Info
marisa@marisamckay.com
LinkedIn Profile
About
Specializing in Experiential Design and possessing over 25 years of experience in the fields of Architecture and Design, Entertainment, and Marketing.
Design Management, and Art Direction in design-build, custom fabrication, and original art production. Certified PMP.
I am experienced in managing and art directing small and large scale projects with budgets ranging from the thousands to the hundred millions, and both temporary and permanent applications.
I thrive on collaboration with creative and intelligent people and am a problem solver, adept at creative solutions to challenges and opportunities with strong organization, thorough planning and clear communication.
Curious and adventurous, I am passionate about the arts, with an interest in science, and enjoy expressing myself through writing, design, and aerial arts. I love travel, good food and laughing.
Feel free to contact me with opportunities, I'd love to hear from you.
Membership Organizations
PMI; The Long Now Foundation; Los Angeles Conservancy; Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy; Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design
Applied Invention
DESIGN MANAGER | 2016 - PRESENT
Design Manager and Art director for Danny Hillis’ 10,000 Year Clock project in collaboration with the Long Now Foundation and Jeff Bezos.
Design Management for commercial scale controlled environment agriculture (CEA) project in development.
May Lindstrom
PRODUCT DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT | 2015 - 2016
Product Design and Development of custom high-end packaging for global luxury skincare brand.
Scenario Design
SR. ART DIRECTOR | 2007 - 2008
Sr. Art Direction & Design for design-build company specializing in thematic construction, scenic fabrication and art. Projects included façades, interiors, furniture, commercial art, interactive environments, marquees, displays, and more. Clients included The Cheesecake Factory, BRC Imagination Arts for The Arizona Science Center, The Mini Time Machine Museum, and Rivera Restaurant, among others.
Radarworks
ACCOUNT MANAGER + LEAD EVENT PRODUCER | 2004 - 2005
Acted in dual roles for boutique advertising agency producing national conferences and special events for the Microsoft North America Leadership Team. Art Directed and collaborated on concepts and creative development of client marketing efforts and brand identity, including print and online. Clients included Microsoft, The Seattle Public Library, Environmental Science Associates, and others.
SottoStudios, Inc.
DESIGN MANAGER + ART DIRECTOR | 2008 - 2020
Design Manager and Art Director for experiential design studio specializing in highly themed or exotic design projects, including commercial projects and select private residences, utilizing the tools of experiential design to develop products, environments, brands, and businesses.
Clients included Walt Disney Imagineering, Roald Dahl Estate, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Rivera Restaurant, Walt Disney World, Embraer Executive Jets, Galpin Motors, Knott’s Berry Farm, Blue Origin, UCLA, and London’s The Shard, among other prestigious private clients.
Finalist for Private Jet Concept Design for SKYACHT One (as Design Manager SottoStudios/LA) for the International Yacht & Aviation Awards
Finalist for Best Restaurant Design for Los Angeles by the American Institute of Architects for Rivera Restaurant (as Design Manager on behalf of SottoStudios/LA)
House of Huerta
PRODUCT DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT | 2015 - 2017
Product Design and Development and Marketing for The Boozy Bouquet™, a high-end product for the bridal/wedding market. Included prototype development, production strategies, brand and identity, and media production.
Levy/Sheckler
SR. ACCOUNT MANAGER + PRODUCER | 2005 - 2006
Acted in dual roles for boutique advertising agency, producing advertising campaigns, including pre- and post-production of original TV and radio spots, print advertising and collateral, as well as a short-form documentary. Clients included the Seattle Seahawks, Highline West Seattle Mental Health, Seattle Public Library, Taco del Mar, and others.
The Rebel Organization
SR. ACCT. MGR. + ART DIRECTOR | 2006 - 2007
Dual roles for experiential marketing agency developing and maintaining client relations, as well as Art Direction for conception, pitch and execution of marketing campaigns and promotions including special events, broadcast, online, brand identity, print and more. Clients included 20th Century Fox, Cricket Communications, Xbox, Zune, and others.
Freelance Media + Events
PRODUCTION & DESIGN | 1996 - 2007
Freelance production and design on feature films, commercials, television series, short films and documentaries, as well as live events including multi-stage music festivals and concerts, fashion shows, and theatrical productions. Roles have included Producer, Production Designer, Art Director, Set Dresser, Locations, and others. Productions have included The Hammer (feature), Life, Or Something Like It (feature), American Idol (series), The Fugitive (series), Stephen King's Rose Red (mini-series), and others.
Atelier MM
PRODUCT DESIGN | 2014 - PRESENT
Founder and designer/fabricator of unique and custom jewelry, apparel, accessories and home goods for sale online and at select boutiques.
Feral NYC
PRODUCTION + DESIGN | 2015 - 2019
Design services for boutique production company servicing sports, fashion, lifestyle and beauty brands. Projects have included Production Design for short format independent film For Your Consideration; Interior Design of the NY headquarters, and concept design for Happy Money headquarters lounge interiors; Production Management for client photo shoots including Nike, Cover Girl, and Beats By Dre.
Crafting Community
PRODUCTION MANAGER + ART DIRECTOR | 2015
Production Management and Art Direction for charitable back-to-school event in Austin, TX sponsored by Zappos, in affiliation with Matthew McConaughey’s JK Livin’ Foundation.
Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design
GRAPHIC DESIGN + DESKTOP PUBLISHING | 2015
Designed the layout for The NW Corner book, in collaboration with Dion Neutra, and developed graphic design initiatives for the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design, dedicated to preserving the legacy of Dion Neutra’s architecture and philosophy.
Neverstop
CULTURAL ENGINEER/LEAD EVENTS PRODUCER | 2000 - 2004
Produced national events, concerts, and experiential marketing initiatives, installations, media and promotions. Clients included Nike, Microsoft, MSN Music, Starbucks, Washington Mutual, Mexx Clothing, Armani Exchange, Song Airlines, Sci-Fi Channel, among others.
Greg Thompson Prods.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR | SCENE SHOP | 1999-2000
Technical Director including lighting, sound, stage management, and minor pyrotechnics. Member of the scene shop staff for set construction for national theatrical revues and productions.