Storyland Studios, the three-dimensional storytelling firm, has announced the members of the industry expert judging panel for its 2024 Design Challenge.
The return of the Storyland Studios Design Challenge for 2024 was announced in April. This competition invites independent designers and architects to submit proposals for immersive, story-driven location-based entertainment (LBE) experiences. The firm has released details of the judging panel ahead of the deadline for sign-ups on 24 May.
The 2024 Storyland Studios Design Challenge is presented in collaboration with Gensler, the biggest and best-known international architecture, design and planning firm in the world. The award-winning organisation employs over 6,000 experts and has 53 offices worldwide, including Europe, the Americas, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
The 2024 judges
The judges for the 2024 Storyland Studios Design Challenge are:
Mel McGowan. The first judge to be announced is the founder and chief creative officer of Storyland Studios. McGowan heads Storyland Studios’ innovative multidisciplinary Spatial Storytelling practice, which encompasses master planning, conceptual development, architecture, interior and production design, graphics and wayfinding, dimensional manufacturing, and installation oversight.
His expertise in film and design, along with 10 years of experience at the Walt Disney Company, has led him to develop a team culture inspired by the original Imagineers, designers, and fabricators.
McGowan says: “I’m thrilled to be returning as a judge for our second Design Challenge. There’s something exciting and inspiring about offering a place for the next wave of dreamers and designers to share their themed entertainment concepts. These up-and-coming creators are paving the way forward for future generations.”
Lexi Barry. Barry is Gensler’s global entertainment leader and principal. She is passionate about shaping the future of entertainment and blends strategic thinking and innovation to create meaningful, joyful experiences that connect visitors.
With expertise in research-driven design strategy, Barry mixes an innovative and impact-driven mindset with user insights. She is a creative leader who has a gift for assembling teams of interdisciplinary specialists and imaginative thinkers who work together to realise ideas. Barry has almost 20 years of experience, with a focus on social and emotional engagement, cross-functional creative collaboration, and understanding business drivers and market trends.
Bob Weis. Former Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) president Weis is the global co-leader and founder of Gensler’s Entertainment Practice. He collaborates with Gensler’s worldwide leadership to create unforgettable experiences for customers in 33 different practice areas, such as sports, entertainment, hospitality, lifestyle, and others.
Weis brings almost three decades of WDI leadership expertise to the table as a judge for the Design Challenge. He managed over 200 significant Disney initiatives across the globe, totalling more than $30 bn in capital value. His innovative designs may be found at theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and attractions around the world, including in the US, Paris, Tokyo, and Shanghai.
Weis has also collaborated with significant clients as a consultant, including the United States Navy, National Geographic, NASA, and the Smithsonian Institution. The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) presented Weis with several awards, including the Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award and Best New Theme Park for Shanghai Disney Resort.
Theron Skees. Skees is a former Walt Disney Imagineer and founder of The Designer’s Creative Studio. He has 30 years of experience in themed entertainment, leading design, concept, and construction projects globally. Skees has extensive experience creating narratives, brand stories, and experiences for attractions, theme parks, cruise ships, and destination resorts. He is a member of Storyland Studios’ Creative Collective.
Bottom row, left to right: Morgane Keesling, Fabien Manuel, Kelly Timmins, Timothy Sau Kin Ng
Morgane Keesling. Keesling is the senior manager of creative development at Disneyland Paris and has been working in the sector for 15 years. She began her career as an illustrator and concept designer, which sparked her desire to create fantastical worlds.
Keesling, who has served on the board of directors of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) twice, leads creative development at Disneyland Paris Live Entertainment where she collaborates with a group of talented musicians, directors, and designers. Immersive technologies, animatronic design, and attractions are among her specialisms.
She says: “I’m excited to take part in this year’s Design Challenge as a judge, and looking forward to meeting all the talented folks who join in.”
Fabien Manuel. Creative director at Compagnie Des Alpes Manuel has been bringing concepts to life in themed entertainment spaces across Europe for over 10 years. Key projects include Walibi Holland, Walibi Belgium, Walibi Sud Ouest, Parc Asterix, Bellewaerde, and Futuroscope.
Kelly Timmins. Timmins is director of marine animal operations and sustainability at Atlantis Dubai. She has over 13 years of experience in zoology and sustainability, including conservation, animal husbandry, events, and education across the UK, Singapore, and Dubai.
Timmins was instrumental in obtaining AZA accreditation for Atlantis Dubai, which is the highest level for animal welfare and care worldwide, and helped the resort obtain Bronze and Silver EarthCheck designations. She has improved Atlantis Dubai’s educational programmes for visitors and professionals and established a funding structure to promote sustainability and conservation initiatives. Timmins spearheaded the Atlantis Atlas Project, a major sustainability programme.
Timothy Sau Kin Ng. Miral Experiences’ senior vice president of operations Ng has been in the themed entertainment sector for over 30 years. He manages operations at all Miral attractions, including Sea World Abu Dhabi, Warner Brothers Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, CLYME, Qsar Al Watan, and Yas Water World Abu Dhabi.
Celebrating new talent
The Storyland Studios Design Challenge offers a unique opportunity to enter the themed entertainment sector.
Ben Thompson, partner and chief strategy officer for Storyland Studios, explains: “The Design Challenge is an important avenue for us to introduce talented and creative individuals to the remarkable industry we work in.
“In 2021, we saw a fantastic range of concepts brought to the table which were hugely inspiring and helped many of the entrants have the confidence and ability to step into the industry, including through internships here at Storyland Studios.
“This is a really special, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the winning entry to not only receive recognition for their work and a $25,000 cash prize, but also to have their work judged by our wonderful cast on the judging panel, to then present their concept at IAAPA Expo 2024 in Orlando, and of course, work with us to further develop their concept into a tangible, marketable location-based entertainment product.”
Entries for the Storyland Design Challenge close at 23:59:59 PST on Friday 24 May.
Participants will receive the full brief on Monday 27 May. They will be able to develop their concept over the summer, with the deadline for submissions on Friday 30 August. The judging process will follow shortly thereafter.
Storyland Studios recently announced that it has been chosen to design and create a new interactive visitor experience for the Auburn-Opelika area in eastern Alabama. This experience, developed in partnership with Auburn-Opelika Tourism and local artists and craftspeople, will use innovative technologies to share the area’s story.
