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Alan McWaters

Alan McWaters

Ann Arbor, MI, US

 

About 

I am a jack of many trades and master of one.  Formally my training is in furniture design but the last 30 years have allowed me to try my hand at an array of trades and professions ranging from commercial carpentry & millwork, custom furniture design & construction, computer support, exhibit design and project management to name just a few.  I have twenty years of experience providing exhibit design, construction, and project management for the Exhibit Museum of Natural History in Ann Arbor.  During this time I have continued running my own business SkyShips Design, focusing on designing & building furniture, home office spaces and the occasional web site. 


I have a intense interest in learning and using new technologies and have created a large digital toolbox to complement the more traditional tools I learned my trade with.


The common thread though out all my endeavors is the ability find creative solutions with my clients.  Determining the most efficient and original ways of solving their problems and completing the projects in a timely manner within budget has always been an integral part of that solution.


I am currently looking for new projects that will both challenge me and allow me to build on the skill set that as taken me this far.   I am willing to travel, work remotely or relocate if necessary.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

SkyShips Design, Owner

I am owner and currently the sole employee of SkyShips Design.

Jan 1988 - current
 

University of Michigan, Exhibit Designer, cabinetmaker & Desktop consultant

DESIGN
• Supply professional and considered input to the design, of new exhibits and displays.
• Design and build interactive modules in conjunction with physical exhibits.
• Design and publish supplementary webpages and newsletters. Updating current content and creating new content and pages as needed.

TECHNOLOGY
• Supplied technical/user support for moderately complex computing environment. Customizing hardware and software solutions to best meet the departments staff individual needs.
• Served as a generalist responsible for providing broad range of user support services; Mac desktop support and training, installation and support of hardware
• Supported software and networked systems in a multi-protocol environment interacting with all levels of computer users.
.
ORGANIZATIONAL
• Supply professional and considered input to the design, of new exhibits and displays.
• Design and build interactive modules in conjunction with physical exhibits.
• Design and publish supplementary webpages and newsletters. Updating current content and creating new content and pages as needed.
• Create accurate estimates and budgets for current and future projects

Mar 1989 - Sep 2011
 

Education 

Rochester Institute of Technology, Bachelors, School for the American Craftsman (Wood)

In depth study of all aspects of furniture design and construction.

Sep 1971 - Jun 1975
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills