When visitors walk into a finished exhibit—whether it’s a soaring gallery entrance, a lifelike replica of a World War II helicopter, or a stage set fit for Dolly herself—they see the magic. What they don’t always see is the heartbeat behind the build: our shop.

At 1220, our shop is where vision becomes reality. Before the lights go on, before the first graphic is mounted or artifact is installed, there are weeks, months and sometimes years—of collaboration, craftsmanship, and hands-on problem-solving. Without our talented shop team, the creative vision would never leave the page.

From CNC machining to carpentry, metalwork, scenic painting, and custom fabrication, the shop is where sketches evolve into immersive environments. It’s not just about following a set of drawings, it’s about interpreting them, enhancing them and building them to last.

1220’s Work at Port Wonder

Take our recent work at Port Wonder in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This dynamic facility blends a children’s museum and science center with the newly relocated Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Science Center. It’s a place where families and school groups come to learn, explore, and play—and every square foot needed to feel welcoming, full of discovery and most importantly, durable.

To bring the designers’ vision to life, our shop team fabricated custom structures, themed environments, interactive enclosures, and exhibit furniture that could stand up to the high energy of young learners. Our specialized AV team handcrafted solutions, including using rubber hosing as nostril hairs in the oversized nose for the ‘Smell’ interactive. The custom-built, climbable ant hill structure that serves as both an artistic showpiece and a physical play element with ant chambers for children to crawl through is just another example of the imagination of our craftsmen.

This kind of work requires more than technical skill—it requires creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration across departments. Our craftspeople regularly work with designers, project managers and general contractors to fine-tune materials, finishes and fabrication methods. And when a challenge pops up—as it always does—the shop finds a solution. They’re not just builders; they’re thinkers, makers, and stewards of the 1220 standard.

How 1220 Exhibits is Different

What sets our approach apart is our belief in the unimpossible; each project is unique, and each one demands a hands-on, detail-oriented approach, and oftentimes, something that has never been created before. Our craftspeople take pride in finding that perfect curve, that seamless joint, that moment when the light hits the material just right. Because to us, every detail matters.

Behind every exhibit is a team of individuals doing highly skilled craftsman jobs—working with their hands, tools, and creative minds to shape the physical world. It’s these roles—cabinetmakers, welders, scenic artists, fabricators—that form the backbone of every exhibit we create. Their fingerprints are on everything we do.

Interested in Craftsman Jobs at 1220?

And now, as our work expands, we’re looking for more talented hands to help us bring ideas to life. If you’re someone who’s passionate about building, curious about materials, and eager to work on one-of-a-kind projects, we want to hear from you. Whether you’re just starting your career in the trades or have years of experience in fabrication, there’s a place for you here.

Craftsman jobs in exhibit fabrication are more than just a career—they’re a chance to make something real, something lasting, something that thousands of people will experience. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t just fill a resume—it fills a portfolio with pride.

So the next time you walk through a museum exhibit, step onto an interactive stage, or see a story brought to life in three dimensions, think about the team behind the build. Think about the shop—and how they made it all possible.

Because at 1220, we don’t just imagine incredible experiences. We build them.

Want to check out what it’s like to work at 1220? You can see some videos of our team here. You can also look at our current open positions here.