Company Profile

For Alan and Nicolas Graves design is a collaborative creative process that takes the clients questions into an exchange that is imaginative, compassionate, and ultimately productive.

This father and son team behind ALAN · GRAVES · DESIGN are dedicated to:

  • The planning, designing, fabricating and installing exhibitions for over 28 years.
  • A design process which allows for creativity, originality and “a symphony of wills”.
  • The art of organizing and molding information and experiences, allowing others to find their personal path to knowledge.
  • Creating projects and products which have “integrity”, the right/appropriate concept, craftsmanship and details.
  • Working within the clients resources of budget, time and quality.
  • Effective project management - giving support to the entire team (yours and ours) the design concept and the content.
  • Partnering with smaller intuitions and groups giving them access to the appropriate design resources.
  • Covering a broad spectrum of topics in both natural and human history.
  • Sensitively working with various ethnic groups such as First Nations, Chinese and Japanese-Canadians.
  • Drawing on our provincial, national and international experience - including Canada, United Kingdom, Cayman Islands and the United States.
  • Passing on our design knowledge and techniques.

Alan and Nicolas Graves

Alan Graves / creative director and senior designer

Trained as a designer at the University of Victoria and graduating with a BFA Visual Arts honours degree in graphics and sculpture, I was first employed in the museum field as an education program technician. Later, in the position of museum technician, I specialized in the co-design, installation and maintenance of permanent, temporary and travelling exhibitions, along with education kits.

Over twenty years as a professional exhibition designer, I have planned, designed, managed, installed and maintained over 250 exhibitions - including the project management, exhibition design, graphic design, interactive design, sensory design and consulting for the projects.  Working through my private design firm, ALAN • GRAVES • DESIGN (established 1985) and previously at the Royal British Columbia Museum, I have dealt with museums, both large and small, nature parks, interpretive centers, art galleries, First Nations groups and private companies. These exhibitions encompass not only provincial and national venues, but also international, and cover a broad spectrum of topics in both natural and human history.

A former Sessional member of the faculty at the University of Victoria, I taught an exhibition design and installation course. In a collaborative venture with Barker Manufacturing, I have developed a line of Japanese-inspired table lanterns and “Tansu” modular furniture.

Nicolas Graves / graphic designer

Nick Graves Design.com

I have worked in the graphic design industry for 8 years, producing work ranging from website design, storefront concepts, vehicle wraps, condominium wayfinding, exhibit graphic design, and exhibit installation. I have worked for clients such as the Royal British Columbia Museum, BC Ferries, and the Nisga'a Lisims Government.

During this time I have become worked extensively with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and InDesign. I have also spent considerable time running a large format printer and producing my designs first hand.

I have also taken training in web design from Camosun College, Adobe Indesign from Q College, and am currently working to revieve a Certificate in Fine Arts from the Vancouver Island School of Art.

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