A Hybrid Role

The Principal Designer – Integrated Scenic & Digital Environments is a senior-level creative and technical leader responsible for the concept, design, and execution of immersive spaces that blend physical scenic fabrication with digital CG environments. This role sits at the intersection of themed design, virtual production, and experiential storytelling—translating high-level creative vision into integrated, buildable worlds that function both practically and digitally across live, broadcast, or installation-based applications. 

Concept Development

• • Lead the ideation and from design team to a hybrid environment that combine scenic construction, practical staging, and computer-generated assets.

  • Translate abstract thematic concepts into spatial, visual, and experiential design elements.

  • Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and clients to ensure cohesive visual storytelling across physical and digital components.

Environment Design & Integration

• • Contribute to and develop 3D environment models, mood boards, and visual look books, emphasizing seamless interaction between built sets and CG extensions.

  • Guide scenic and digital teams on materials, scale, lighting, and transitions between real and virtual elements.

  • Define standards for how physical fabrication and digital content meet on set, on stage, or in media installations.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• • Work closely with scenic fabricators, 3D artists, lighting designers, and engineers to ensure design feasibility and fidelity from concept through install.

  • Act as a creative translator between traditional scenic disciplines and CG/virtual production pipelines.

Technical Oversight & Supervision

• • Oversee design pipelines for asset delivery, including static renders, engine-ready assets (Unreal, Unity), and fabrication documents.

  • Review and approve key assets, scenic samples, texture libraries, and mockups to ensure they align with creative intent and technical constraints.

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• • Present visual concepts, mood explorations, and production-ready packages to internal stakeholders and vendors.

  • Lead First Article Reviews and provide direction during  scenic finishing, or on-set virtual environment integration.

Quality, Innovation & Standards

• • Set creative benchmarks for hybrid environments across projects.

  • Stay current with advancements in real-time rendering, scenic fabrication methods, and immersive design technology.

  • Champion design consistency, scalability, and adaptability across multiple media formats.

CONCEPT PHASE

• Creative Brief Finalized

• Establish theme, purpose, guest experience, footprint, and placement

• Initial Concept Art

• 2D sketches, reference boards, and visual mood direction

• Stakeholder Approvals

• SDS internal sign-off with early consideration of international codes and site requirements
  
  

DESIGN & ENGINEERING

• 3D Modeling & Design

• SDS creates detailed digital models, callouts, and intent for fabrication

• Technical Drawings

• RFP Package delivered for bidding process

• Bid review and selection

• Descoping final vendors 

• Vendors to generate shop drawings, assembly logic, and structural breakdowns for review

• Engineering for Shipping

• Modular design strategy to allow disassembly and crating

• Compliance Review

• Ensure compatibility with QAQC / SOP - safety, material, and install standards in the destination country
  
  

PROTOTYPING

• Scale Mock-Up / Material Tests

• Vendors to create physical samples and test finishes per SDS design pack

• First Article Review (FAR)

• (optional) One full-size fabricated component or representative section for SDS to review and approve prior to full production

• FAR is mandatory and must be approved before continuing

• SDS Review & Sign-Off

• SDS feedback integrated into final adjustments before fabrication begins
  
  

FABRICATION

• Procurement
  Vendors to source long-lead and specialty items based on SDS specifications

• Production
  Execute build based on approved SDS designs and FAR feedback

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)

• Initial Build Review
  Inspect early fabrication vs. SDS design files

• Midpoint Check
  Verify embedded hardware, structure, and scenic fidelity

• Scenic Finishing Review
  Paint, texture, and visual aging consistent with SDS-approved look

• Pre-Crate Mock Assembly
  Dry-fit with all joints and parts labeled for clean install

• Photographic Documentation
  High-res photos with measurement guides and close-ups for SDS

• Checklist Sign-Off
  Internal QA process followed and approved by vendor lead before shipment

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

• Breakdown & Packing

• Components broken down, labeled, and crated using ISPM-15 compliant wood

• Freight Coordination

• Sea or air freight, with SDS provided shipping labels and tracking sheets

• Insurance & Tracking

• Full-value cargo coverage and export documentation prepared
  
  

IMPORT & CUSTOMS (DESTINATION COUNTRY)

• Brokerage Coordination

• SDS-aligned import partner manages customs clearance

• Duties / Taxes / Permits

• Vendor provides all required HS codes and manifests for legal entry
  
  

ON-SITE INSTALLATION

• Pre-Install Site Prep

• SDS will prepare infrastructure access, base footings, and safety zones

• Assembly & Finishing

• Vendor install team or SDS-appointed crew assembles on-site and applies final scenic touch-ups

• QA/QC Inspection

• Final walk-through with SDS to verify quality and completeness
  
  

POST-INSTALLATION SUPPORT

• Training

• Maintenance and repair guidance for local facilities team

• Documentation

• Provide as-built drawings, material data sheets, and cleaning protocols to SDS

• Ongoing Support

• Optional service agreement or seasonal touch-up package coordinated with SDS

• Astound

• Las Vegas Props Studio (Las Vegas Props LLC) -https://www.vegasprops.net/

• SRS Fabrication Inc. - https://srsfab.com/srs_albums.htm

• Forté Specialty Contractors - https://fortedesignbuild.com/projects-theme-park/

• AMC Fabrication - https://amcfab.com/

• Dynamic Attractions - https://dynamicattractions.com/

• PCL Contractors - https://www.pcl.com/us/en/sectors/buildings/theming

• Statement Fabrication -https://www.statementfabrication.com/

• Nassal - https://www.nassal.com/

• Break All Productions - https://www.breakallproductions.com/

• ASHBA Studios - https://ashbastudios.com/

Note - Bold item contracted with previously.