DESIGN PROJECTS
Since 2000, I took on other projects, which included speciality scale model modification with electronics, sound and lighting. This included custom-built Sci-Fi model kits, automotive kits, architectural, and model railroading. One project was the extensive modification of eleven 28" long Starship
Enterprise-D models (made of brass) with a proprietary remote-control lights and sound system. I additionally made several resin-cast duplicates of the Klingon D-7 miniature with custom bases; all for "Star Trek - The Experience", A Paramount Parks themed indoor project in Las Vegas.
I was also an outside design contractor for the "Stage Nine" and "G. Willikers" stores in Old Sacramento. I created animated and lighted window displays, and a "movie studio" interactive HO scale model railroad layout, between 2005-2007.
TV PROPS
Among the props I've made for Television series, include the "NOMAD" miniature for "Star Trek-Enterprise"; the Stearman biplane shelf model for CBS Television show, "JAG" in 1999, and the "Agents of SHIELD" Coulson's desk models, "BUS" plane, and "Lola" between 2013 and 2014.
DISNEY
In the 1990s, I applied twice to join the design team at WDI, but it did not realize into a position for me there. However, I was able to meet and know several people there that became great friends, such as David Mumford, Bruce Gordon, Tom Scherman and Tony Baxter. In 1993, I had a small part in getting the book: "Disneyland, The Nickel Tour" published. It was through my time with them on a personal basis that I was able to see just what Imagineering was all about. Unfortunately, in recent years, David, Bruce and Tom all passed away. So, in 1998, I created a metal Nautilus Weathervane to honor Tom, that is on display at Tokyo DisneySeas in the exit queue area of the 20,000 Leagues attraction.
DESIGN MANTRA
When I was about age 20, I decided as a personal goal (before it was known as a "bucket list") to reach out as far as I could into the four interests that I'd had since I was 15. These were Model Railroading, Disney theme park design, Star Trek special effects, and Classic Ford Mustangs. Today, I can say that I reached each one of those "bucket list" goals through writing books, making effects models, and to develop good friendships with the top people in each area. I wrote a Model Railroad book; I was able to know great Imagineers that did amazing things at Disneyland and Disneyland Paris; I met Gene Roddenberry and the effects designers on Star Trek; and I met and received an award from past Ford president Lee Iacocca -- and was interviewed by Jay Leno! In EVERY project I've done, it's not so much "being a fan", but that I want to bring pure design into each project. This is the distinction I try to make with my all my work (because pure, original design is always stronger than just a replicating other's work).
Closely tied to all my accomplishment is a learned humility about the design process. It's not about gloating: "look at what I've done", but more about the shared experience for others. The inner joy of creating things can carry a heavy price. It can be a fleeting feeling that can be taken away as fast as you can create it. I always try to make my work "talk back" to the viewer, because imagination is a powerful force. In all my travels, I've been quite fortunate to have visited production studios, effects houses, theme park design offices, and exterior movie sets. I've met and have known many designers, producers and actors & actresses, too. Designing "things and places" is ALWAYS a cathartic experience. It takes a lot out of you, and then you have to protect it. It's an emotional process, as I've seen the people I've known in this business completely heartbroken and their spirits smashed. This has always been part of MY personal design history, to not only know HOW to make things, but in how to make creativity work in the best way possible for everyone. It truly is an ongoing catharsis…and the BEST job in the world!! I wish to thank everyone who has been part of my growth as a person--and has made my design career as exciting as it has been.