With over 30 years of experience working on complex immersive exhibitions, live stage shows, rides, theme parks, museums, visitor attractions and heritage sites in the UK and overseas, I am highly skilled in researching and developing concepts and stories and creating set designs and interactive content that bring experiences to life. My designs leverage storytelling, artifacts, media, art and cutting-edge immersive technologies to draw visitors deeper into the moment and deliver richly rewarding experiences for audiences of all ages. I love surprises, meticulous attention to detail, and using old and new theatrical tricks to amaze and entertain. Drawing on my background in Musical Theatre, Film and TV, I develop new attractions using original techniques, and I use 3D CAD to solve complex technical issues and create life-like visuals and content. I have run my own company as Creative Director, led major design initiatives for Sea Life London, Madam Tussauds Baker Street, Nike, Merlin, and Sarner International, and delivered masterplans and interactive experiences across the UK and Europe. I enjoy leading teams, shaping master plans, and delivering installations from concept through to commissioning, with a deep commitment to storytelling and immersive technology.

Riette Hayes-Davies

With over 30 years of experience working on complex immersive exhibitions, live stage shows, rides, theme parks, museums, visitor attractions and heritage sites in the UK and overseas, I am highly skilled in researching and developing concepts and stories and creating set designs and interactive content that bring experiences to life. My designs leverage storytelling, artifacts, media, art and cutting-edge immersive technologies to draw visitors deeper into the moment and deliver richly rewarding experiences for audiences of all ages. I love surprises, meticulous attention to detail, and using old and new theatrical tricks to amaze and entertain. Drawing on my background in Musical Theatre, Film and TV, I develop new attractions using original techniques, and I use 3D CAD to solve complex technical issues and create life-like visuals and content. I have run my own company as Creative Director, led major design initiatives for Sea Life London, Madam Tussauds Baker Street, Nike, Merlin, and Sarner International, and delivered masterplans and interactive experiences across the UK and Europe. I enjoy leading teams, shaping master plans, and delivering installations from concept through to commissioning, with a deep commitment to storytelling and immersive technology.

Available to hire

With over 30 years of experience working on complex immersive exhibitions, live stage shows, rides, theme parks, museums, visitor attractions and heritage sites in the UK and overseas, I am highly skilled in researching and developing concepts and stories and creating set designs and interactive content that bring experiences to life. My designs leverage storytelling, artifacts, media, art and cutting-edge immersive technologies to draw visitors deeper into the moment and deliver richly rewarding experiences for audiences of all ages. I love surprises, meticulous attention to detail, and using old and new theatrical tricks to amaze and entertain. Drawing on my background in Musical Theatre, Film and TV, I develop new attractions using original techniques, and I use 3D CAD to solve complex technical issues and create life-like visuals and content.

I have run my own company as Creative Director, led major design initiatives for Sea Life London, Madam Tussauds Baker Street, Nike, Merlin, and Sarner International, and delivered masterplans and interactive experiences across the UK and Europe. I enjoy leading teams, shaping master plans, and delivering installations from concept through to commissioning, with a deep commitment to storytelling and immersive technology.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Director at Hayes-Davies Design Ltd
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2021
Ran own company (2018–2021) as Creative Director; led concept development, set design and interactive content for immersive exhibitions and visitor attractions.
Lead Designer at Sarner International
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Lead Designer for Klimahaus areas; involved in concept and design development for immersive spaces.
Lead Designer at Sarner International Ltd
January 1, 2024 - Present
Lead Designer for 'Odyssey' – Mercury House Visitor Centre Malta.
Creative Director / Exhibitions at Sea Life London
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Creative Director for 'Polar Adventure' – galleries design, content and installation supervision; contributed to masterplanning and long-term site development.
Lead Designer at Bodmin Jail Attraction
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020
Lead Designer for Bodmin Jail Attraction; design and concept development for a themed visitor experience.
Lead Designer at Calvados Experience Visitor Centre and Exhibition
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020
Lead Designer for the Calvados Experience Visitor Centre and Exhibition – Normandy, France (Sarner International).
Exhibition Designer at Merlin Magic Making
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Exhibition concept designs for 'The Sea At Night' in Busan and related phosphenes/interactive seas projects (2016).
Set Designer at Sea Life London
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Designed 'Penguin Point' galleries and contributed to 'Thames Tideway Tunnel' galleries with sets, graphics, content, and supervision.
Set Designer at Nike England
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2019
Set Designer for Nike England Team Kit Launch, Nike events (2014–2019).

Education

BA Degree (Hons) Three Dimensional Design (Theatre) at Wimbledon College of Art
January 11, 2030 - May 3, 2026
Foundation in Art and Design at Bristol Polytechnic
January 11, 2030 - May 3, 2026

Qualifications

CSCS Site Safety Card
January 11, 2030 - May 3, 2026
IPAF 3a
January 11, 2030 - May 3, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Travel & Hospitality, Other