Adirondack Studios, a company that provides creative solutions for designers, artists, producers, and owners across the themed entertainment industry, is marking a decade of its operations in the Middle East this year. The firm has reflected on the success of its Middle East entity and the upcoming opportunities in the region.
For almost 50 years, clients have looked to Adirondack Studios (ADKS) for industry-leading expertise in creating unforgettable destinations. With fabrication facilities in upstate New York and Orlando, as well as a design and project management office in Pasadena, California, ADKS already had not only a stellar reputation for creativity and innovation but the boots on the ground to provide highly localized solutions across North America.
But as client demand grew, the company knew it needed to expand to the Middle East, not only to leverage the rapidly growing market there but also to create a gateway for further growth beyond the region.
In 2014, Adirondack Studios opened its Dubai office, production facility and entity, Adirondack Studios Middle East (ADKS ME).
World-class attractions
The studio’s first major foray into the region was Dubai Parks & Resorts’ Motiongate Dubai theme park. ADKS ME provided concept design, design development, scenic fabrication, AV and lighting and area development for the park’s How to Train Your Dragon and Shrek zones, which continue to delight fans of these iconic IPs.
Since Motiongate, ADKS ME has contributed its high level of artistry, expertise and client care to other iconic attractions within the Middle East, including award-winning theme parks Seaworld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi; FECs The Quest at Doha Oasis and Cocomelon; Qeitifan, Meryal, Yas Island and Qiddiya water parks; the Museum of Happiness; exhibits for the USA and Saudi Arabia Pavilions for Expo 2020; and a variety of sculptures and public art for the luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel.
Beyond the Middle East, ADKS ME has contributed to some of the world’s most iconic theme parks, resorts and cruise lines, with clients and projects stretching across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.
Crafted experiences
The expansion of ADKS ME’s capabilities over the past decade is due in large part to its team of skilled artisans and craftspeople.
Services of the 2,600-square-meter facility range from early concept design through to technical design, construction documentation, fabrication and installation, including the in-house speciality skill sets of fibreglass, CNC, metal, carpentry, painting and sculpting.
Its 65 team members represent a diverse cross-section of the world, including over a dozen different countries on five continents.
Key hiring criteria for aspiring ADKS ME team members are a desire to innovate, a passion for creating beautiful work and a willingness to mentor others. ADKS recruits experts to train new employees, who in turn grow in confidence and ability to become experts themselves.
Recently, the lead scenic artist of a major ADKS ME water park project held fine arts and scenic paint technique workshops for members of the installation, paint and fabrication teams on their days off. Two of the workshop participants are now leading the de-snagging and completion of the works on that same project. Such knowledge-sharing efforts serve to future-proof the studio and ensure a consistent flow of creative talent.
Specialist, practical solutions
ADKS encourages its craftspeople to seek out new opportunities to grow and test their skills. While the desert environment of the Middle East can pose its challenges, the reality is that every location serviced by ADKS has its own set of weather considerations and requirements, including following regional building codes that address wind, temperature, water and seismic.
Regardless of location, rides, attractions and scenic elements that are exposed to the elements require specialised knowledge and experience in design, fabrication and materials selection, as well as the willingness to seek out information from clients, specialized vendors, local authorities and research and development.
The practical solutions derived from this process often create a better destination for guests, a more durable end product for clients and a new set of tools and techniques for the ADKS team’s creative toolbox.
All three of ADKS’ production facilities seek to minimize their impact on the global environment. The company’s design and fabrication teams are constantly investigating more sustainable methodologies, and each facility seeks to limit its use of harsh chemical compounds.
Having facilities around the world reduces the distance to site for products and crew, thereby reducing each project’s carbon footprint. As much as ADKS seeks to make its mark on the global attractions industry, it takes careful consideration to limit its physical mark on the world itself.
Opportunities for growth
As ADKS and ADKS ME look to expand into new countries, regions and verticals, Grietje Caels, head of project delivery Middle East, sees nothing but opportunity.
“The projects on the horizon in emerging Middle East countries are extremely exciting,” says Caels. “The region wants to compete with others in developing world-class destinations, and ADKS ME can help these clients achieve success by telling captivating stories through engaging immersive environments. In doing so, we also create a richer, more meaningful experience both for visitors local to the region and for tourists from around the world.”
“We are at an exciting milestone within the development of ADKS ME,” adds Con Strydom, ADKS ME operations director. “With now being an established business and regionally recognized brand within our right, future growth is on the cards to better serve our regional and international clients.”
For ADKS president Michael Blau, forging a collaborative partnership with its client base in the Middle East and beyond is essential not only to ADKS’ bottom line but also to its underlying business philosophy.
Blau comments: “ADKS’ mission is to serve interesting projects by progressive clients in the best way possible. This means being available, convenient, expert and innovative at all times. When required, ADKS will be where we are needed.”
Those interested in visiting the Adirondack Studios Dubai facility during the upcoming DEAL Conference are encouraged to reach out to Nada Radwan, business development Middle East, at nradwan@adkstudios.com.
Last year, Adirondack Studios announced the appointment of Clara Rice as global marketing director. Rice joins ADKS as the company’s inaugural global marketing director during a period of growth into new geographical areas and market verticals.
