To contact me, please send an email to dbuchwalder@gmail.com.
Concept & Show Set Designer
Freelance
Pasadena, CA
Oct 2020 - Present
• Developed feature show elements from initial concepts
• Integrated show set designs with existing facilities
• Supported concept artists with 3D modeling
• Generated concepts for small projects such as collectibles and toys
Show Set - Sr. Associate
L.A. Design Associates, Inc.
Sherman Oaks, CA
June 2022 — Present
• Concepted Attractions and land area development for project master plans
• Developed CAD packages and 3D models to support master plan efforts
Show Set Designer
American Scenic Design, Inc.
Pasadena, CA
March 2018 — Feb 2019, July 2019 — Nov 2021
• Developed CAD show set packages
• Modeled 3D assets for animations and show set designs
• Created ride and show moments for feature attractions
Facility Design Manager
The Hettema Group
Pasadena, CA
Feb 2019 — July 2019
• Developed CAD show set package
• Maintained creative intent while incorporating architectural facility models
• Integrated highly-themed retail fixture cladding and finishes for individual spaces
University Relations Chair (Volunteer)
Themed Entertainment Association - NextGen Committee
March 2015 — Present
• Led team of volunteers to support university outreach
• Managed network of 40+ student organizations worldwide
• Created resources and programming for student participants
• Maintained databases of membership and archives of materials
Lighthouse Immersive, Storyland Studios, MDSX, Rethink Leisure & Entertainment, Herschend Family Entertainment
• Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and other office software
• Experience in hand-drafting, basic drawing, 3ds Max, Lumion, Unreal, Revit, Rhino, NoLimits2, InDesign, Illustrator, and physical modeling
• Strong technical skills, focus in structural engineering
• Excellent skill in written and verbal communication
• Broad interest in creative design and problem-solving
• Intermediate proficiency in Spanish
Savannah College of Art and Design
MFA in Themed Entertainment Design
University of Hawaii
Post-graduate studies in the school of Architecture
University of Dayton
Bachelor of Civil Engineering
Minor: Art History
Themed Entertainment Association; home haunts; drum and bugle corps; costuming; environmentalism; cycling