S2 Associates

Since 1996, S2 Associates Inc. has been a leading environmental and exhibition design name, headquartered in Napa, California. The firm started with a primary focus on museum exhibitions. However, it soon expanded its services to include content research and development, conceptual and final design phases, production management, and creating detailed renderings to support fundraising efforts. A key turning point came in 1999 when Daniel Wodarcyk joined the team as a partner, bringing with him extensive experience in museum exhibition planning that allowed the firm to take on a broader range of cultural and institutional projects. At the heart of S2 Associates’ mission is creating interactive exhibits encouraging learning through science, technology, and culture themes. The firm strongly emphasizes working side by side with clients. By blending their subject matter expertise with S2’s design and technical skills, each project becomes a unique and engaging experience for visitors. S2’s dedication to collaboration has been a consistent part of its identity since its earliest projects. This commitment was implemented on their large-scale project at The Tech Museum of Innovation and carried forward through later work at the Liberty Science Center and the Nevada Discovery Museum. By building strong relationships with exhibit producers and professionals in both domestic and international markets, S2 has developed a reputation for excellence in exhibition design. Every project begins with a workshop with stakeholders and specialists, often conducted at S2’s studio near the Napa River. These initial meetings establish goals, encourage the exchange of ideas, and address challenges early in the process. The firm ensures frequent and transparent communication throughout every project so all team members remain on the same page. Project management is a crucial element of S2 Associates’ approach. The firm closely supervises every project stage to ensure installations are completed within the agreed schedule and budget. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the final exhibits meet creative and practical objectives. The firm’s wide-ranging in-house capabilities include exhibit master planning, stakeholder workshops, setting educational goals, content research and development, concept and detailed design, and preparation of construction documents. S2 uses advanced modeling and rendering software such as Vectorworks CAD, AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, and Unreal Engine. Graphic design is handled through Adobe Suite, while Smartsheet and Procore software support efficient project coordination. The company also provides prototyping, 3D printing, and model building. Among the standout projects by S2 Associates is the Innovation Gallery at The Tech Museum in San Jose, California. This 8,000-square-foot exhibit highlights key areas of technological innovation—robotics, microprocessing, invention, lasers, and software—that played an essential role in shaping Silicon Valley. Another significant S2 project, the Nevada Discovery Museum, features interactive, hands-on exhibits for children ages eight to twelve. Topics include local natural history, sustainable building, art, and invention. S2 also designed the Skyscraper! Exhibit at Liberty Science Center in New Jersey, a 12,800-square-foot space including a mezzanine that explores the engineering and technology behind skyscrapers. Other projects include “Building Pleasanton” at the Museum on Main, “Gold, Greed and Speculation” at the Sacramento History Museum, and “Your Story” at the Hayward Area Historical Society. S2’s exhibit for V. Sattui Winery in Napa Valley, created within stone caves, brings the winery’s rich history to life. Additionally, the firm’s children’s exhibits at venues like Clayton Children’s Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, Liberty Science Center, Hayward Area Historical Society, and Bay Area Discovery Museum spark curiosity and encourage hands-on exploration.