Meristem brings imaginative visions to life by applying rigorous design and refined craftsmanship. Meristem provides design, fabrication, and other technical services to museums, galleries, studios, archives, private collections, and related clients. From simple support structures to complex interactive exhibits, all Meristem work is focused on the specific needs of the clients, and on the quality of experience for their visitors. 

Meristem Services is the freelance practice of designer and builder Thomas Dunning. Drawing on years of experience from industrial engineering to sculptural fabrication, Thomas is committed to developing custom technical solutions that match clients’ specific criteria. Thomas approaches this work with a deep passion for the power of experience that can be found at museums and similar creative & display spaces.

Meristem can provide anything from the complete design and construction of custom exhibits down to basic pedestals and crates. Available design services include initial research & consulting, iterative prototyping, drafting, and CAD modeling. Fabrication can be done in many materials including wood, metals, and plastics. Along with those more display-focused projects, Meristem also provides solutions for archival storage, and furnishings for specialized workshops. Besides custom-making objects, Meristem can also provide installation, art handling, and other on-site services. 

All Meristem projects are taken on with a foundational focus on quality of work; holding all elements to the highest standards of precision, finish, durability, and safety. The strong goals that Meristem’s clients have for their spaces are inspiring to build on as each project develops!

Clients and Collaborators Include:

Montana Science Center

American Computer and Robotics Museum

Musselshell Valley Historical Museum

Salish Kootenai College

Mountain Time Arts

Echo Art

Old Main Gallery

Cello Design Gallery

The Last Wind Up

Crucible Design Studio

Xplor Games

Random Acts of Silliness

Tinworks Arts

Nobelarts Design

Art Castings of Montana 

Ancient Art Ways Conservation