SA: How do you create a ride?
TC: I work with a core team of 30 people. We start with a story, create storyboards and scripts. Then the engineers and architects join the team and bring the storyboards to life. Eventually, the team grows to about 300 people, from lighting and sound engineers to set designers. The process takes almost four years.
SA: What skills do you need for your job?
TC: You need to be creative, of course. But you also need to know design-software programs. Knowing math is also very helpful for understanding the movement of the ride and building the ride.
SA: What is the best career-path to become a ride designer?
TC: Architecture, environmental design, and graphic design are all good paths. There are many ways into ride design. And once you are in the business, you’ll learn new skills that will help you advance.
SA: What has been the biggest factor in your success?
TC: I believe in my convictions. I don’t take no for an answer. I am always challenging my team for new ideas. Nothing is impossible. And my team has adopted that philosophy.
SA: What is the best part of your job?
TC: It’s fun! I can’t get up early enough to get to work. I create new things every day. And I work with some of the most talented people in the world.