architecture • entertainment • urban life

After a focus on performing arts, music, singing and theatre, I slowly shifted towards film production. This led to most of my early university years to be centred around independent film, cinematography and editing. Even though I enjoyed it thoroughly, I wanted to be part of a more structured, commercially driven environment, with more focus on storytelling and content development.

The opportunity arose in university, to get involved with the imagineering department of a theme park. This sparked a fire that has since never turned off. Even though I side-stepped into graphic design, interior design, commercial film production and music studies, it was that love for creating for themed entertainment that drove me back into the direction that would eventually become my career. I was able to deploy all the skills that I acquired along the way. I devoted most of my free time to networking and keeping up to date with the industry and I split up my working hours, starting as a freelance designer in themed entertainment. I was scouted to start designing for a brand new investment. Basically laying the ground works for a new theme park's entire artistic style. Even though it was a major risk, a chance like that is rare, so I took the plunge.

Currently I've grown into a role in which I'm pleased to be involved in the larger strategic developments. I am leading an amazing team, to continuously push the bar on what we offer to our visitors. Slowly turning a risky investment into a successful leisure destination that is loved by our guests and in turn becomes tradition. Besides that, I have the privilege to travel a lot and see great parks and attractions. Above all it's especially fascinating to get to meet the people behind it, in all corners of the world.

The love for languages, international environments combined with a passion for travelling, made me realise that architecture could be the field that combines all my passions. I found a curriculum in English in my home town which allowed me to study abroad for a while. Gradually I discovered that modern and high-tech architecture has my interest. Practical experience in a German office made me familiar with designing villas and multi-family housing, with the use of high-end natural materials like natural stone and wood. It also allowed me to visit on-sites and be right on top of the construction environment.

I was not fulfilled yet and devoted my time into expanding my knowledge even further to obtain my Masters’ degree in architecture. My interests however also started to evolve, which got me working more in graphic design, interiors as well as parametric design. In the meantime Lee’s team was in need of an architect, so I took the opportunity and I got to experience the complicated design process of developing a theme park; a new industry to me. This allowed me to learn so much about leisure and entertainment that I never lost this interest ever since. I started appreciating the attention to detail, decorations and theming production. I was grateful for the opportunity to eventually coordinate a team of architects and enjoy visits to some of the top parks in the world. In the meantime my Master’s degree required a totally different side from me. It was mainly focussed on social architecture and its impactful role in developing countries. The outcome was a bamboo pavilion which serves as an educational and social place for women in Africa. The project received an honourable mention in the official architectural competition by Archicad, which still makes me extremely proud and fulfilled.

Fast forward to the now, after I decided to move to Dubai and literally travel the world. I am still active as a freelancer in design, but I am also open for the next opportunity that might arise, regardless if that is in architecture or theme park design.