I grew up in Los Angeles around the corner from 20th Century Fox always curious how such films as Cleopatra, The Three Musketeers, and Young Frankenstein were imagined and brought to life. Shortly after my 13th birthday my friends and I skipped the last two periods of junior high school to catch a matinee at the iconic Grauman's Chinese Theater for what was to be the single greatest cinematic experience of my life: Star Wars. It was then that I knew I wanted to be part of such a transformative and creative industry.

Years later, I graduated from UCLA with a degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in Architectural and Art History. These disciplines equipped me with technical expertise and most importantly a problem-solving mindset that I still rely on everyday. I truly believe the combination of science, technology, and a good artistic sensibility are the prerequisites for impactful Art Direction. After graduating, I returned to my fascination with film by forging a career in scenic art and managing crews on some of the largest productions of the time. This hands-on experience gave me invaluable insights into not only how sets are constructed but also the practical considerations required to plan and execute them effectively everyday finding the best way forward.

The Art Department is where I feel most at home. Whether working in the winters of Lithuania or Bulgaria, on the equator in Colombia, or across the United States in Georgia, New Mexico, or California, the process of bringing a story to life is the same: collaborating with designers, writers, and directors to create a cohesive vision then designing and executing within the parameters of production. Bringing stories to life is hard work but it is the work I love.