Split Rock Studios

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a nonprofit nature center, and our mission is to create environmental stewards. We have a 1,300-acre park that has trails along the Trinity River, and it goes from city limits to city limits. People can walk in our park trails from Fort Worth to Meridian to Grand Prairie. A trail from Fort Worth to Dallas is to be completed in the next couple of years. 

I manage the program in our nature center, which is built with low environmental impact and a sustainable design. It’s an iconic building in Arlington. We also have enrichment programs for children between 3–5 years old and summer programs that are all based on the environment. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Split Rock Studios?

They did fabrication work for our project.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When we started working with Split Rock, we didn’t know what to do with our site, and we didn’t have any funds. Then, they provided us with a full content packet that changed and developed over the years. I came up with a general concept that eventually morphed into what we wanted. They listened, and we came up with things that we liked and things that we disliked. We spent plenty of time editing texts and photos because we wanted the designs to be native and local. 

As part of Split Rock’s services, they had computers housed within a riverbank. There were also trees that covered support poles. Their team also did all the signages and interpretative kits we needed. 

What is the team composition?

Isaiah (President) was our main point of contact and project manager, but he had a team of artists. Margaret (Design Manager) also worked for him. 

How did you come to work with Split Rock Studios?

I did an extensive internet search. I checked portfolios while looking for somebody that could handle a nature center and set up realistic-looking fabrications. I found Split Rock, and I asked for five references from them. I called every single one of their references, and the Split Rock team did good work for all of them. As a result, I hired the team.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $600,000 on their services. 

What is the status of this engagement?

This engagement lasted from June 2014–July 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Split Rock was a great project developer. They were organized, and we communicated a lot. The fact that they were far away from me made me a little nervous, but they were absolutely on top of the project. Moreover, we had final reviews, and their work was terrific — we received great feedback. 

Another great thing about their work was that all the screens and structures they did were on a strong wheel system. As a result, we could move them in and out of the room to have an open space or when we had traveling exhibits. We could also clear the space when we had celebrations like weddings. Overall, they did a great job. 

How did Split Rock Studios perform from a project management standpoint?

For project management, they used a piece of software called Workzone. Isaiah was able to send me updates through it even though he didn’t live here. I could look at it to see what had been updated. Moreover, every time they updated Workzone, I’d get an email and would have to approve the update before that part of the project closes. 

Above all, they were true artists. Their artistry was fabulous, and I was truly pleased with their work. Split Rock had truly talented people working with them. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Split Rock stayed on the timeline and remained organized. Isaiah was the best; I could’ve felt disconnected from him because he was so far away, but he absolutely stayed in touch and on top of the job. They knew what they were doing and how to move the project along. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any.