2. Our Services:
design:
With a strong background in Theatrical Design, Kinc has made its mark delivering
Design unexpected and engaging exhibits that draw the viewer into imaginative worlds. Our
aesthetic is based on a keen understanding of the techniques necessary to create an
immersive experience, building layers of design to create unforgettable, inspiring
images and objects that tell the story of the subject.
fabrication:
Kinc’s in-house fabrication shop eliminates the middleman, delivering stream-
Fabrication lined communication and ensuring integrity of design. Hands-on supervision of
the build process means that issues are addressed before they become
problems, allowing the design to remain central to the process.
paintwork:
From faux-finishing, texturing, and trompe l'oeil to large scale murals and copies of old
masters, Kinc’s artists have the skills to turn familiar rooms into exciting new worlds.
Paintwork Blank walls and floors are transformed, and ceilings become environments.
Deliver text and direct traffic with designs themed to your exhibit, ensuring that
patrons remain engrossed while easily finding the information they seek.
scenery :
Immersive exhibits that place objects and ideas in environmental contexts require
Scenery convincing, detailed scenic elements. Kinc’s team works closely with museum staff to
design historically and thematically accurate pieces to surround and support existing
collections, or to create large scale interactive environments.
objects:
Enhance an exhibit with interactive pieces, sculptures, light
sources, furniture and more, designed to exemplify the theme and
Objects continue the story. Kinc’s skilled designers can create cutaways
and models, represent objects the museum does not own or
cannot display, and can deliver detailed, complimentary pieces to
place exhibit items in context.
mobiles:
Suspended objects instantly transform rooms, arrest the eye, and
delight the viewer. Utilize overhead space with decorative and
Mobiles informative mobiles for permanent or temporary exhibits, or to make
an impact and send a message in your lobby, rest area, or food court.
environments:
Kinc has the design tools to deliver environmental elements that intelligently and
Environments imaginatively link exhibit pieces, keeping the visitor fully grounded in the experience.
By utilizing our skills in scenic elements, lighting, paintwork, and more, Kinc can assist
you in bringing patrons out of the everyday into the extraordinary.
KINC
3927 N Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
312-265-6118
www. kincinc.com
info@kincinc.com
3. Who We Are:
Katherine katherine:
With over 30 years design, fabrication, and project management experience ranging from film
Ross and theater to private events, retail, museum, and interior design, Katherine brings an eye for the
unexpected and a broad experience base to every project. Katherine prides herself on unique and
enthralling design solutions that are as creative as they are effective.
MFA Theatrical Design, Northwestern University 1987
BFA Fine Art, The University of Iowa 1980
American Association of Museums - Industry Partner
National Association for Museum Exhibition - Member
United Scenic Artists, Local 829 - Chair, Health and Safety
Committee (1996– present )
compa ny f ocu s:
In addition to contributing to management of all day to day company operations at Kinc including
client relations and direction of all designs, Katherine is responsible for co-development of all
designs and decisions regarding project timelines, approach, execution, shipping, delivery and
installation. Katherine specializes in scenic and environments design, trompe l'oeil, faux finishing
and carving.
karen:
Karen With over 30 years design experience, project management, and technical problem solving for
Zissis theatre, television, retail, museum, and industrial projects, Karen brings a meticulous eye for
detail to her work, allowing her to deliver uncommon pieces that satisfy mechanical issues and
adhere to historical or technical requirements without sacrificing aesthetics.
MFA Theatrical Design, Northwestern University 1988
BA Theatre and Art, Smith College 1980
American Association of Museums - Industry Partner
Member United Scenic Artists, Local 829
compa ny f ocu s:
In addition to overseeing day to day company operations at Kinc including materials sourcing and
supervising Kinc's turn-key fabrication shop, Karen is responsible for co-development of all de-
signs, project research, and budgeting, and directs all paint projects. Karen specializes in paint
techniques, sculptural elements, and one-off, product and prototype design.
Kinc’s awards include:
ADEX Platinum Award 2007 - Light Sculpture
ADEX Platinum Award 2007 - International Visual Merchandise
VMSD Award of Merit 2007 - InStore Seasonal Promotion
VMSD 1st Place Award 2006 - Home Goods Window Display
VMSD Award of Merit 2006 - InStore Storewide Promotion
VMSD Award Of Merit 2005 - InStore Accessories
RACie Gold Award 2004 - The View From State Street
VMSD 1st Place 2004 - Holiday Window Display
VMSD Award of Merit 2004 - Holiday Window Display
VMSD Award of Merit 2003 - InStore Accessories KINC
The Leroy Hirsch Memorial Award for Excellence in Building Design 3927 N Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
312-265-6118
www. kincinc.com
info@kincinc.com
4. Featured Project:
Assignment:
Rescue, exhibit overview:
“Assignment: Rescue” recounts the mission of Varian Fry, WW2-era editor at the
The Story of Foreign Policy Association in New York, who was responsible for rescuing 2,500
Jews and opponents of the Nazis, including such notable figures as Marc Chagall,
Varian Fr y André Masson, André Bréton, Hannah Arendt, Max Ernst, and Jacques Lipchitz.
The dramatic installation incorporated highly realized environments including full-
scale period train cars, a submarine, staterooms, and a public square.
For the temporary exhibit at Chicago’s Field Museum, Kinc was chartered with
delivering the scenic paintwork, including faux-finishing, wallpapering, and
textures, with a focus on detail work and adherence to historical accuracy.
KINC
3927 N Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
312-265-6118
www. kincinc.com
info@kincinc.com
5. Featured Project:
installation overview:
Provence For their 2000 flower show “Provence In Bloom,” Marshall Field's chartered Kinc
In Bloom to create a fully realized French countryside environment in their flagship store.
Kinc delivered a total interior facelift, cladding walls, doorways, railings, support
columns, and even the atrium fountain in faux stonework facades. Planters were
transformed into aged moss-covered pots, oversized rustic arbors were made for
the store aisles, Monet-inspired murals were placed in the balconies, and hanging
street lanterns were custom designed and fabricated to grace the columns.
Finally, coordinating stone portals and backdrops were produced for the thirteen
display windows. All of these pieces were designed, fabricated, and finished in a
short two-month time span, and seamlessly installed in two nights.
KINC
3927 N Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
312-265-6118
www. kincinc.com
info@kincinc.com
6. Featured Project:
150 Years installation overview:
When Chicago landmark Marshall Field's celebrated 150 years, they turned to Kinc
Of Field’s for a memorable interactive exhibit narrating and exemplifying their legacy.
Kinc designers were given full access to Field's archives, and worked closely with
the store's creative team to identify and detail keystone aspects of the company's
story. Kinc's final design utilized two of the store's main display windows,
removing the glass and inviting patrons to literally step into Chicago’s past.
Transitioning from the 1800’s to the present, the windows featured key elements
of the store’s narrative, including a collaged backdrop illustrating the changes in
the store’s central atrium, and beloved 50's era "Charlie The Doorman," employed
in holding open a portal for visitors to pass back and forth through Field’s history.
KINC
3927 N Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
312-265-6118
www. kincinc.com
info@kincinc.com
7. Featured Project:
installation overview:
Gadina Macy's 2007 Flower Show celebrated the African continent’s art and culture with a
Africana storewide installation of themed murals and scenic elements, and Kinc was called
on to create a wide array of accurate artwork in authentic African styles.
In addition to delivering carefully researched hand-carved tribal masks, murals,
and structures incorporating traditional Ndebele paintwork, Kinc re-designed and
delivered a stunning mobile for the State Street store’s 13-storey central atrium.
Based on Masai weaponry, the mobile incorporated shields configured to evoke
the Gadina blossom, hand-beaded ceremonial staves, and a highly detailed flower-
themed "lid" to create visual interest for patrons on the upper levels of the store.
KINC
3927 N Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
312-265-6118
www. kincinc.com
info@kincinc.com
8. Company Overview
Working from a strong Theatrical and Fine Arts background, Kinc designs and
fabricates sculptures, scenic elements, furniture, and props. Our paintwork
includes murals, faux finishes, art reproduction, and trompe l'oeil.
Our client base includes theater and film, museums, product launches, corporate
events, and commercial and residential spaces.
Kinc's broad industry experience and deep knowledge of art forms allows us to
approach design projects from every angle, ensuring that no option is overlooked
in bringing your vision to reality.
As a smaller, boutique agency, we’re capable of fully immersing ourselves in each
project we take on. You’ll never get a cookie-cutter solution, and we’re highly
responsive to developments and changes as the process moves forward.
With an in-house fabrication studio, we retain creative control over every step of
the build, keeping the focus on the design, and ultimately, the client’s vision.
Combining exceptional hands-on service with a deep understanding of the
particular needs of each industry we serve, Kinc merges creativity with practicality,
delivering award-winning, on-budget solutions that dazzle the eye, engage the
mind, and lift the spirit.
Our Methodology
We truly enjoy our work, and approach each
project as a learning opportunity.
We partner closely with your staff, educating
ourselves fully about pertinent research, overall
project history, and exhibit goals.
We strive to identify core aspects of every
project, expanding and exemplifying the ideas
that make each exhibit distinct, and distilling
them into noteworthy visual elements that
seamlessly support your story.
Kinc believes that the best exhibit designs are
the ones that engage as much as they instruct.
Whether your goal is to delight, impact, arrest, or involve, Kinc’s artists have the
craft, creativity, and commitment to deliver an unforgettable experience.
KINC
3927 N Central Park Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
312-265-6118
www. kincinc.com
info@kincinc.com
