MELANIE KASSIAN
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. ​
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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:
02102750370

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