KF Centre for Excellence

Founded by pilot and aircraft maintenance engineer Barry Lapointe in 1970, KF Aerospace (KFA) is a successful Canadian aerospace company located in Kelowna, British Columbia. To celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary and promote aviation to a wide audience, the founder decided to create the KF Centre for Excellence.

The exhibition invites visitors to embark on an experience from ground to sky as they explore the story of aviation in the Okanagan Valley. Each exhibit zone features a group of related topics, ranging from the anatomy of an aircraft to aerial firefighting to airport systems. A connection is made between the growth of local aviation and the growth of the region.

Although the first plane was invented over a century ago, there is still something incredible about an aircraft taking off and landing! Through a series of playful interactives, visitors learn about the science of flying as they explore the principles of aerodynamics and mechanics of a plane engine.

We opted for a streamlined, airy creative approach for the design, inspired by vintage aviation posters, planes, airports, and open skies.

Focused on learning, this educational experience aims to share Barry Lapointe’s passion and dreams with a wide audience — from plane spotters to younger visitors who may have their sights set on a career in the aviation industry.

We partnered with EOS Lightmedia, 3DS, and NGX — all based in British Columbia — to deliver an exhibition with strong ties to the region. The KF Aerospace team were very involved in the construction process, giving us access to their warehouse, and lending a hand with the fabrication and installation. We also collaborated with Kelowna International Airport, right beside the Centre, to design an interactive display about airport systems.