Joe Mapson

Joe consults on all aspects of technical systems design, specialising in stage engineering systems.

I’m a Stage Engineering Designer and team leader, and part of the Design Principal team. I approach every project by thinking about how the building will actually be experienced, whether that’s by a technical operator, a visiting artist, or someone sitting in the audience. It’s quite a responsibility but through the deep understanding of the performing arts and with the collaboration of amazing colleagues, I love it when we impact a design to make a building sing out with artistic possibilities! I genuinely love what I do. I’ve been lucky to contribute and continue contributing to the fabric of cultural and creative projects around the world, as well in my home city of Bristol.

What Does Great Design or Experience Mean to You

Great design in performing spaces is about unlocking possibility; the place where practical necessity and artistic ambition meet. On a large scale, this might take the form of elegant, innovative solutions that allow a venue to transform from seated to standing, from end on to in the round, reshaping the space to heighten that shared, live connection between performer and audience.Just as often, it lives in the smallest design choice; a quick release hook, a thoughtfully placed power outlet, a carefully considered cable pass. These details may go unnoticed by most, but they profoundly shape the experience of those who live and breathe life in the performance space.

What We Won’t Learn from Your CV

I am a dad to three lovely boysI love to swim in cold waterI can procrastinate endlessly At home I can be a bit lazy I feel better when i exercise regularly (see point above)I brew my own beer

What Are You Learning About Right Now

Though i don’t speak any Irish, i have family heritage there, and i’m learning more about Irish folklore and the connection between the Irish language it’s connection to place and the land.

Cultural Value You Most Identify With

Creativity and Innovation are the reason i come into work everyday, whether it’s in my own practice as a designer, or through collaboration with our talented colleagues. I’m always looking for a new solution and am always fascinated to see how colleagues can approach the same problem, with a different solution. The creativity and spark of innovation and imagination within a project can really feed my work practice, and it’s that energy that often pushes me to go the additional mile(s) that the nature of our work sometime require.