Matt Smee

Matt's extensive experience and creative vision have made him an invaluable asset to our theatre consultancy team.

In my role at Charcoalblue, I provide specialist consultancy in the design and integration of stagelighting and audiovisual systems for a wide variety of scenarios. My work focuses on developing technical infrastructures that are as practical as they are innovative, ensuring that every system is tailored to the specific functional requirements of the venue. I approach each project with a collaborative mindset, prioritising clear communication with both the design team and the end-users to ensure the technology serves the creative intent of the space. To me, the most important aspect of any design is the balance between high-level performance and long-term operational reliability. I am committed to delivering intuitive, future-proof systems that empower technicians and performers to execute their work with total confidence and precision.

What Excites You Most About Your Work

What truly excites me is the moment a complex technical design translates into a tangible, immersive atmosphere. There is a unique thrill in solving the “puzzle” of a performance space—taking a sophisticated array of lighting, networking, and acoustics and weaving them into a seamless system that feels effortless to the user. I find it incredibly rewarding to anticipate the future needs of a venue, creating flexible environments where a designer’s most ambitious ideas can actually come to life. Ultimately, I’m driven by the intersection of precision engineering and artistic storytelling; knowing that the infrastructure I’ve designed provides the foundation for a flawless live experience is what makes this work so compelling.

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

I’ve long been a devotee of Douglas Adams’ “trilogy” in five parts, mostly because it perfectly captures the beautiful absurdity of navigating the universe. There is something deeply relatable about the idea that “space is big, really big,” or the sobering realisation that “it is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems with just potatoes.” Whether I’m pondering the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything or just trying to remember where I put my towel, these books remain my go-to reminder not to take the chaos too seriously; after all, “the ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don’t”. Above all, they’ve taught me the two most important lessons for navigating life and the galaxy alike: always know where your towel is, and—most importantly—Don’t Panic.

Cultural Value That Inspires You to Go the Extra Mile

My design approach prioritises dismantling the physical and technical barriers that historically limit participation in performance spaces. I view Equity, Diversity and Inclusion not as an add-on, but as a foundational requirement for modern technical infrastructure. This means designing lighting and AV systems that are intuitive and accessible for all bodies and skill levels, ensuring that technical booths and performance areas accommodate diverse physical needs. By focusing on inclusive ergonomics and flexible system architecture, I strive to create environments where anyone, regardless of background or ability, can engage fully with the technology and the craft of storytelling.