About
I make the story real.
I'm a Creative Director, Show Set and Technical Designer, and Project Manager, based in London. I trained in special effects, started out building miniature sets for stop-motion television, moved into architectural fabrication, and went on to lead design-and-build studios in Toronto as Creative Director and then CEO.
Today I co-run Story Factory Studios, working hands-on again: developing designs, producing the technical drawings, and seeing them through fabrication, installation, and opening.
Having worked on both sides of the table, I'm fluently “bilingual”, speaking both “Creative” and “Technical”. I'm the guardian of the creative vision, balancing creative intent with production realities from concept to completion.
The path
2024-now
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Story Factory Studios · London & Toronto
A partner-led design and delivery studio. I work hands-on as show set and technical production designer and delivery lead, from concept through installation and opening, on projects such as Marble Speedway at The Strong National Museum of Play.
2021-2024
Chief Executive Officer & Creative Director
Juiceworks Exhibits · Toronto
Led the recovery of a design-and-build company after the pandemic, restoring revenue to pre-pandemic levels within 15 months, and set up a Visitor Attractions division that won museum and immersive work including a 1:5 scale model for The People's House in Washington, D.C.
2018-2021
Executive Vice President & Creative Director
Holman Exhibits · Toronto
Joined as Manager of Design & Engineering, became Creative Director, then Executive Vice President. Rebuilt the design department, lifting on-time delivery from about 20% to about 90%, and co-invented the HoloPod with ARHT Media.
2015-2018
Lead Project Designer & Project Manager
Eventscape · Toronto
Design engineering and delivery of complex architectural features and public art, including Limelight, the Coty Fume Scent Lounge, and lighting and art installations for the Canadian Consulate in New York.
2010-2015
Senior Industrial Designer · Principal Designer
Array Marketing · PJH Designs · Toronto
Creative and technical design of retail and brand environments, from concept to fabrication-ready detail, alongside an independent design and project management practice.
2005-2012
Prop & Set Builder to Technical Art Director
Cuppa Coffee Studios · Toronto
Built and then designed miniature sets for award-winning stop-motion series, rising to Production Designer and Technical Art Director. This is where I learned to design for a camera, a story, and a deadline at the same time.
2003
BSc (Hons) Special Effects
London South Bank University
Industrial design for visitor attractions and entertainment. Final project: a themed ride queue and special effects installation.
Capabilities
Concept Design
Schematic Design
Design Development
Technical Design and Production Documentation
Mock-ups and Prototypes
AV Concept Treatment and Media Design Coordination
Lighting Design Coordination
Interactive Development
Fabrication Oversight and Quality Assurance
Site Installation Supervision
Commissioning and Systems Testing
Programme Planning and Budget Control
Credentials
Education
BSc (Hons) Special Effects (Industrial Design), London South Bank University, 2003
Professional
Chartered Industrial Designer (Ontario), Association of Chartered Industrial Designers, 2021
Industry
Experience Creators Steering Group, Experience UK, 2026
Invention
Co-inventor, HoloPod, developed with ARHT Media
On site
Working at Heights · Scissor and Boom Lift Operator · WHMIS
Also
Royal Engineer, British Territorial Army, 2000-2002 · PADI Divemaster
Recognition
Projects are made by large teams, and awards go to the project and to whoever entered it. These are projects I helped deliver, with the firm and the recipient named.
2025InAVation Awards, first place, Best Use of Applied Technology in Museums and HeritageThe People's House · awarded jointly to Design and Production Inc.; South Façade by Juiceworks
2025GOOD DESIGN Award, EnvironmentsThe People's House · awarded to the project
2024blooloop Innovation Awards, third place, Exhibit and Storytelling: CultureThe People's House · awarded to the project
2020ICSC Visual Victories, two Gold awards for pop-up design and displaySodaStream pop-up · entered by Oxford Properties; designed and built by Holman
2019HD Expo, Best Booth: Clarity of ConceptVISO · awarded to the exhibitor; designed and built by Holman
2018Shop! Design Awards: Gold, Branded Shop within a Store; Fixture of the Year; Use of TechnologyCoty Fume Scent Lounge · Eventscape
2018DSE APEX Awards, Gold, Retail · Sign Media, First Place, Digital Signage · IFAI International Achievement AwardCoty Fume Scent Lounge · Eventscape
2018Ontario Association of Architects, Design Excellence AwardLimelight · conferred on Paul Raff Studio; fabricated by Eventscape
2017Shop! Design Awards, Wall TreatmentHolt Renfrew, Square One · Eventscape
2013Yorkton Film Festival, Best Animated FilmFoxed! · Geneva Film Co.
2010Gemini Awards, Best Animated Program or SeriesGlenn Martin, DDS · awarded to the producer
2009Gemini Awards, Best Animated Program or SeriesLife's a Zoo · awarded to the producer