Project Overview
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

I joined the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge project in June of 2018, about one year out from our grand opening. I directed hundreds of designers and tradespeople through the design, fabrication and construction of the largest IP-specific immersive experience in Disney history. Together, we delivered a groundbreaking franchise extension that has been enjoyed by millions of guests from around the world.

When I joined the project, construction had just begun and all that existed were some structural steel beams and dirt trenches. I was on the construction site every single day, helping our technicians, designers and artists understand what was needed to develop the inspiring stories that only exist on the fictional planet of Batuu. As a collective team, we made sure that every detail was purposefully executed so that nothing would break the immersive experience for our guests.

So many of the rich details that are found at Star War: Galaxy’s edge were executed by hand, which meant that my days were never the same. I led Imagineers from over 40 different disciplines such as architecture, interior design, graphic design, landscape architecture, painting, carving, illustration, prop design, special effects, show lighting, costuming and music. I also directed a wide range of construction crews from various backgrounds so that we were addressing practical fabrication issues with a creative perspective. Being able to learn from these vastly differing disciplines and solve issues on-site on such a deep, detailed level stretched my skills and made me a more thoughtful creative leader.

Being a member of the core creative team meant that I was also collaborating with multiple stakeholders at the Disneyland Resort to address consumer needs with purposeful decision-making and creative integrity. I consulted with a wide range of business partners, including Park Operations, Food & Beverage, Merchandise, Marketing, Entertainment, Maintenance and beyond. We worked closely to ensure that their operational needs and our thematic requirements were being developed harmoniously.

My role required me to envision entire spaces from top to bottom while balancing details large and small. I relied on my proven design and fabrication skills to tackle every issue with deliberate direction that would keep my team on track toward our deliverable goals. I managed the creative vision with strategic nimbleness that allowed us to pivot in the field as needed without breaking our overall story.

Throughout the design and construction process, we worked closely with our partners at LucasFilm to integrate our creations into the growth of the Star Wars franchise. Many of the stories that we developed have inspired the evolution of books, comics, video games and movie characters. As LucasFilm continues to develop their own unique content, we continually evaluate opportunities for cross-integration. This allows for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to act as a living and evolving celebration of the Star Wars universe and it keeps the experience exciting for fans of all ages.

I am currently the ongoing Art Director for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Disneyland Resort. I work very closely with Resort partners to evaluate what our guests need in the space and how we can continue to improve the experience across the board. It is my duty and privilege to be the guardian of this special place. I am constantly delighted to see how our guests live their unique Star Wars adventures with family and friends.