I'm Amber Vaughn, a creative, detail-oriented environmental designer and storyteller serving the Greater Orlando Area and the Atlanta metropolitan region. I lead multidisciplinary teams from concept ideation through in-field installation to deliver immersive, brand-aligned guest experiences on time and on budget. My toolkit spans AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Maya, and the Adobe Creative Suite, along with space planning, wayfinding, and narrative development. I've designed and guided show sets for Universal Parks & Resorts and other major experiences, collaborating across design, engineering, operations, and vendors to ensure feasibility, safety, and compelling guest impact.

Amber Vaughn

I'm Amber Vaughn, a creative, detail-oriented environmental designer and storyteller serving the Greater Orlando Area and the Atlanta metropolitan region. I lead multidisciplinary teams from concept ideation through in-field installation to deliver immersive, brand-aligned guest experiences on time and on budget. My toolkit spans AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Maya, and the Adobe Creative Suite, along with space planning, wayfinding, and narrative development. I've designed and guided show sets for Universal Parks & Resorts and other major experiences, collaborating across design, engineering, operations, and vendors to ensure feasibility, safety, and compelling guest impact.

Available to hire

I’m Amber Vaughn, a creative, detail-oriented environmental designer and storyteller serving the Greater Orlando Area and the Atlanta metropolitan region. I lead multidisciplinary teams from concept ideation through in-field installation to deliver immersive, brand-aligned guest experiences on time and on budget.

My toolkit spans AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Maya, and the Adobe Creative Suite, along with space planning, wayfinding, and narrative development. I’ve designed and guided show sets for Universal Parks & Resorts and other major experiences, collaborating across design, engineering, operations, and vendors to ensure feasibility, safety, and compelling guest impact.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Show Set Designer at Universal Creative
August 1, 2023 - Present
Lead multidisciplinary teams to develop and execute design concepts for immersive ride and show projects at Universal Parks & Resorts. Translate creative intent into scenic, architectural, and spatial environments, ensuring technical feasibility and schedule adherence. Deliver show design deliverables including color boards, sketches, drawing packages, models, and storyboards; coordinate with show engineering, facility architecture, park operations, and vendors; manage vendors and ensure code-compliant installation.
Lab & Facilities Design Planner | DoD Affiliate at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI)
December 1, 2022 - August 1, 2023
Developed schematic and alternative layout solutions for new and existing government and privately owned facilities, aligning programming, planning, and budget requirements. Managed programmatic documentation for 30+ facilities nationwide, optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency across renovations, relocations, active occupancies, and space audits. Designed and implemented streamlined information management systems, creating structured file architectures and standardized protocols for sponsors and vendors, enhancing workflow efficiency and coordination.
Freelance Show Set Designer / Art Director at Herschend Family Entertainment; Themespace (Remote)
September 1, 2021 - October 1, 2022
Art directed themed retail concepts by creating a “look book” with mood boards, fixture/furniture specifications, and conceptual models; produced a holiday décor brochure for seasonal aquatic events, delivering cost-efficient, on-brand solutions. For Universal’s Epic Universe, produced 2D show set drawing packages and detailed show element documentation; created an Overall Land Lighting package for How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, streamlining lighting design for an immersive themed land; spearheaded Live Show – Stage 2D package for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Le Cirque Arcanus, detailing scenic elements, props, technical equipment, and show flow for staging, multi-vendor coordination, and budget optimization for a high-capacity live audience experience.
Associate Show Set Designer at Universal Creative
May 1, 2017 - November 1, 2020
Developed international and domestic 2D Show Set Packages and 3D models, detailing the creative intent of scenery, special effects, show action equipment, animated figures, props (static and animated), audio, and lighting throughout all design phases. Coordinated and implemented design solutions during review sessions and in-field art direction, ensuring schedule, budget, building code compliance, and alignment with creative intent. Managed mock-ups and model reviews to ensure immersive experiences met standards and were delivered on time and on budget.
Museum Exhibit Designer, Motorcycle Art Design (M.A.D.) at Green Hill Center for North Carolina Arts
August 1, 2016 - May 1, 2017
Design collaboration on Green Hill’s first multi-media exhibition; curated a 360° guest-accessible motorcycle installation informed by interviews, expert research, and industry publications; published findings in a catalog to fundraise for community programs and built partnerships with local organizations to secure sponsorships, volunteer support, and support museum rebranding efforts.
Scene Design / Assistant at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
August 1, 2015 - May 1, 2017
Designed, developed, and installed scenery and props for live theatrical productions, creating drawing packages, models, and samples while collaborating with directors, scenic builders, painters, prop artisans, lighting designers, and sound engineers, and maintaining schedules and budgets throughout the design and development process.
Costumer at Walt Disney World
January 1, 2011 - December 1, 2015
Assisted with wardrobe fittings and alterations, facilitating daily maintenance, ensuring costume integrity/quality met union contractual standards. Served as -Costumer Run-Crew for 13 live performances and events.

Education

Master of Arts (MA), Interior Architecture and Design at Academy of Art University
January 11, 2030 - May 4, 2026
3-D Arts Certification at Full Sail University
January 11, 2030 - May 4, 2026
Graduate Hours at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - May 4, 2026
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Theater at Armstrong Atlantic State University
January 11, 2030 - May 4, 2026

Qualifications

3-D Arts Certification
January 11, 2030 - May 4, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Real Estate & Construction, Professional Services, Government