Taking risks begins with a certain wisdom, and the inner belief that everything will work out in the end, a positive mindset if you will. And you must also truly believe that everything will work out “for the better.” Risk requires one to be still, quiet, and to listen to the deepest part of your being, your heart.

Taking risks also requires you to see an expansive future, something that is yet to exist, and to fill it with life. This does not mean “jumping in” head-first, without thought or intention. Taking a “calculated” risk is essential because it requires one to understand the intricacies of the current situation, at the same time the ability to hold multi-level complexities that will present themselves along the way; balance again comes into play. Experience becomes essential, as risk requires one to have the skill set to manage the many obstacles, when they arise, in an efficient and productive manner.

Dreams take time to grow, one must be patient; the manifestation of dreams requires a lot of unseen hard work and planning. It’s also important to remember… the journey towards one’s dreams will be filled with disappointments along the way, and not to allow this to discourage you by remembering that there will also be many inspirational triumphs as well.

In the end the “risk” becomes the “reward,” for if you have the courage to “dream” your inner vision to life, your life will become a beautiful journey of creation, and the realization of your deepest, most heartfelt dreams, will eventually become your lived experience, i.e., your LIFE!

My passion for building and designing started modestly in Toronto, Canada, my home town. I founded a small business with my best friend, Roger Carrabetta, and we created miracles from the garage. It’s great to have a vision, but in order to grow you need much more, you also need guidance and mentors.

Moving to the United States allowed me to assist and learn from an amazing Production Designer by the name of Kurt Lundell. Kurt became my mentor and friend; he gave me the erudition, that grounded me in: construction, managerial experience of set design, and the allocation budget; crucial elements of every production job.

I love the challenges I encounter with each new project, whether it’s a sleek modern interior, rustic aging façade, or a futuristic set. I have a wonderful team of people, who have collaborated with me for many years, to bring these ideas into fruition. I work tenaciously in order to make every situation come to life, regardless of challenging budgets, or tricky logistical locations.

After almost 30 years in this business, I still love my job, designing is in my blood and I am grateful for the creative expression it has allowed me to produce.

Being a part of an amazing group of people, who come together to create a beautiful set, under tight deadlines and budget. Late at night in cold studio it’s heartening to hear laughter and see smiles on the faces of a small transient family. We come together for one project, one day perhaps, and together we create something very real, yet at the same time, very magical.

I think society has to understand that creative expression it Is a powerful tool and it can be used to evoke emotions, communicate ideas and thoughts, and most importantly to realize it has the power to inspire people deeply; and create change… it is both profound, and powerful.

Also, we must understand that failure is part of the creative process which can also be a great learning opportunity, as it’s said: it does not matter how many times you fall down; what matters is how many times you get up. When growth happens, there is no such thing as failure.

Another very important dimension of design work is taking risks, risks are necessary in order to invoke innovative ideas, growth, and also solutions.

In the end, we have to be less analytical and logical in our thinking sometimes. People should be comfortable with abstract concepts and creative solutions. Also with not knowing, for certain, what the end product will be; as it is often more beautiful than ever imagined.