Biography Of S2 Associates
Founded in 1996, Napa, California-based S2 Associates Inc. began as an environmental design firm with a focus on exhibition design The firm specializes in museum exhibit design, content development, conceptual and final design, production management, and fundraising renderings. In 1999, Daniel Wodarcyk joined as a partner, bringing deep expertise in museum exhibition planning and design, which further expanded S2’s capabilities in the cultural and institutional space.
S2’s work focuses on interactive learning experiences with a key interest in culture, technology, and science. S2’s team collaborates with each of its clients to combine design and development
resources with the client’s content expertise, producing unique and memorable visitor experiences.
A Collaborative Approach Is What Sets S2 Apart
Beginning with S2 Associates’ first large-scale project, The Tech Museum of Innovation, and later with the Liberty Science Center and Nevada Discovery Museum, S2 honed its collaborative approach, distinguishing it from many other design firms. S2 enjoys a close working relationship with exhibit producers and professionals across the country and overseas
Each project begins with a workshop, often hosted at S2’s studio along the Napa River in Napa, California The workshop typically includes key stakeholders and a variety of exhibit implementation specialists who can help realize the creative end product. S2 Associates maintains ongoing, regular communication with the project team and stakeholders, which is a standout benefit of working with S2.
All S2 projects are closely managed to ensure an installation that is completed on budget and on schedule. Regardless of the client, each exhibit showcases the interactive and engaging spirit that distinguishes our work
S2’s In-house Capabilities
S2’s house capabilities include exhibit master planning, stakeholder workshops, consensus building, educational goal development, exhibit content research, exhibit content development, exhibit concept design, exhibit design development, exhibit final design and construction documents, exhibit graphic design, exhibit production contracting and project management, exhibit installation management, Vectorworks CAD development, AutoCad and Revit CAD development, Rhino and Unreal Engine computer modelling/rendering, full Adobe Suite for graphic design, Smartsheet project management software, Procore Architect/GC coordination software, full text development and writing, exhibit prototyping, 3D printing, and mock up and model building
S2’s Projects
S2 Associates Inc ’s projects include local, national, and international exhibits for museums and corporations. Its science-related projects include the following:
The Tech Museum
Wodarcyk and S2 Associates led the design and content development of the Innovation Gallery at The Tech Museum in San Jose, California, an institution dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technological advancements. The 8,000-square-foot entry experience, designed by S2, introduced visitors to five core areas of innovation that shaped the spirit and evolution of Silicon Valley: invention, microprocessing, robotics, lasers, and computers/software.
Nevada Discovery Museum
One of the first of its kind in Northern Nevada, S2 was instrumental in helping to bring the Nevada Discovery Museum to life, which caters to a core audience of children aged eight to 12 It also has a gallery that’s geared toward toddlers The museum’s subject matter encompasses Northern Nevada History, the Truckee River, Art and Invention, and Sustainable Building, in addition to Northern Nevada's Natural History Nearly every exhibit that S2 collaborated on offers a hands-on experience, whether it be full-body immersive, electromechanical, or media-based.
Skyscraper!
S2 Associates took over the Skyscraper! At the Liberty Science project in Jersey City, New Jersey, during the design development phase At 12,800 square feet, including a 1,500-square-foot mezzanine gallery, Skyscraper! is the largest permanent exhibition at Liberty Science Center Visitors explore the science, technology, planning, and construction behind skyscrapers through a variety of presentation formats
Building Pleasanton
S2 has also worked on several exhibits related to history, including those at the Museum on Main in Pleasanton, California The exhibit, “Building Pleasanton,” outlines the progression of the East Bay town from its Ohlone history to early settlement, missions, Phoebe Hearst's presence, and Pre- and Post-War Pleasanton. Using artifacts, images, and media, the exhibit's structure is based on the use of building materials from each era as the backdrop
Other Projects
Other notable projects include a permanent exhibit, “Gold, Greed and Speculation” at the Sacramento History Museum, which focuses on the founding years of Sacramento, beginning with the Gold Rush. S2 created the “Your Story” exhibit at the Hayward Area Historical Society using oversized, open books and folded pages to interpret the stories of citizens from the Hayward area. Hayward was a transportation hub and a gateway to San Francisco and Silicon Valley
S2 also created an intimate exhibit for V. Sattui Winery, using two stone caves as a dramatic setting to explore the winery’s remarkable past Established in San Francisco in the late 1800s, V Sattui is among Napa Valley’s oldest wineries The exhibit traces its journey from early success, through Prohibition-era closure, to its revival in the 1970s, brought to life through vivid visuals and carefully curated historic artifacts that immerse guests in its story
Children Exhibits
S2 Associates, Inc has designed several engaging exhibits focused on children, including projects at the Clayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey, the Hayward Area Historical Society, and the Bay Area Discovery Museum Each exhibit is crafted to spark curiosity, encourage hands-on learning, and create memorable experiences for young visitors.
