Archinect
Thom Boessel

Thom Boessel

Orlando, FL, US

 

About 

As an expert in design, with a specific focus on 3D integration, planning, and attraction development, I possess a unique and valuable skill set that includes concept design and creation abilities. Throughout my career, I have successfully delivered numerous large-scale resort projects, including World-class IP Lands and Attractions, CityWalk, and Transportation at the Universal Beijing Resort. My experience spans the entire project lifecycle, from bluesky/concept development to project delivery, In terms of technical design, I have a strong command of both 3D and 2D design, and I am adept at pivoting quickly in the design process to achieve optimal results. Additionally, I possess extensive leadership and management experience, including brand design, complex corporate navigation, and goal-orientation. I am a skilled problem-solver with the ability to identify and resolve design issues effectively.

Elsewhere:

Thom's School Blog on Archinect:

Boston Architectural College (Thomas)

Category Title

Employment 

studio BOESSEL, Orlando, FL, US, Head of Creative

Studio Boessel is a creative, high-energy, responsive multidisciplinary design and fabrication firm. We specialize in developing immersive destinations, interactive experiences, exhibits, and other designed spaces where the guest experience is of paramount importance.

Mar 2023 - current
 

Universal Creative - Universal Studios Destinations and Experiences, Orlando, FL, US, Director of Architecture, Planning, and Themed Environments

As the Director of Architecture, I was previously responsible for leading the design, direction, and management of architectural planning for international future projects. This included working closely with my team to create design concepts and plans that were in line with the latest architectural design principles, building codes and regulations, and industry trends. My role was to oversee that the initial concept design was completed on time, within budget, to the required program, and to the highest standards. I also had to navigate through executive approval processes, and this required me to have strong communication and negotiation skills.

One of the key aspects of my role was to ensure that the projects were compelling to future guests, sustainable, energy-efficient, and in compliance with the operational requirements and regulations. I was also responsible for keeping track of project progress and working closely with other departments and stakeholders to ensure that projects were completed according to plan.

Aug 2022 - Jan 2023
 

Universal Creative - Universal Studios Destinations and Experiences, Beijing China, Head of Branding, Global Restaurant Development

As the former Head of Branding for Global Restaurant Development, I was responsible for creating and maintaining brand standards for our existing owned and operated restaurants and developing new, future concepts for the company. This included developing and implementing branding strategies and guidelines, as well as overseeing the execution of these guidelines in all aspects of the restaurant business, including but not limited to interior design, menu development, and marketing. I was also responsible for conducting market research, analyzing consumer trends, and identifying opportunities for new concepts and initiatives.

Aug 2020 - Aug 2022
 

Universal Creative - Universal Studios Destinations and Experiences, Beijing, China, Director of Projects, Assistant

As the Assistant Director for Projects and Creative Project Director, I was responsible for the delivery of the resort development, Theme Park Master Plan, Land Development, Attraction Development, CityWalk, and eleven owned and operated venues. This included overseeing all aspects of the project, from conceptualization to completion, and ensuring that the project was delivered on time and within budget constraints.

I was responsible for coordinating with government entities, executive leadership, and our joint venture partner for project approvals, and ensuring that all project requirements were met. This required strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to navigate complex government processes that were in place on this international project.

I was also responsible for overseeing the creative direction of the project, working closely with designers, architects, and other creative professionals to ensure that the project met the company's design standards and guidelines.

In summary, my role as Assistant Director for Projects and Creative Project Director was to oversee the delivery of the resort development, CityWalk, and eleven owned and operated venues, coordinate with government entities, executive leadership, and our joint venture partner for project approvals, and lead the creative direction of the project to ensure that it met the company's design standards and guidelines.

Mar 2013 - Aug 2020
 

Kosmo Studios, Orlando, FL, US, Creative Director

With an unparalleled technical skill set and enormous amount of creative talent, Thom leads Kosmo Studios ever forward with his cutting edge ideas and designs. Thom possesses the ability to transform a blank page or an empty space into a fully developed creative vision that always exceeds the clients’ expectations. Beyond the design of spaces, Thom is exceptionally skilled at integrating technical components (audio / visual / programming) into any themed environment or experience. This allows Kosmo Studios to offer fully interactive and comprehensive components to any guest experience.

(I did not write this, and kind of embarrassed to be pasting it)

Sep 2008 - Feb 2013
 

Education 

Boston Architectural College (BAC), Boston, MA, US, MArch, Master of Architecture

Jan 2020 - Dec 2021
 

Boston Architectural College (BAC), BArch, Bachelor of Design Studies - Sustainable Design

Sep 2008 - Dec 2012
 

Awards 

Sustainable Transport Center, Honorable Mention

We would like all of you to know that the winning projects are the ones that the jury has considered more interesting and had a particular point to highlight, but that doesn’t mean in any case that any of the non-prized proposals is wrong or has a wrong approach to the project.

Architecture is a reflection of culture, and sustainable architecture is a reflection of a sustainable culture. From the beginning our team has discussed the importance of aiming to achieve not only and sustainable transportation center within a unique city but to create a unique urban experience within an urban setting. Inclusion is our approach to sustainability. We sought to bring together members of the city around a sustainable hub, were they can experience the future potential of the electric plug-in city-cars and interact within spaces adjacent to a headquarter for research in green technologies. Barcelona is a 24 hour city, and within it we wanted to create a beacon, that shines light on the possibilities of tomorrow. It will be a haven for everyone living in Barcelona, not to mention sustainable drivers, officers-workers and researchers. We provide for the neighborhood an elevated public park with a cafe. People here can enjoy what the public spaces has to offer as well as contemplated about the development of the eco-friendly technologies of today and tomorrow.

We would like to encourage all of you to keep on with this excellent job and invite you to participate in the coming ArchMedium competitions with the professionalism that has been shown in this one.

2010
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills