Nicholas Correa

Nick is a Senior AV Consultant with responsibility for the design, documentation, and construction administration of audio and video systems.

I’m an Associate Director at Charcoalblue, where I lead the design and coordination of audio and video systems across a range of performance and cultural projects. I enjoy working at the intersection of disciplines, helping translate creative ambition into clear, buildable solutions that support both the performers on stage and the in-room or remote audience. I approach projects with a strong emphasis collaboration and understanding, working closely across the design team to align technical decisions with architectural and operational goals. What matters most to me is creating solutions that are practical and perform reliably, adapt over time, and ultimately help people connect.

A Problem You Love Solving

I’m particularly drawn to challenging renovation projects—especially in older or highly constrained buildings. These are the projects where nothing is straightforward, and that’s what makes them interesting. The core challenge is figuring out how to integrate modern systems into existing infrastructure in a way that actually works—without overcomplicating it or compromising performance.I like to start with the people who use the space. Getting on site, talking with operators, and understanding their day-to-day pain points gives you a clear sense of what matters and what doesn’t. From there, I enjoy digging into the building itself—how it was put together, where pathways exist, and where there might be opportunities to make something work that initially seems impossible. There’s a hands-on, investigative side to it that I really enjoy—crawling through tight spaces, tracing cable paths, and working through routing challenges that don’t have obvious solutions.What I like most about these projects is that they force you to be practical and creative at the same time. You can’t rely on standard details—you have to adapt, collaborate, and make smart decisions in real time. It’s a constant balance of constraints and opportunities, and that process has shaped how I approach all of my work.

A Place That Shaped or Inspires You

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me heading west to Big Bend. It’s a bit of a trek, but that’s part of the appeal—the farther you go, the quieter it gets. I love the mix of rugged desert, deep history, and the surprising amount of life that thrives out there. It’s the kind of place where you hike during the day, sit around a fire at night, and actually unplug for a while. It reminds me to slow down, pay attention, and appreciate the details you’d otherwise miss. It may not be the easiest destination, but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.

Cultural Value You Most Identify With

I most identify with Professional Excellence. For me, that’s about more than just delivering technically correct work, it’s about being thoughtful, thorough, and accountable from start to finish. I take pride in creating designs that are clear, buildable, and aligned with how a space will actually be used. I also see professional excellence as something that’s constantly evolving, learning from each project, refining processes, and finding better ways to deliver quality work. Ultimately, it’s about setting a high standard and consistently meeting it in a way that supports both the team and the client.