Meet the Team

Bradley Fritz

Associate Director

Headshot
Location
Chicago, USA
Expertise
Theatre & Venue Design
Email
bradley.fritz@charcoalblue.com
Phone
1.212.645.0790
LinkedIn
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Bradley provides consultancy in all aspects of theater design, specializing in auditorium design and planning, seating, sightlines and accessibility.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have a career that brings together my passions for architecture, music, and theater. As a Theater Designer, I approach each project focusing on the people who will ultimately use and experience the space. A performer myself, I’ve seen firsthand the impact the arts can have on individuals and communities, how they can bridge divides, foster connection, and inspire future generations. What continues to excite me about my work at Charcoalblue is knowing that the spaces we create will become meaningful, enduring cultural institutions for years to come.

What Brought You to Charcoalblue

I’ve been a musician since the age of four, and within a few years I added acting to my creative pursuits. By (at least) first grade, I also knew I wanted to become an architect. What I didn’t realize, even throughout architecture school, was that theatre design could be a career path. As a young architect, I was fortunate to be assigned to a concert hall project, where my performance background gave me a unique perspective and the freedom to shape the design in a meaningful way. That experience introduced me to the world of consultants and revealed a path toward designing performance spaces full-time. After gaining experience in both acoustic and theatre consulting, I discovered Charcoalblue. I quickly recognized how closely their values aligned with my own, and it became clear that this was the right place for me.

Coffee, Travel, or Creative Ritual

For many years I never had a taste for coffee. It was always bitter to me. It turns out I had only tasted really bad coffee. A few years ago, on a trip with my husband to Kona, Hawaii, I discovered what good coffee can taste like. It quickly became a hobby of mine to source the best beans, find the best roasters, and perfect the brewing process. Today, making a fresh Americano is part of my routine and helps me focus on my day ahead. Even though I’m not reliant on the caffeine, my husband still refers to me as a “coffee fiend.”

Cultural Value That Inspires You to Go the Extra Mile

I always keep professional excellence at the forefront of my mind. Not only does this mean I am producing my best work for our clients, but it also ensures our success by cultivating happiness – there’s no better way to find future work than by having satisfied clients now. Maintaining excellence does not mean being overly formal, however. In fact, Charcoalblue delivers exceptional work while maintaining a casual, approachable attitude – a trait that is born out of our collective experience in the theater world.