BRPH, a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction firm, has announced the appointment of Irene Eshak as senior project manager.
As the latest addition to the entertainment leadership team, Eshak brings an internationally informed viewpoint, backed by experience overseeing complex, large-scale destination projects and a deep understanding of immersive design and operations.
Francisco Alvarado, VP, entertainment and education, says: "Irene brings a rare combination of global project experience and owner-side perspective that is incredibly valuable to our clients.
"Her ability to balance creative vision with operational realities, while keeping the guest experience at the center, strengthens how we deliver complex entertainment destinations and positions BRPH for continued growth in this sector."
Immersive storytelling & operational performance
After earning her architecture degree from the University of Alexandria in Egypt, Eshak pursued a career in the US and became a licensed architect in 2013.
With experience in design consultancy and owner-side leadership, she has a well-rounded understanding of the envisioning, delivery, and operation of entertainment projects over time.
Eshak entered the themed entertainment sector as a senior facilities design manager on the Universal Beijing Resort, one of Universal's biggest and most ambitious developments worldwide.
This position spanned global teams and required the coordination of creative, operational, and technical stakeholders, as well as the management of consultants across numerous continents and time zones.
While the development was under construction, Eshak spent three years in China and gained direct experience managing a destination project in a complex, cross-cultural setting.
After serving at Universal, Eshak joined Bezos Academy and continued to work on the owner side. Here, she spearheaded the design and construction of early childhood education facilities throughout Florida.
These projects aimed to reimagine underused buildings into tuition-free, Montessori-inspired learning settings for underserved communities. This highly rewarding experience required close coordination amongst design teams, educators and local stakeholders.
Eshak then returned to architecture and engineering consulting, contributing to entertainment-focused work with Huitt-Zollars.
Now, at BRPH, her expertise in project management and organisational skills supports teams in coordinating complex project elements, managing client priorities, and maintaining alignment from concept through execution.
Her role covers major entertainment and cultural projects, including assistance with programme management activities at the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex. By rooting her work in the end visitor experience, she then shapes design, operations and technology integration to support that aim.
Eshak's skill in balancing immersive stories with operational performance is complemented by her expertise in integrating emerging technologies, for example, projection mapping and interactive systems, to elevate the brand narrative.
Her work demonstrates a clear focus on visitor engagement, interactivity, and long-term resilience, which together ensure that destinations remain relevant for many years to come.
Further to her project work, Eshak serves as vice chair of women in Architecture with AIA Orlando, and is set to become chair next year. This active involvement in the sector reflects her dedication to mentorship, leadership development and expanding diversity within the field.
Earlier this year, BRPH welcomed Carlos Varela and Albert Heisler to its entertainment division.
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.
