Dicky Burgess

Dicky consults on all aspects of theatre design, specialising in audiovisual and stagelighting systems for projects.

I am an associate Director at Charcoalblue, I design audio, video and lighting systems for projects within the EMEA region as well as leading project teams, I also work on business development, improving internal processes and design output. When designing systems I ensure that the solutions I propose are right for the clients and in particular the end users and will last a long time. Technology can help make a venue flourish, but it has to be the right solution for the project, and that is the key to a successful venue.

What Brought You to Charcoalblue

Being the chief electrician at Wales Millennium Centre when it opened in 2004 introduced me to Peter Angier who was the theatre consultant on that project. Opening a large venue, going through the inevitable snagging process whilst trying to put shows on showed me just how important the role of a theatre consultant is to a project, and I knew from that moment that I wanted to shape venues of the future myself.

What You Hope People Feel in a Space You’ve Worked On

I would want the technical staff working in a venue to appreciate the thought and effort that has gone into a design. Working professionally in theatre for over 20 years has given me a great insight into what staff working in venues need in terms of technology, connectivity and most importantly space. I regularly see venues where the infrastructure installed over 30 years ago is still in use, so anything I design today could easily be in use in 2060, so I have to get it right.

What We Won’t Learn from Your CV

I enjoy running, and do the 5k park run most Saturdays. I find that that it helps clear my mind in a way that nothing else quite does. I have been known to do a half marathon.

What Are You Learning About Right Now

My son has a 3D printer, so I’ve had to learn the software needed to run that – luckily it’s quite similar to the 3D software we use for buildings.

A Book, Podcast, Building, or Creative Work That Inspires You

I’m a big fan of the Sydney Opera house and have had the opportunity to visit it several times and have a backstage tour (not the one that the public go on!) It’s been great to see their renewal project that has taken place over the past 10 years that has brought the buildings technical systems up to date.

Cultural Value You Most Identify With

Successful collaboration with clients, architects and wider design team members on projects is key to the smooth running of a project. Listening, understanding and talking with clients, especially at the early stages of a project can help build trust, which which will make the decision making process during a project easier to navigate. Construction projects are complex and lengthy processes. I see it as my job to make the process as painless for clients and the end users and the key to this is collaboration during every stage of the process.