This was a themed fundraising gala hosted by National Jewish Health, inspired by the rich visuals and atmosphere of the Broadway show Moulin Rouge. As Graphics Manager at Design Works, I was responsible for designing and producing immersive event graphics that transformed the venue into a theatrical, Parisian dreamscape. My team and I handcrafted every graphic element, from large-scale foam core builds to detailed vinyl graphics, bringing the story to life through every hallway, wall, and stage piece.

The biggest challenge was the extremely tight turnaround—I had just one month to concept, design, produce, and install all the event graphics. Working with only two other teammates, we had to physically cut and assemble everything by hand while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship and cohesion across the space.

I focused on early alignment with the client and internal teams to establish a clear creative direction. I built a visual checklist to stay organized and made sure every element—from the layered stage heart to the hand-lettered “L’amour” wall—worked together to enhance the immersive atmosphere. We designed around the stage’s multi-level depth, incorporating dimensional graphics like a windmill and elephant to mimic the Broadway show’s drama and scale.

The final space was bold, dramatic, and elegant. Attendees were visibly awestruck, and I even had people at my table asking how we pulled it all off. The client was thrilled and said the results exceeded their expectations. Seeing my wife’s reaction as we entered each space reminded me how magical design can be when it truly transports people. This project pushed my endurance and sharpened my systems for managing high-pressure creative builds.