1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in your field?

As a child, I was fascinated by stories of other worlds. I would bring them to life through drawings, dioramas, and puppet shows. That passion led me to study acting, directing, and scenic design for theater at Southern Methodist University, where I learned how to tell a story on stage.

After a brief adventure starring in a Bollywood soap opera, I moved to Hollywood and shifted behind the camera as a storyboard and concept artist. I learned the power of visual storytelling and how a single frame could capture emotion and create a whole new world. From there, I transitioned into production design, working on everything from art films with Wim Wenders to large-scale action and high-concept horror films.

Eventually, my love of immersive storytelling brought me to theme parks and experiential design, where I had the chance to build entire narrative worlds people could walk into. It’s a return to those childhood dioramas on a much larger scale.

2. What inspires your work and where do you draw your creative ideas from?

My work is inspired by a desire to imagine and shape a better world. Whether crafting utopias or exploring dystopias, I love discovering the possibilities of what could be. I draw creative fuel from film, art, sculpture, and architecture. Each project is a chance to build upon that collective creativity and push the story forward.

3. Can you describe a project or piece you’re particularly proud of and why it stands out to you?

One outstanding project is Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, where I served as Art Director for the Gotham City pier and Justice League attraction. Stepping into this role during the design development phase required quick decision-making, clear communication, and the ability to align a diverse creative team under a shared vision. Bringing the world of DC Comics to life in a fully immersive environment was both creatively fulfilling and personally significant. The project’s fast pace and steep learning curve challenged me to grow quickly, making it a major professional milestone and a defining moment in my creative journey.

4. What do you hope to achieve or explore during your residency with us?

Designing fictional worlds for film, theme parks, and immersive experiences has deepened my appreciation of architecture, placemaking, and the emotional resonance of space. While entertainment design draws inspiration from architecture and urban planning, I’m equally fascinated by how it can influence real-world environments. I’m excited by the opportunity to investigate this cross-pollination further and imagine how storytelling, design, and urban planning can converge to shape more meaningful, human-centered places.