ABOUT
I make the drawings that make the story real.
I'm a show set and technical production designer, 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 with my business partner in Toronto, working hands-on again: developing designs, producing the technical drawings, and seeing them through fabrication, installation, and opening. I've worked on both sides of the table, so I know what the creative team needs to protect and what the workshop needs to build it.
THE PATH
Twenty years, four disciplines
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.
2025 · InAVation Awards, first place, Best Use of Applied Technology in Museums and Heritage
The People's House · awarded jointly to Design and Production Inc.; South Façade by Juiceworks
2025 · GOOD DESIGN Award, Environments
The People's House · awarded to the project
2024 · blooloop Innovation Awards, third place, Exhibit and Storytelling: Culture
The People's House · awarded to the project
2020 · ICSC Visual Victories, two Gold awards for pop-up design and display
SodaStream pop-up · entered by Oxford Properties; designed and built by Holman
2019 · HD Expo, Best Booth: Clarity of Concept
VISO · awarded to the exhibitor; designed and built by Holman
2018 · Shop! Design Awards: Gold, Branded Shop within a Store; Fixture of the Year; Use of Technology
Coty Fume Scent Lounge · Eventscape
2018 · DSE APEX Awards, Gold, Retail · Sign Media, First Place, Digital Signage · IFAI International Achievement Award
Coty Fume Scent Lounge · Eventscape
2018 · Ontario Association of Architects, Design Excellence Award
Limelight · conferred on Paul Raff Studio; fabricated by Eventscape
2017 · Shop! Design Awards, Wall Treatment
Holt Renfrew, Square One · Eventscape
2013 · Yorkton Film Festival, Best Animated Film
Foxed! · Geneva Film Co.
2010 · Gemini Awards, Best Animated Program or Series
Glenn Martin, DDS · awarded to the producer
2009 · Gemini Awards, Best Animated Program or Series
Life's a Zoo · awarded to the producer
Let's talk.
I'm based in London and open to show set design, technical production design, and design delivery roles across themed entertainment, museums, and attractions.
