How Long Does It Take to Design and Build an Entertainment Venue?
Designing and building an entertainment venue—whether a family entertainment center, indoor playground, or adventure park—is an exciting process, but it’s also a complex one. Understanding the timeline helps you plan budgets, marketing, and staffing while ensuring a smooth opening.
At Lothian Industries, our turnkey process ensures your project stays on schedule from concept to launch. Here’s what you can expect at each stage.
The Average Timeline for Building an Entertainment Venue
While every project is unique, many entertainment venues can be completed within six months when decisions are made quickly and permitting moves smoothly. If timelines do extend, it’s usually due to decision-making delays, communication gaps, or local permitting challenges rather than the build process itself.
The key factors that influence the schedule include:
- Project size and complexity
- Decision-making and communication
- Local permitting and approvals
- Material and equipment lead times
Ultimately, decisive communication, timely approvals, and accurate information are what keep projects on track. With Lothian’s structured design-to-installation process, even large-scale developments stay efficient, organized, and on schedule.
Phase 1: Concept Cultivation
Every successful attraction starts with a clear vision. During this stage, the focus is on creative direction and feasibility—defining your attraction mix, spatial layout, and brand story.
See our full list of Phase 1 Deliverables here, but deliverables at this phase typically include:
- Concept sketches and layouts
- Theming and branding direction
- Attraction mix strategy
- Initial cost range and ROI projections
Phase 2: Detailed Concept Development (8–10 Weeks)
Once the concept is approved, designers develop high-resolution 2D and 3D renderings, themed storyboards, and guest flow plans. This is where your vision becomes a blueprint for production and budgeting.
See our full list of Phase 2 Deliverables here, but deliverables at this phase typically include:
- Final 2D/3D renderings
- Themed storyboards
- Material and finish recommendations
- Development timeline and approval schedule
Phase 3: Production Drawings & Pre-Installation Prep
Next comes the technical phase—turning your creative vision into precise manufacturing documents. This ensures smooth fabrication and coordination with architects, contractors, and installers.
See our full list of Phase 3 Deliverables here, but deliverables at this phase typically include:
- CAD and fabrication drawings
- Equipment specifications
- Utility and mechanical layouts
- Site readiness checklist
Phase 4: Ordering & Production
This is when the project becomes tangible. All approved components move into fabrication and quality control. Lothian’s team oversees every aspect to ensure materials meet standards and deadlines.
See our full list of Phase 4 Deliverables here, but deliverables at this phase typically include:
- Procurement management
- Production oversight and supplier coordination
- Quality assurance inspections
- Manufacturing timeline tracking
Phase 5: Installation, Outfitting & Launch
Installation is where it all comes together. Our on-site team manages setup, theming, safety certifications, and final adjustments to ensure a seamless launch.
See our full list of Phase 5 Deliverables here, but deliverables at this phase typically include:
- Full attraction installation
- Outfitting and final detailing
- Safety and compliance checks
- Staff training and handover
Keeping Your Project On Schedule
To maintain a predictable timeline:
- Engage early: Involve your design-build partner during site selection and planning.
- Stay decisive: Delays often stem from mid-project changes.
- Work with experts: Teams familiar with FEC builds can anticipate and mitigate common bottlenecks.
Partner with Lothian to Build Your Entertainment Vision
At Lothian Industries, our proven 5-phase process ensures your project moves efficiently from dream to reality. Whether you’re developing a single attraction or a full-scale FEC, our team provides the expertise and coordination needed for on-time, on-budget delivery.
Ready to start your project? Schedule a consultation today to begin turning your concept into an unforgettable guest experience.
