Best Exhibition & Environmental Design Consulting Services in Canada

Canada Exhibition & Environmental Design Consultants

Exhibition and environmental design is about much more than simply arranging objects or producing engaging graphics. In Canada, this sector has become a vital bridge between storytelling, spatial design, and human experience. From science centres and heritage institutions to corporate showrooms and public installations, Canadian consultancies are redefining how spaces communicate meaning.

What makes the Canadian scene distinct is its blend of cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and technological fluency. Firms here bring together architects, industrial designers, and content strategists to deliver environments that inspire, educate, and move audiences. Whether curating interpretive exhibits, crafting brand-driven show floors, or designing immersive learning spaces, these consultancies are delivering real impact through thoughtful design.

This article features a curated selection of trusted Canadian providers — each backed by research, proven client results, and local expertise.

🔦 Methodology: How We Chose These Canada-based Exhibition & Environmental Design Consulting Services

To ensure this list reflects authentic, proven leaders, we applied a transparent methodology:

✨ Research-driven: Only firms with publicly verifiable results, published case studies, or repeatable frameworks were included.

💬 Client-reviewed: Selection favoured consultancies with documented testimonials, partnerships, or ROI evidence from real clients.

📍 Location-based: Each provider is rooted in Canada, with leadership and operations connected to Canadian contexts.

This isn’t a ranking — it’s a curated reference list designed to spotlight trusted Canadian expertise.

🌟 Canada Exhibition & Environmental Design Consultants - Provider Spotlights

Blue Rhino Design

‍What they do
Blue Rhino Design specializes in interpretive planning, exhibition design, and museum experiences. They blend visual storytelling with innovative fabrication to create spaces that invite learning and engagement.

Who they work with
They collaborate with cultural institutions, heritage centres, and public museums.

Operating model
Their approach is collaborative, integrating curators, educators, and community voices into the design process.

💡 Why they stand out:

🦏 Expertise in heritage-focused interpretation that balances accuracy with visitor engagement.

🖼️ Proven track record designing permanent and traveling exhibits for Canadian museums.

🌱 Strong emphasis on community co-creation and long-term sustainability in design.

Steve Karpik, Co- Founder of Blue Rhino Design

Steve Karpik brings decades of experience in interpretive design, leading projects for some of Canada’s most recognized cultural institutions. His background spans industrial design and exhibition strategy, making him skilled at transforming complex content into accessible experiences. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Steve works closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment between storytelling and spatial design. Under his leadership, Blue Rhino has delivered award-winning exhibitions that have shaped visitor learning across Canada.

Aylin Doyle, Co- Founder of Blue Rhino Design

She initiated her work in exhibit design during her university years — including contributing to Turkey’s first Science Centre project. She later moved to Canada and held senior roles at the Ontario Science Centre, before co-founding Blue Rhino in 2013. Aylin’s work spans museums, science centres, heritage spaces, children’s museums, and international travelling exhibitions.

Toboggan Design

‍What they do
Toboggan Design is an award-winning practice that focuses on playful, immersive exhibitions. They integrate architecture, industrial design, and storytelling to craft highly engaging spaces.

Who they work with
They collaborate with children’s museums, science centres, and public installations.

Operating model
They emphasize user experience, designing exhibits that encourage exploration through touch, play, and discovery.

💡 Why they stand out:

🛷 Distinctive design philosophy centred around play and discovery.

🏅 Recognized internationally for their innovative museum environments.

👩‍👩‍👦 Strong ability to design multigenerational experiences.

Kurt Hibchen, Owner & Industrial Designer at Toboggan Design

Kurt Hibchen brings expertise in architecture and industrial design, leading projects that blur the boundaries between learning and play. His leadership emphasizes hands-on creativity, ensuring every design element contributes to visitor delight. Kurt has overseen major projects in Canada and abroad, earning accolades for his ability to balance design innovation with practical fabrication. He is widely recognized for pushing the boundaries of exhibition environments.

Exhibit Studio

‍What they do
Exhibit Studio provides custom trade show displays, museum exhibits, and branded environments, combining design with advanced fabrication.

Who they work with
They partner with corporations, cultural centres, and public event organizations.

Operating model
Their team delivers end-to-end services, from concept through fabrication and installation.

💡 Why they stand out:

🛠️ Strong in-house fabrication and production capabilities.

💻 Innovative use of technology such as VR and AR in exhibit environments.

🔁 Ability to deliver rapid solutions for both temporary and permanent installations.

Tracey Moore, Owner of Exhibit Studio

Tracey Moore is a seasoned leader with a background in production management and client services. She is known for her hands-on leadership, ensuring projects balance creative ambition with operational precision. Tracey has guided Exhibit Studio’s growth into a nationally recognized provider, particularly noted for their ability to integrate digital storytelling into physical environments.

Forge Media

‍What they do
Forge Media designs interpretive exhibits and interactive experiences, with a focus on digital storytelling and cultural heritage.

Who they work with
They collaborate with museums, tourism operators, and community organizations.

Operating model
Their approach integrates design, content, and technology to produce immersive visitor experiences.

💡 Why they stand out:

🔥 Strong portfolio in Canadian heritage and cultural projects.

🖥️ Expertise in multimedia integration and interactive design.

🤝 Commitment to co-creating with local communities.

Stüssy Tschudin, Founding Principal & Creative Director of Forge Media

Stüssy Tschudin is a design leader with extensive experience in graphic and exhibition design. As an RGD- and RCA-certified professional, he is respected for his ability to merge aesthetics with functionality. His projects often explore the intersection of digital and physical storytelling, positioning Forge Media as a leader in immersive design. He is widely recognized for advancing interpretive design in Canada’s heritage sector.

Fathom Studio

‍What they do
Fathom Studio is a multidisciplinary design firm offering landscape architecture, planning, and exhibition design.

Who they work with
They work with municipalities, cultural institutions, and tourism organizations.

Operating model
They deliver integrated design services that connect landscapes, buildings, and exhibits into holistic experiences.

💡 Why they stand out:

🌊 Expertise in blending outdoor and indoor interpretive environments.

🏞️ Strong environmental and ecological design focus.

🧭 Ability to design for both urban and rural community contexts.

Rob LeBlanc, Founder & President of Fathom Studio

Rob LeBlanc is an award-winning landscape architect and designer known for integrating environmental sustainability into design practice. He has led complex projects that span from city masterplans to immersive exhibitions. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration and ecological responsibility, positioning Fathom Studio as a pioneer in sustainable environmental design in Canada.

Kei Space Design Ltd

‍What they do
Kei Space Design specializes in architectural and exhibition design, creating environments that highlight cultural narratives and brand storytelling.

Who they work with
They partner with corporate clients, cultural institutions, and government agencies.

Operating model
They provide concept-to-completion services, unifying architecture with interpretive planning.

💡 Why they stand out:

🏗️ Expertise in large-scale architectural integration with exhibitions.

🎭 Strong design sensibility bridging cultural and commercial needs.

🔍 Meticulous attention to spatial storytelling and visitor flow.

Juan Tanus, Founder & Principal of Kei Space Design Ltd

Juan Tanus is a designer and architect recognized for his ability to synthesize architecture with exhibition design. He has delivered projects that span from cultural landmarks to corporate spaces, always prioritizing the visitor journey. Juan’s leadership is characterized by precision and a balance between functionality and creativity. His portfolio includes landmark projects that highlight Canada’s cultural and commercial achievements.

R&P Design

‍What they do
R&P Design provides museum exhibit design, interpretive planning, and immersive media.

Who they work with
They collaborate with heritage sites, science centres, and educational organizations.

Operating model
Their team combines research-driven content planning with innovative design execution.

💡 Why they stand out:

📚 Strong focus on interpretive storytelling.

🛠️ Integrated design and fabrication capacity.

🧑‍🏫 Proven expertise in educational exhibition environments.

Stephen Petri, Principal of R&P Design

Stephen Petri is an experienced designer and strategist specializing in interpretive content planning. His leadership emphasizes clarity, research, and audience engagement, ensuring every project is both informative and inspiring. Stephen is respected for building collaborative relationships with cultural institutions across Canada, delivering exhibitions that leave lasting impact.

DMD

‍What they do
DMD (Doug Munday Design) offers specialized exhibit and environmental design services, focusing on user-centric storytelling and creative fabrication.

Who they work with
They work with museums, galleries, and branded environments.

Operating model
They emphasize tailored, small-studio collaboration, ensuring close alignment with client vision.

💡 Why they stand out:

🖌️ Personalized design process tailored to each project.

🎨 Expertise in interpretive and branded storytelling.

🤝 Strong reputation for client-focused collaboration.

Doug Munday, Founder of DMD

Doug Munday is a respected exhibition designer known for his hands-on creative approach. With a career spanning decades, he has built a reputation for precision and innovation in environmental design. Doug is particularly known for his ability to integrate narrative into spatial design, delivering exhibitions that are both visually compelling and intellectually engaging.

‍Designing Immersive Spaces That Shape Canada’s Cultural Landscape

Exhibition and environmental design consulting in Canada plays a vital role in shaping how people engage with history, science, and culture. These services bring together interpretive planning, architecture, storytelling, and digital media to create exhibitions that are both educational and inspiring. With strong ties to museums, cultural institutions, and public spaces, design consultants ensure visitor experiences remain accessible and meaningful. Their approaches often emphasize collaboration, community voices, and sustainability, resulting in environments that connect audiences across generations. This growing relevance highlights how exhibition design strengthens cultural identity and fosters lasting engagement across Canadian communities.

At Digital Reference, radical authenticity is not just a principle but a disciplined approach that ensures creative work reflects both truth and resonance. It highlights the importance of aligning design intent with genuine purpose, establishing trust that endures beyond the exhibition space.

Explore more from Digital Reference—where insights go beyond trends to inform lasting strategies and meaningful impact.

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• Best Strategic Design Consulting Services in Canada
• The Full Spectrum of Design Consultants: Who’s Who in the B2B Design Ecosystem

Exhibition and environmental design continues to be a cornerstone in how Canada showcases culture, knowledge, and innovation. From heritage museums to science centres, these experiences are evolving into platforms that invite participation, reflection, and discovery. The next stage of this evolution calls for perspectives rooted in clarity, creativity, and purposeful design. For professionals seeking to refine strategy and execution across disciplines, guidance is within reach at Digital Reference.