We deliver clarity in concept and execution, applying art and analysis to bring a shared vision to life.
Our work is anchored by four core principles:
Clarity - We strive to clearly and effectively communicate our clients' visions with grace and precision.
Simplicity - We believe in less, but better.
Authenticity - Our work is intentional and honest. We strive to distill the essence, and build upon that foundation.
Craftsmanship - We use heirloom-quality materials and time-honored techniques to create meaningful spaces that stand the test of time and trends.
artists, designers, engineers, craftspeople - who we are
Founder & CEO
Joel founded Upland Exhibits in 2008 and leads the company's creative and strategic direction. With nearly two decades of exhibit design and project leadership, he has guided hundreds of custom projects for clients ranging from national institutions to local museums across the country. He began his career at Kauffman Museum and holds degrees in Natural Sciences and Mathematical Sciences from Bethel College.
Head of Design
Anthony leads Upland's design team, combining artistic vision with technical expertise in 3D modeling and visualization. Since joining Upland in 2015, he has guided the creative process for projects nationwide. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Fort Hays State University.
Head of Software Development
Dave is the founder of Dropseed, a software development studio focused on building elegant, efficient web applications. He collaborates with Upland to create custom digital tools that support exhibit design, project management, and workflow automation.
Tim oversees Upland's fabrication operations, drawing on more than 25 years of experience in engineering, product design, and process improvement. A Lean manufacturing practitioner, Tim is passionate about developing teams and refining systems to achieve the highest standards of craftsmanship. He holds a B.S. in Engineering from LeTourneau University.
Mark brings decades of woodworking, welding, and finishing expertise to Upland's fabrication team. A lead fabricator since 2014, he has contributed to the design and build of nearly every Upland project, ensuring each piece meets exacting standards of strength and beauty. Mark holds a B.A. in Industrial Arts from Bethel College.
Dan joined Upland in 2016 after a career fabricating and restoring pipe organs throughout the Midwest. His precision and artistry now inform the creation of Upland's custom exhibit components and display products. Dan's attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in every project he touches.
Graham designs 3D models, interpretive graphics, and digital interactives that help museums share their stories clearly and creatively. With experience in both visual design and web development, he ensures exhibits are engaging and accessible. Graham holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Bethel College.
Jakob partners with the design and fabrication teams to translate concepts into production-ready solutions. Drawing on extensive experience in digital modeling, woodworking, and robotics, he ensures exhibit components are engineered for precision, durability, and on-site installation.
Brenna contributes to Upland's design team, focusing on creating beautiful graphic layouts for exhibit projects. She holds a B.A. in Graphic Design with a Studio Art minor from Tabor College and brings strong skills in typography, branding, and visual communication.
Jacob brings a Master of Architecture from Kansas State University and over 15 years of BIM experience to his role at Upland. He develops detailed 3D models and construction documents that turn exhibit concepts into buildable realities.
Darrin joined Upland in 2025 with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing and design engineering. He specializes in CAD design and process improvement and is passionate about refining systems to enhance production quality.
Careers
We're always on the lookout for talented, hard-working people who want to do meaningful work.
If you're inspired and think the startup environment would be a good fit, please tell us about yourself and how you'd like to work with us!
We craft exhibits in the heart of the country, partnering with museums nationwide to bring important stories to life.
Sustainably powered
Our workshop runs on Kansas sunshine—lowering emissions and keeping fabrication sustainably powered.
100%
Annual offset
Our array covers the building's yearly electricity needs.
35.5 kW
Solar capacity
High-efficiency panels capture Kansas sunshine every day.
0
Compromise
Sustainability without sacrificing capability.
Mountain-Plains Museums Association
We were honored with the Mountain-Plains Museums Association (MPMA) Technology Award in 2024, recognizing our innovative use of technology to enhance the museum visitor experience.
