’ll make a scene in the design world for many years to come.

06/03/2026

"What's the Best Piece of Advice You've Ever Received?"

In our newest video series, Ask Me a Question, we've compiled Q&As from our People Profiles and organized them around common themes - like favorite projects, dream destinations, even secret superpowers.

When asked the question, "what's the best piece of advice you've ever received?", the answers both surprised and moved us. They also reminded us why we do these human-focused series - to reflect on what unites us as a team regardless of region, title, experience or background.

That spirit of unity is why you won't see any office locations on the videos in this series. The message is what matters. And in this video, we're filling the universe with messages of love, art, perseverance and understanding.

Because the world needs more of those things, don't you think?



https://youtube.com/shorts/cE-Cp0hQDxE?feature=share

05/28/2026

We're hammering away at our latest new hire announcement! 🛠️

Please welcome Gianna Fasulo to the Adirondack Studios Carpentry Team!

Gianna joins us from Clark University, where she graduated magna cm laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She has contributed as a stagehand, technical director, set designer, master carpenter, stage manager, electrician, sound board op and production assistant for productions at Clark Musical Theater, Clark University Visual and Performing Arts, Hanover Theater & Conservatory, and Williamstown Theatre Festival.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Gianna is certified in Vectorworks and is skilled in sound board operations, lighting board programming, set construction, scenic painting, carpentry, fly systems, and Marley installation. She is a proud member of USITT.

Outside the shop, you can find her continuing in her theatrical pursuits or reading horror novels.

With her diverse skillset, storytelling capabilities, and collaborative mindset, we're thrilled that Gianna has decided to and a career move at our Argyle, New York headquarters.

05/27/2026

Last week brought not one but TWO fantastic events in Philadelphia.

First, ADKS Creative Director Jeff DuVilla and Dana Worthington of Dana Worthington Associates co-chaired Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Explores Philadelphia.

To kick off the festivities, 20 TEA members met Netflix House to enjoy dinner at Netflix Bites as well as to experience "One Piece: Quest for the Devil Fruit" and Top 9 Mini Golf.

The next day, 25 additional TEA members joined the group and were greeted with a warm welcome from the Ministry of Awe (MoA), including a meet and greet with the artists and designers who created the highly interactive experience. Since the experience was housed in the cellar of an old sugar refinery, it kept the group nice and cool on a blistering hot day.

The group continued on to President's House, an exhibit whose signage has found itself in the news quite a bit lately. Eisterhold Associates Inc., the original designers of the experience, spoke to the importance of the history at that site and shared about the process in bringing it to life.

After the President's house, the group feasted on had a classic Philadelphia lunch at Reading Terminal Market before continuing on to The Franklin Institute to enjoy some of their newer exhibitions, including Universal Parks: The Exhibition, with an introduction by our friends at MDSX, and Body Odyssey, design by MDSX and fabricated by ADKS. The exploration concluded with a mixer at Victory Brewing, where the group was joined by some of the MoA artists they had met later that day.

Jeff then handed over the ADKS reigns to Director of Global Marketing & Growth, Clara Rice, who attended the American Alliance of Museums Annual Conference & MuseumExpo. While at the tradeshow and conference, Clara met with hundreds of potential collaborators and clients; attended sessions on the Science of Memory, Frank Lloyd Wright, the History of Chocolate, Emerging Trends in Immersive Design, and Encounters with History; walked the expansive tradeshow floor (including a visit to a puppy booth!), enjoyed a keynote speech from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and attended events at Netflix House, The Franklin Institute, and even a turn-of-the-century cargo vessel!

While there are challenges facing the museum industry, there is also great optimism, innovation and a willingness to collaborate - both within the museum field and between museums and adjacent verticals like location-based entertainment, experiential technology and live performance. We look forward to being part of the solution to these challenges and contributing to the future of this dynamic - and essential - industry.

Women's Mixer Photo Credit - Traci Klainer
Slides from "The Science of Memories," featuring Matthew McNerney, Sarah Cole and Vidette (Tedi) Asher and "Emerging Trends in Immersive Design" featuring Cynthia Sharpe and Shawn McCoy

05/25/2026

Summer's here (at least in the Northern Hemisphere)!
..And that means regional theme parks are opening up their gates and showing off their latest rides and attractions.

But sometimes, you just can't beat a classic - like the Dragon Coaster at Playland Park in Westchester County, New York.

Originally built in 1929, the Dragon Coaster has been roaring down the track and attracting loyal fans for almost a century! But despite some refurbishments along the way, over the last few years, the dragon was beginning to show its age. So, as they did in 2004, Playland called Adirondack Studios to give their fire breather a facelift. The client’s goal was a visual match to the original, with improved materials, a refreshed color palette and functional, reliable special effects.

According to Project Director, Colin Buckhurst, a major challenge of the project was the need to match ADKS' structure to the coaster's original wood framing, while updating our design to be fully code compliant with all 2026 rules and regulations, all on a tight timeline. The team also had to produce a product that the local community would embrace, with the enthusiasm that they have always shown to this historic property.

Check out Neil Vigdor's New York Times interview with Adirondack Studios President Michael Blau to learn more about how our team collaborated with Playland to get this dragon all fired up again. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/nyregion/playland-dragon-coaster-reopening.html

Congratulations to Aaron Northrup, Abigail Hopkins, Adam Kruger, Adrian Magowan, Alan Walkup, Alexander Norton, Andrew Doonan, Andrew Leinwol, Andrew Sanders, Benjamin Batkay, Benjamin Hydock, Bill McDonald, Brandon Salls, Brian Bentley, Bruce Nancarrow, Christopher Kristant, Christian Colon, Christopher Hamburg, Colin Buckhurst, Curtis Condon, Damien Andersen, David Quackenbush, Dawn Thomas, Derek Weeks, Devin Fitzpatrick, Donna Orylck, Dylan Rogers, Eric Anderson, Ethan Liptak, Gordon Mlynarek, Houston Norman, Jada Clement, Jake Krasnove, Jaryn DeShane, Jeff DuVilla, Jeffrey Loveland, Jesse Newill, Jing Agunzo, John Getty, John Owens, Jonathan Bauman, Jordan Bardin, Jordan McLagan, Josh Baker, Joshua Cummins, Karen Koziol, Karolina Rojahn, Kelly Vincent, Kevin Benedict, Kurt Jilek, Liam Salls, Lucien Rockwell, Margaret Bollendorf, Marisol Merced, Marshall Stevens, Maryanne Toto, Matthew Cone, Matt Jackson, Matthew Newton, Matt Reardon, Matthew Winch, Michael Bollendorf, Michael Colon, Michele Molea, Myles Roberts, Paige Setchell, Pamela Fryer, Patrick Tynan, Peter Gray, Robert Bentley, Robert Rathbun, Robert Willard, Rocket Craig, Russell Poole, Ruth Durling, Ryan Hoffman, Sakshi Nemlekar, Scott McCabe, Shannon Browne, Stanicka Mathurin, Susan Northrup, Tony Condon, Valerie Tran, Vincent Belotti, Warren Cicotte, Wesley Craig, William Stoddard, and Zachary Lockwood.

05/20/2026

When is a store not just a place to buy, but the place to be? A place to feel, a place to escape, a place to not only connect with others but with most relaxed and peaceful version of yourself?

When SKIN1004 was developing its first US flagship store, the Korean skincare brand wanted to provide "the calm of nature in the heart of SoHo." They wanted their latest retail environment to evoke the "untouched nature of Madagascar," where the brand's high quality, plant-based skincare ingredients are sourced.

To ensure that the final store achieved this tranquil, nature-based aesthetic, SKIN1004's client representative, Omnia Consulting Group, engaged Gilbert Experience and Adirondack Studios to fabricate the interior millwork as an abstract interpretation of canyon walls rendered in over 110 stacked and striated layers. Our Argyle, NY team created over 3,000 custom CNC cut maple laminated pieces, mounted on intricate custom steel frames that cover the entire store. The result is a built environment that perfectly matches the LMTLS Architecture team's original rendered vision.

Now open to the public, SKIN1004 SoHo offers an immersive K-beauty experience featuring its signature Centella products, complimentary sampling, personalized skin consultations, and exclusive in-store promotions.

ADKS congratulates Su Ah Hong, Villetta Lu, Minnie Kim and the rest of the SKIN1004 team, Frank Mauric at Omnia Consulting, Marshal Gross and the Gilbert Experience team, Daeho Le, Jaeyual Lee and Beomki Lee at LMTLS, our friends at Tricarico Architecture and Design and Schimenti Construction, Lance Tyler, and everyone from ADKS who took part in the project, including: Adam Kruger, Adrian Magowan, Andy Keech, Andy Sanders, Benjamin Hydock, Ben Voss, Bill McDonald, Bill Stoddard, Caspin Jones, Courtney Harwood, Curtis Condon, Cydney Ruork, Damien Anderson, Dan Koudelka, Dick Jameson, Elyse Desmond, Matt Jackson, Matt Reardon, Ivy Sickler, Jake Krasnove, Jaryn Deshane, Jeff DuVilla, Jeffrey Loveland, Jordan Au Claire, Jordan McLagan, Josh Baker, Karen Koziol, Karl Chmielewski, Katelyne Harwood, Kelly Vincent, Kurt Jilek, Maggie Tagher, Marisol Merced, Matt Winch, Michele Molea, Mike Bollendorf, Mike Colon, Myles Roberts, Reed Ratynski, Rob Rathbun, Russell Poole, Ryan Breheny, Sean Donohue, Seth Harkins, Tony Condon, Wendy Bink, and Wesley Craig.

05/15/2026

We're definitely "sold" on this new hire!

ADKS is pleased to introduce Tanner Holcomb as the newest member of our Business Development team!

Tanner comes to ADKS with a broad experience base and a host of achievements. For six years, he served in the United States Air Force, where he was deployed to Germany as part of the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine and served in the Joint Logistics Directorate. During his post, he oversaw transportation of $6.8 billion in equipment transferred to Ukraine from hundreds of U.S.-owned facilities worldwide. While at the Pentagon, Tanner oversaw modernization and innovation projects designed for integration in USAF logistics and asset maintenance functions around the world, and dozens of the initiatives he led were scaled and sustained to global operations.

In his most recent civilian role, Tanner closed over $100,000 in event sponsorships in only three months, partnering with major brands including Raising Cane's, Whataburger, Astound Broadband and dozens more, and supporting youth sports camps hosted by such legends as Jared Goff, Saquon Barkley, Bo Nix and Mike Trout.

His core competencies include communication, relationship building, storytelling, operations and logistics, and collaboration. He is a Certified Scrum Master and Certified Theory of Constraints Facilitator, and he holds a Bachelor of Science in Management (Business) from the US Air Force Academy.

Though he'll be based in Orlando, Florida, Tanner looks forward to serving our clients across North America. Join us in giving him a warm welcome, and expect to see him repping ADKS at conferences, events and tradeshows in the near future.