Outside the Square’s impressive environments By Barry A. Muskat; photo by kc kratt Thinking Outside the Square may not be on every local radar screen, but the company is more than a dot on the national screen, given its impressive list of clients and completed projects. It was conceived in 1995 and ultimately started in 1997 by Brian McAlonie, Jack Snyder, and John Herman. Each had been working in the three-dimensional and graphic design fields for nearly twenty-five years. Together they knew there was an alternative approach to creating and running a design firm. Their vision was to create three-dimensional spaces that could be inspired by and rooted in a critical design process that was outside the norm. Hence, the entity’s name: Thinking Outside the Square. Thinking Outside The Square’s vice presidents: Jack Snyder (creative services), John Herman (production services), and Brian McAlonie (account services). This full-service firm specializes in three-dimensional design and branding. They blend the disciplines of architectural, graphic, and interior design to create unique, one-of-a-kind environments. They are equipped to handle all aspects of a project, from concept and design to fabrication and installation. Judging from their impressive portfolio of work, it is obvious that the settings and milieu they create make the most of each situation and opportunity, according to the missions and themes of each client. Interior images courtesy of Thinking Outside the Box. Since its inception, TOTS has steadily increased exposure nationwide by designing, fabricating, and installing projects for a diverse list of clients such as the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the Strong National Museum of Play, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Projects have been as varied as creating comprehensive visitor experience plans, museum and interpretive environments, museum stores, master design plans, and trade show exhibits. The work ranges from incorporating the latest technologies of new construction to revamping tired, antiquated, difficult spaces into dynamic new environments. The project at the Marine Museum created a world-class museum store for a world-class museum. This is a retail environment that pays homage to the history and values of the Marine Corps, but adapts to eclectic demands. Artifact display cases and bold graphics effectively integrate with merchandising fixtures and custom camouflage carpet design. Vintage headgear is flanked by modern caps and hats. The store complements the gallery itself, and blurs the lines for the visitor between the museum and the retail experience. The United States Environmental Protection Agency built an enormous “green building” that incorporated an array of environmental features. TOTS designed a space that tells the EPA story and educates visitors about the features and benefits of the building through the medium itself. Recycled materials are featured to transform the corporate lobby space and communicate the green message. This Buffalo company broadened its national exposure through memberships with many varied cultural and heritage associations throughout North America. McAlonie is a frequent guest lecturer, speaking at numerous association conferences on the importance of an integrated and interpretive approach to museum store design. In addition to designing, fabricating, and installing many nationally-oriented projects, they’ve done the same for many local cultural institutions as well. Projects include the new exhibition at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, the Museum Store at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and the Hall of Astronomy at the Museum of Science, and interpretive areas at Buffalo’s Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa at Saratoga Spa State Park. Projects currently in the conceptual development or planning process include museum stores for the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, the Liberty Island Museum, and for the Discovery Center Museum exhibition renovation in Niagara Falls (for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation). There’s an exciting energy that abounds at Thinking Outside the Square. Their creative approach is hinged with solid craftsmanship, unlimited attention to detail, overwhelming enthusiasm, and a radiating pride. Barry A. Muskat is Spree’s architecture critic. SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top