Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Garcia Grech.
Hi Luis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was trained as an architect in Madrid, where I spent three years crafting designs for airports, hospitals, and various architectural ventures. I’ve always loved design and storytelling, and I believe architects are not only great designers but also great storytellers.
Despite my admiration for architecture, my growing curiosity for these two facets prompted me to explore diverse creative realms. This journey led me to immerse myself in the dynamic realm of Motion Graphics—an industry that captivated me with its rapid creative pace and captivating visual narratives.
Amidst this exploration, I stumbled upon SCI-Arc, an avant-garde architecture school nestled in LA’s Art District, housing the Fiction & Entertainment post-graduate program under the guidance of architect and director Liam Young. Recognizing this program as the perfect convergence of my passion for design and my love for film and storytelling, I engaged in conversations with Liam and, ultimately, decided to apply and relocate to LA in August 2021.
Post-program, designed to facilitate architects and designers’ transition into the Entertainment industry, I co-founded RAW. a studio of speculative worldbuilders and explorers of uncharted territories. Alongside three colleagues from my program, we’ve been diligently growing and developing our brand since our graduation in September 2022.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think it’s safe to say that the last few years have been very challenging and defining for everyone.
The onset of the pandemic coincided with the early stages of my architectural career in Madrid, ushering in a period of profound change and uncertainty on both personal and professional fronts. While the global crisis brought about numerous difficulties, it also afforded me the invaluable space to reassess my life’s direction and contemplate the trajectory of my professional path. It was during this global standstill that the decision to embark on a career in Los Angeles took root—a choice that might not have materialized without the pause prompted by the pandemic.
Following my graduation from SCI-Arc and the establishment of RAW, we encountered a notably slow winter in 2022, followed swiftly by the writers’ and actors’ strike in 2023. This challenging introduction to the industry and our new venture became an opportunity for growth and exploration. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, we approached it as a chance to diversify our experiences. From producing a commercial for the experimental fashion label Happy Medium to designing concept art for Wired Japan and collaborating with architect and designer Jennifer Chen on her 3D Short Film ‘No Evil,’ our pursuit of exploration propelled us beyond our comfort zone, fostering significant growth along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In September 2022, I co-founded RAW, a production house based in LA. At RAW, we specialize in speculative worldbuilding, designing, developing, and producing worlds for stories to unfold.
Our multidisciplinary team, consisting of directors, production designers, and real-time artists, visually explore the world of a brand or script and flesh it out using Virtual Production and Traditional VFX pipelines. We design worlds for a film, television series, commercial campaign, game, or music video to take place. On top of that, we also produce these worlds in-house using Unreal Engine, Maya, Blender, Houdini, Marvelous Designer, and Zbrush.
Our unique perspective as outsiders to the industry, hailing from diverse backgrounds in design and architecture, coupled with our international composition—from Colombia to Belgium, Israel, and Spain—infuses a fresh approach to each project and challenge we undertake. This, combined with our continuous personal development and ventures into diverse industries, propels us to thrive in the dynamic landscape of creative production.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I come from a family of movie lovers, book-eaters, historians, and journalists, and I’ve always been captivated by the power of a good story.
Growing up, my surroundings were infused with a rich tapestry of books, graphic novels, music records, and films. However, it wasn’t just the tangible artifacts of storytelling that shaped my perspective; it was the impassioned individuals around me who shared their enthusiasm for these art forms. Whether it was engaging in spirited discussions after watching a specific film during family gatherings or indulging in endless conversations about books and comics with my cousins, this immersive environment profoundly influenced the lens through which I approach and interpret life—both on a personal and professional level. Indeed, it has played an instrumental role in shaping the person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rawxworld.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lgarciagrech/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-garcia-grech-849b161a6/
Image Credits
Wired JP
Actual Objects
Nadi Saddy
POSTPOSTPOST
Jennifer Chen
4993 Feet Under
