Scenario's Manila office supports global experience design

Scenario, an award-winning design and fabrication firm, has built a global reputation for its work in theme parks, cultural attractions and branded experiences.

Since starting in the US and expanding into Asia in 2014, Scenario now has ten international offices, supported by its parent company, Kajima International.

With a global presence, local expertise, and integrated capabilities, Scenario is a key player in experience-led development, with its Manila office as a dynamic hub.

Growing opportunities in Asia

Scenario’s expansion into Asia started with its first major project in Singapore. The region's vast potential quickly became evident. As business in Asia grew, leadership saw the need for a dedicated local studio to support both regional and global projects.

Tom Stapleton, Scenario’s vice president for Asia, says:

“As the opportunities in Asia grew, we saw the need for a regional team that could support the business more sustainably. A Manila design studio quickly became the obvious choice to strengthen our global operations.”

What started as a team of just over 20 designers and engineers in 2017 has since grown to more than 100 employees, including designers, BIM modellers, engineers, support staff, and IT engineers.

Today, Manila stands as Scenario’s largest centre for design and documentation, key to delivering the company’s most complex and ambitious projects.

The Manila office functions as a fully integrated global design and technical hub, actively participating in every stage of the creative and technical process.

Its teams support pre-visualisation and high-quality renderings, prototyping and mock-ups, detailed design and production documentation, and technical integration.

Additionally, the office handles BIM coordination and management, structural engineering design, and drawing services.

Manila works closely with teams in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Thailand, the US, and KSA, providing ongoing design support across different time zones and helping Scenario stay efficient, consistent, and technically excellent throughout each project’s lifecycle.

The team's approach

Ryan Trinidad, general manager of the Manila office, says: “Our Manila team has a very special balance of design sensitivity and deep technical expertise. Every drawing, every model, every detail—we take it seriously.

"We’re not just producing documentation; we’re shaping the environments guests will ultimately experience and enjoy.”

His leadership has helped foster a studio culture where precision, creativity, and ownership come together daily.

The Manila studio has contributed to a wide range of landmark developments, especially within Asia’s rapidly growing entertainment and leisure sectors.

Studio City Water Park © Melco

One of the most notable examples is its recent work on the Studio City Water Park.

From concept design and design development to BIM coordination and detailed technical documentation, the Manila office played a vital role in transforming the creative vision of the project's owner, Melco Development, into a fully immersive and buildable environment.

The Manila office supports the development of themed environments, attractions, and immersive spaces across Asia, the United States, and the Middle East, demonstrating versatility across styles, scales, and technical demands.

“The Manila office is not just an extension of our global network—it’s a centre of excellence," adds Stapleton. "Their ability to adapt to different project requirements and consistently deliver at a high standard is remarkable.”

The people behind the success

What truly distinguishes the Manila office, beyond its technical skills, is its people. Rooted in Filipino culture, the team infuses each project with creativity, passion, artistry, and precision. Despite tight deadlines, the studio's environment stays friendly, lively, and collaborative.

Team-building activities like annual outings, sports events, and holiday celebrations foster strong relationships and support a positive, healthy atmosphere.

“Our greatest strength is the people who work here," says Trinidad.

"They are not only creative, technical, and hard-working... they are unique and professional in everything they do. They are outside-the-box thinkers, team players, and driven contributors. Working together with a common goal and a common purpose ... one team ... one dream to create the best places.

"We continue to strive to be better today than we were yesterday."

As Scenario expands into larger, more immersive global projects, the Manila office remains a key part of its long-term strategy. With over 100 professionals (and increasing), the studio is well-equipped to enhance design innovation, improve production quality, and strengthen global coordination.

What started as a small support team has now grown into one of Scenario’s most important creative and technical hubs.

Forward-thinking individuals looking to grow their careers in theming design or the IT fields, and whoa re interested in being part of this industry-leading team in Manila, are invited to submit their CVs via email.

See also: Scenario in Asia & the Middle East: global reach meets local insight