Our End-to-End Process
We imagine, design, and create immersive experiences that lift the Spirit.
What We Design
Amusement & Theme Parks
Libertyland
Water Parks & Aquariums
Sea Life
Exhibits & Tradeshows
Anime Expo
Hotels & Resort
Hotel Zeta
Family Entertainment Centers
Avengers Station
Shopping Centers
Dos Lagos
We Are Storyland Studios
We are a team of designers, artists, architects, strategists, specialists, and problem solvers dedicated to designing branded experiences in the faith and nonprofit sectors.
We specialize in creating interactive architecture and physical spaces that connect stories, create value and captivate audiences, ensuring that every project we undertake is not only functional but true to your unique story and budget.
Meet the Team
Blake Ryan
Chief Executive Officer
An entrepreneurial leader, Blake Ryan champions vision, culture, creative innovation, and collaboration to fulfill commitments to clients and employees alike. During his nearly 20 years of leadership, Storyland has experienced healthy growth, organizational transformation, and service expansion.
Peter McGowan
President & Chief Storyteller
Peter McGowan is one of the founders of Storyland. He is a champion of bringing clients' unique stories to life by broadening their visual vocabulary beyond words and helping shape the cultural influence of their organizations. His experience includes Nissan, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Disney, Universal, and LEGO.
Mel McGowan
Chief Creative Officer & Founder
Mel McGowan creatively leads Storyland's unique, multidisciplinary Spatial Storytelling® practice, which integrates master planning, conceptual development, architecture, interior and production design, graphics and wayfinding, and dimensional fabrication and installation.
Matt Ferguson
Chief Innovation Officer
Matt’s career began at the Walt Disney Company, where he led national brand and marketing programs for the Walt Disney World destination, Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, Golf and Dining, and ESPN Wide World of Sports. He has worked with dozens of multinational companies.
Ben Thompson
Chief Strategy Officer
Ben Thompson has over 25 years of experience in marketing, strategy, and business development, having held leadership roles at Mars Inc., The Walt Disney Company, and Merlin Entertainments. Ben joined Storyland in 2020 as Chief Strategy Officer & Head of International, leading the company’s international office and managing global IP partnerships.
Our team has worked at
Our Projects
Porto Boega
A world-class resort, working in harmony with the local culture, community, and environment.
Storyland Studios are developing Porto Boega - a theme park heavily driven by a story that evolves over time. The story centers around characters from different locations and cultures, including Portuguese, who have travelled to the four corners of the globe and back. They have now been invited to Porto Boega, where they can discover all Boega Island has to offer.
Storyville Gardens
Design an interactive theme park featuring beloved stories from around the world.
Delisa and Elde Guerrier of Nashville, creators of the Storyville Gardens concept have partnered with Storyland Studios to bring their dream to life. Storyville’s mission is to draw on stories from cultures all over the world, inspiring children, their families and visitors of all ages through the profound power of storytelling. The project aims to rekindle a deep love for reading that transcends the basic requirements of formal education and reaches the heart.
Libertyland USA
A major entertainment and residential destination in the heart of the Blackhills.
In Storyland Studios to master plan and design Libertyland USA, an all-American theme park that honors a wide variety of American journeys. Along with a theme park inspired by American heritage, the development will include a hotel and conference center; indoor/outdoor amphitheater; indoor waterpark; a retail, dining, and entertainment district (Liberty Village); and a themed RV resort.
Kebulania: A Nollywood Studio City
Designing & mastering planning a first-of-its-kind film city in Lagos, Nigeria.
Storyland Studios partnered with Del-York International Group to design and master plan Kebulania, the first studio city on the African continent. This project is set to revolutionize the rapidly growing Nigerian film industry, also known as "Nollywood." The partnership aims to create a true film studio that will become a premier destination for filmmaking and creativity throughout Africa.
1. Imagine
Storyland's Imagine phase begins with engaging with key stakeholders and clarifying project goals, setting the stage for a transformative “BIG IDEA” that captures the essence of your unique narrative.
We create a detailed StoryBoard and Master Plans that unite various design disciplines.
This ensures that the final-built environment effectively balances functionality with an engaging user experience while connecting to your unique story.
2. Design
In the Design phase, Storyland transforms the approved concept into detailed schematics that truly reflect the project's vision and goals.
We carefully create all production and construction documents, giving clear guidance to the consultants, vendors, and contractors who bring the project to life.
This final documentation acts as a vital roadmap for fabrication and construction, ensuring everything stays in tune with the project's Big Idea.
3. Create
Storyland's goal during construction and production is to bring your story to life in exciting spaces, sticking to budget and timeline while collaborating closely with our construction partners.
In the pre-opening phase, we ensure everything's ready with training and equipment checks for a smooth launch.
Even after the grand opening, we're here to support you with branding and guest experiences, as well as any future expansions.
From our clients
Dan T. Cathy
FOUNDER & CHIEF VISIONARY | TRILITH
“Storyland is a forerunner and pioneer in the industry, but also dear friends and partners. They have been essential to us at Trilith, offering their expertise and invaluable insight in spatial storytelling, experience design, and overall feasibility. We have worked extensively with Storyland since early 2021, when we engaged them to craft a brand story based on the concept of Gateway to Inspiration. A key part of this process was understanding the opportunities, the audience, the competition, and the financial potential of Trilith as a destination. We, at Trilith, are more inspired because of our past and ongoing relationship with Storyland.”
Tony Baxter
CREATIVE ADVISOR | WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING
“To find a company like Storyland with the right mix of talented people possessing necessary skill to make things happen is a tremendous asset. Knowing Storyland's top creative leadership personally, I can attest to their fostering a culture that is passionate about every project they produce.”
Anthony Esparza
FORMER CCO | SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT
“The art and design generated by Storyland are first class, but most of all, the team members are good listeners and flexible. They will hear your direction and stay close to your goals — both financially and from guest experience perspective. I think you will appreciate their collaboration and approach to getting things done.”
Brett Wilkes
SVP ENGINEERING & DESIGN | LEGOLAND RESORTS (NA)
“Storyland has worked with LEGOLAND for quite a while and they have completed several projects for us in the past and working on current items as well. They have always been responsive, competitive, and overall great to work with.”
Book your Free Design Consultation today
What is a strategy consultation? A no-strings-attached hour with Storyland's senior strategists. We'll guide you through a clear plan for your specific project, and map out initial design and architecture solutions tailored to your budget.