Graeme McGinty

Graeme consults on all aspects of lighting, video and sound design, and provides team leadership and coordination across all aspects of theatre consultancy.

Working as both a technical designer and team leader as well as assisting with progression of the company as an associate director – all shared with the same passion.To get the best results and match the brief I find it important to know your audience and be willing to adapt your conversation and presentation style to get the best out of a team and develop a consistent and trusting relationship with our clients.I joined Charcoalblue with a goal to assist in improving the conditions of performance venues for staff and audiences. Creating more time to focus on supporting the presented work through innovative solutions that mean technical staff do not have to battle the systems or the building. While at Charcoalblue I’ve seen the importance of extending this consideration to audiences – letting the building be part of the journey, but not a distraction.

A Problem You Love Solving

We often devise clever systems to make a room flexible, but I particularly enjoy working out how to flex the operations. Making intuitive design choices that are right for all end users to access, no matter what their technical skill level is. By designing a stepping stone approach assists in developing the operational talent across our industry, making it more accessible.

Coffee, Travel, or Creative Ritual

I’ve always had a job that sees me inside a lot. I always feel more inspired when outside, with a wider vista as possible. This is why I always find a happy space on the North Norfolk coast, with it’s big sky and gentle waves. But any wide open space will always cheer me up.

Cultural Value You Most Identify With

A truly collaborative process means that opinions are heard and considered, ideas are shared and combined to create something greater than the sum of it’s parts. I find every voice will bring an angle or a nuance that can be missed in the noise if the process is top- heavy. Collaboration brings up individuals too, creating learning opportunities. I’ve learnt so much from collaboration with others, and value this every day.

Cultural Value That Inspires You to Go the Extra Mile

Coming to a project with an environmental focus, especially when this is shared across the team, really helps pinpoint the fundamentals of design. Often the first approach is questioning why something is needed and if this is a justification for inclusion in the scheme. Designing to enable the next generation to inhabit the space, with a view of repurposing or adapting ensures longevity of use, being conscious or resources.