Universal Creative | Show Set Design Internship

As a Show Set Design intern with Universal Creative, I had the opportunity to contribute to the construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. I collaborated with my epic team to develop high-quality show set packages, respond to RFI's, provide in-field solutions and follow-up documentation, and more to ensure the overall adherence to specifications. I also communicated with project directors, producers, and contractors to maintain the creative design intent through the process of construction. 

One of the most defining moments of the internship was the chance to lead the show set package for the Phoenix Arch, a 70-foot-tall monument at the entrance to the land. My task was to ensure the structure felt authentic to 1920s Paris, matched the design intent, and could be built accurately in the field. But beyond drawings, this meant working with the team of artisans who would carve the intricate details by hand. I met with them onsite, walked them through my plans, and asked, “What do you need from me to make this successful?” 

That conversation turned into a true collaboration. They shared insights I would never have picked up on my own - about tools, material behavior, and construction sequencing - and together, we refined the plan into something both buildable and beautiful. That moment showed me what leadership in design can truly look like: listening first, building trust across disciplines, staying adaptable, and creating space for others to bring their expertise forward. I learned that great design doesn’t happen in isolation, it gets better when it’s shared. 

On this project, collaborators from wildly different disciplines shared that team mindset, united by the goal of creating something meaningful for others to enjoy. We were solving muddy problems together, and I walked away with a deeper respect for the power of collaborative leadership. 

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