The Art Institutes is a network of more than 40 schools throughout North America that offer an eclectic range of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts education. As part of an ongoing effort to provide students with exceptional technical support, the Art Institutes is expanding and upgrading the facilities of their professional audio production program. To this end, the Washington, D.C., and Nashville, TN, facilities recruited the services of the Walters-Storyk Design Group.
Jack Chester, director of facilities for the Washington, D.C., school, contracted WSDG to redesign the college’s existing facility and establish a modern learning complex, which is a priority in preparing students to compete in today’s job market.
WSDG senior project manager Romina Larregina described the 1200sq-ft. Art Institute of Washington complex as a 500sq-ft live studio and 350sq-ft control room, augmented by a sound lock, ISObBooth and machine/storage room.
Soon after starting work in Washington, D.C, WSDG was commissioned by the Art Institute’s Nashville facility to redesign its audio facility. Carol L.A. Menck, president of the Art Institute of Tennessee Nashville, reported that the new studio was an immediate success. “The room went online this summer. Robb Wenner, lead instructor for our audio production program, encourages students to work on their own projects in the facility, so it is in constant use. We are extremely pleased with the John Storyk design. It provides a totally professional environment and gives students the sight lines and physical access necessary to acquire a true understanding of how the studio works.”
Walters-Storyk will also be handling the redesign of audio production facilities for the Art Institute schools in Austin, TX, and San Diego. When completed, three of the four facilities will house an SSL Duality console, and the fourth will have an AES desk. Similarly, the studio mains were split between Genelec 1038 speakers in Washington, D.C., and the ADAM S4VA MK2 in Nashville.
For more information, visit www.wsdg.com.