Today we’d like to introduce you to Hyeun Jason Lee.
Hyeun, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My strength lies in the early stages of a project, where creativity flows freely and multiple ideas are explored. This is where my passion for concept design and background in architectural training truly shine. I excel in visualizing and articulating design intent for the team, helping to provide a focal point around which ideas can come together. Crafting iterations of a design that capture the essence of a project, speaking for the collective vision of a team, is immensely exciting for me. In the realms of themed entertainment and experience design, I find particular excitement in the iterative process of concept development. My time at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) was pivotal in honing my skills alongside industry-leading talent. Projects like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus were not just professional milestones, but also eye-opening experiences, witnessing ideas come to life.
My journey with industry-leading experience design firms such as BRC has exposed me to a wide array of project types, from breweries to brand homes to museums. Iterating design concepts with the team and witnessing seemingly mundane and ordinary spaces transform into vibrant, living environments through collaborative effort is truly inspiring.
I’ve come to understand that regardless of a project’s scale or expectations, it’s ultimately about people coming together. I cherish the early design phases, where ideas flow freely, as they offer valuable insights into the personalities and aspirations of my collaborators. Understanding and respecting the needs of both clients and team members and bringing their vision to life through design is a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly. There’s an undeniable thrill in shaping the intangible into something tangible until it feels just right.
I find my passion and excitement in the collaborative process of design, where every stroke of the pen or click of the mouse brings us closer to a shared vision. That’s where I thrive, and that’s where I’m fully invested in the work I do.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating my professional journey alone has been far from a smooth ride. The solitary nature of the work is undoubtedly the toughest aspect, compounded by the challenge of collaborating with new individuals almost every time. There’s also the ongoing challenge of sourcing projects and building lasting relationships. The initial step is always the most daunting, but with each endeavor, it becomes slightly more manageable.
Regardless of the magnitude of my role, my ethos remains constant: to seamlessly integrate into the team and identify avenues where I can contribute. I always make a conscious effort to empathize with my peers and find out how I can offer the best assistance with my skillsets to propel projects forward.
Approaching my work with this mindset has enabled me to navigate the challenges of finding projects and working with different team dynamics.
I firmly believe that when individuals perceive your sincerity and willingness to support, it fosters a reciprocal atmosphere of respect and cooperation.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a collaborative designer currently thriving in the themed entertainment and experience design industry, wearing multiple hats as a design director, concept architect, and experience designer. My expertise lies in the development of concept designs for various projects, where I help craft design proposals and pitch ideas to team members or clients alike. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to some of the most groundbreaking themed entertainment experiences in recent memory. Notably, my work as a Concept Architect at Walt Disney Imagineering on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge pushed the boundaries of audience immersion and interactivity. Additionally, I’ve lent my skills to projects like Avengers Campus (also with WDI), initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of their vision 2030, and a confidential venture with Virgin Galactic in the Chihuahuan desert. Collaborating with BRC, I’ve also contributed to projects creating brand homes and brand experiences.
I take pride in my ability to translate the aspirations and intentions of my clients into inspired visions that captivate guests and bring our client’s dreams to life. It’s rewarding to transform the mere prose of space into the poetry of narrative experiences, infusing storytelling elements.
Collaboration and empathy are inherent strengths of mine. Whether it’s small-scale concept visualization or large-scale concept development for multidisciplinary architectural and experiential projects, I prioritize fostering genuine connections and kindness. It’s through these relationships that great work is consistently achieved.
Any big plans?
I don’t have a concrete future plan at the moment. Instead, I aim to continue giving my best in the present, trusting that it will pave the way to a future I’ll find fulfilling. In my professional journey, I’m always exploring where my true passion lies, and I make a conscious effort to immerse myself in new environments, connecting with and learning from diverse individuals. I firmly believe that there’s always something new to discover.
Perhaps one day, I’ll look back and realize that the significant changes in my life were actually the result of countless small moments of growth that quietly shaped me without my awareness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hyeunjasonlee.work/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hjl/
