Paul Franklin brings international theatre consultancy experience to Charcoalblue. Skilled in the design of lighting, dimming and control systems for a wide range of environments and functions, Franklin has contributed to a number of prestigious projects including the critically acclaimed Wexford Opera House, Ireland. Franklin says: "My focus at Charcoalblue will be to design lighting and lighting control systems that enhance our clients' projects and provide flexibility and reliability well into the future".
Trained architect and theatre planner Elena Giakoumaki, previously part of the Arts Team at RHWL Architects and before that at Andrzej Blonski Architects, brings eight years of specialist experience in the design of large-scale auditoria. Recent work includes the auditorium design of the Theatre at the O2 and the recently opened Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin. Giakoumaki says: "I will be working alongside Charcoalblue design director and architect Gavin Green. Our remit is to provide clients with custom tailored auditoria and technical design that best serves their operational and artistic needs."
Trained singer, musician and acoustician, Byron Harrison, has considerable expertise in acoustic design for venues of all kinds, honed during eight years working at Talaske, the world-renowned acoustic consultancy based in Chicago. Harrison says: "My role will be to create the best possible spaces for sound, each with the most appropriate acoustic signature for its function. Our collaborative coordinated service will offer particularly good value in the marketplace."
Giles Favell has 33 years of theatre industry experience. He has been employed as a production manager at RADA, and later became project manager for the Academy's five-year redevelopment. For the past seven years he's been principal designer at Steeldeck where he invented the ingenious (and patented) WedgeLock and the award-winning APACK retractable seating system. Favell says: "I'm looking forward to working with the Charcoalblue team to deliver safe, efficient, flexible stage engineering solutions wherever they might be needed."
Managing director Andy Hayles says: "We are delighted to welcome four such talented individuals to the team. These appointments will ensure that Charcoalblue can fulfil its plan to expand its specialist offerings in theatrical, engineering, lighting and acoustic design. We hope this will enable us to increase our abilities to deliver exciting, cohesive, appropriately designed spaces and innovative theatrical solutions to performing arts facilities around the globe."
(Lee Baldock)
