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Melanie Kassian

I'm a spatial + experiential designer based in Wanaka, New Zealand

Design, ideas and people are my passion.

I love the weird, the wonderful, and the satisfaction of being part of a team to bring an idea - no matter how big or small - to life.

I care deeply for people, creating memorable connections, and incredible experiences.

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For over a decade, I have been designing projects across New Zealand, and abroad. What began as a career in commercial interior architecture has developed to span across set design for film, television, exhibition and events.

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Design for me, is a platform for storytelling.

A way of connecting people.

Whether that be from brand to customer, between people in the space, to the story of the film, or simply within the network of people it takes to make the project magic. â€‹

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After a recent life-changing experience in the Arctic of Finland working in a family-owned tourism business, I have a renewed inspiration for the visitor experience. Here, I learnt to mush huskies and take guests on sledding tours through the remote Taiga forest. They would come back in tears because it was the best thing they had done in their lives. I'm now working to create these experiences both from behind the design desk, as well as across the tourism industry. Using my passion for people, and skills I've picked up along the way, to craft an experience people love. 

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My background is diverse, and as such I bring a range of skills to any task. I enjoy working on a range of projects, meeting new people + their passions, learning new skills, and working collaboratively with talented teams - working hard while having fun. 

 

I am confident in delivering spaces from concept to completion, including concept art, drafting, co-ordination and delivery, right through to the final visitor experience. 

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Touch base - I'd love to hear from you.

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CONTACT: 

melckassian@gmail.com

02102750370

Profile Photo_Melanie Kassian.jpg

Design Experience

East of Eden (Netflix)

Senior Set Designer

July 2024 - Current

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Chief of War (Apple)

Set Designer

Sept 2022 - Mar 2023

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The Convert 

Set Designer

May 2022 - Sept 2022

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Choose Love (Netflix)

Set Designer

Mar 2022 - May 2022

 

14th Factory - Hong Kong

Exhibition Designer

Jan 2022 - 2023

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The Queen Mary (QM Productions LTD)

Set Designer 

August 2021 - September 2021

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No Exit (Walt Disney + 20 Century Fox)

Set Designer

Feb 2021 - May 2021

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Cowboy Bebop (Netflix)

Set Designer

July 2020 - Feb 2021


Wonder

Spatial Designer + Project Lead

Oct 2018 - Oct 2020

 

Jasmax

Interior Designer + Associate
Jan 2014 - Oct 2018

Education

​Bachelor of Design (Spatial Design)

AUT

2013

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Certificate in Te Ara Reo Maori

Te Wananga o Aotearoa

2016

Software Experience

3D/Drafting

​ArchiCAD — Confident (Current Preference)

Revit — Moderate

Sketchup — Basic

Rhinoceros — Basic

2D

Adobe InDesign — Confident

Adobe Photoshop — Confident

Adobe Illustrator — Moderate

References

(Ask me for contact details)

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Gary Mackay 

(Production Designer - Cowboy Bebop, Queen Mary, No Exit)

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Helen Strevens

(Art Director - Cowboy Bebop, No Exit)

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Robert Key

(Art Director - Cowboy Bebop, Choose Love)

Interior Design Awards + Publications

2020

Ingrid Starnes - Finalist Best Awards

Aotea Made - Silver Best Awards

Burger Burger Commercial Bay - Silver Best Awards

2018

Personal - ArchitectureNow 'On the Rise'

GridAKL 5A - Bronze Best Awards

GridAKL 5A - Interior Awards Finalist
GridAKL 5A - Interior magazine Issue 2 Mar-May (9pg spread)

GridAKL 5A - Auckland Architecture Award Winner

2019

Burger Burger Welles Street - Bronze Best Awards

INCO (In Good Company) - Bronze Best Awards

2016

Tailorspace - Silver Best Awards

2015

Icebreaker - Gold Best Awards

Icebreaker - Interior Awards Finalist

Icebreaker - Interior magazine Issue 16 Jun- Aug (9pg spread)

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