Traditional and Computer Aided Design and Graphics Los Angeles, California, USA, Terra, Solar System Sol, Milky Way Galaxy, Local Group, Virgo Super Cluster, Local Universe

Set Design - Main Page

I have developed a new dedicated web site to Set Design which in most cases, is more up to date.

Kenneth A. Larson is the lead Set Designer at Kesign Design Consulting. He has over a third century experience in designing and building scenery for the Entertainment Industry working on Features, Television, 3 & 4-Camera* TV, Commercials, print ads, Theme Parks, Theme Interior Design, Architecture, Theme Architecture, Trade Show Display, and other related areas of Environmental and Entertainment Design. Ken is most experienced in motion picture and television, having worked on such films as 3 Batman movies, Hunt for Red October, several Star Trek projects, Shrek, The Polar Express, and countless others. Ken works primarily in the Hollywood region**. Ken Larson uses both traditional drafting (pencil on paper) and computer aided drafting in creating his set designs. Ken is also an expert model maker having started as a Visual Effects Model Maker and in time, has built most forms of models including theme park and Set Design models. Ken also builds virtual models using several computer modeling programs. * By 3 & 4-Camera, we mean the various forms 3-camera, 4-camera, 3 1/2-camera, sit-come. ** Ken Larson usually works in the region of the Hollywood - Culver City / Century City - Burbank / Studio City / Universal City triangle in the Los Angeles, California area. Ken has ventured west into Simi Valley and as far as Oxnard, north into Santa Clarita and Palmdale, east to Pasadina and beyond, and south to LAX and Long Beach. Ken has worked throughout the Los Angeles County and Ventura County region of Southern California, U. S. A. At some point in Ken's career, Ken has worked at all the major studios. Ken is a native of the San Fernando Valley, not far from the No-Ho theater and arts community and the Studios in Burbank. Ken Larson is versatile and multi-disciplined in the field of scenic design and construction. Ken is equally talented at using both computer aided and traditional approaches to Set Design. Ken has many years of experience building models in most forms including models for camera and study models and now does much of his design work using virtual computer models. Kenneth works in 2D CADD drafting and 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) modeling and CADM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing). Ken works in Visual Effects and live action cinema. While Ken has not yet worked in theatre, he spent over a year working in architecture specializing in theatre buildings. Ken had built scenery, props, mock-ups, and Special Effects before shifting emphasis primarily to design in the mid-1990s. Ken creates physical and virtual models and renderings. Kenneth has also created graphics for the film industry using traditional and computer skills. Ken has extensive experience with Visual Effects, CGI, in adition to most aspects of set, prop, and miniature construction. Ken began as a Visual Effects Model Maker creating physical models of space craft and landscapes for Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Ken got his start in the early days of motion control for miniatures and still enjoys model making. In recent years, he has lent his creative talents to Set Designing for all-CGI films such as Shrek and The Polar Express. Ken Larson has been a Set Designer for numerous Motion Picture and Television productions. Some projects include: Set Designs for Visual Effects Miniatures for Batman and Robin, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle for The Pentagon Wars, period CGI sets for Shrek and The Polar Express, Absolut Versace sets for still shots for Vogue magazine. Also sets for X-Files, Collateral Damage, American Pie II, C. S. I., Ghost Whisperer, Lie to Me, and American Horror Story. While Ken loves Set Design, he has on occasion acted as Art Director and Set Designer on several student films, short films, and small features. There is sometimes a misunderstanding in the Art Department that either people design sets, or if they lack design talent, they build them. They sometimes assume that Ken can't design scenery because he once built scenery. The truth is that as a Visual Effects Model Maker, Ken designed much of what he built. Ken has an AA degree in Architecture and a BA degree in Interior Design. Ken is proficient in several CAD and graphic computer programs. Ken is a better scenery designer after having 18 years experience building scenery and has now been a Set Designer for alomst as long.

Set Designers 50th Anniversary Party. Event planning. The Last Castle. Study Art Department model. Lucy Goldstar, CADD for a simulator ride. Sea Shadow. Borg Invasion a Star Trek attraction. Absolut Versace, Fashion shoot. AutoCAD © Titus, Pencil drafting for a Sit-Com. Cracker, AutoCAD ©.

Member I.A.T.S.E.*** local: Local 800 Art Directors Guild (Set Designers and Model Makers craft) Senior and Computer Specialist rating in Set Designers Local 800.

Member Visual Effects Society.

Click here for Theme Park

Click here for Trade Show and Museum Displays

Click here for Set Design and Architectural models.

Click here for Pre-Visualization for Set Design

Computer and Traditional Drafting

Kenneth Larson is a Computer Specialist Set Designer, one of only a few Set Designers with the Computer Specialist rating within Local 847 before this rating was discontinued. Ken prefers working with computers because it is faster and more accurate. He began working with Computer Graphics and CAD in 1990. When working as a Computer Specialist Set Designer, Ken works primarily in AutoCAD© which he started using in 1991 using Release 10 and currently uses AutoCAD 2012. Ken also use SketchUp, Photoshop, Illustrator, VectorWorks, Poser, Excel, and numerous other programs and is always learning new programs. Kenneth Larson is one of a limited number of Set Designers who produces computer renderings in AutoCAD©. Ken also works with Walk-Through, Fly-Through, Pre-Visualization, Kenneth Larson equally enjoys working with pencil, marker, watercolor, if you prefer. He began traditional drafting with a pencil in Junior High School. Why you should want a Computer Specialist Set Designer in your Art Department

Absolut Versace Outbreak.

Background

Born in the Media District of Burbank, Ken has always had a passion for buildings, theme parks, and sets. While not from a show biz family, Ken has been successful in the Entertainment Industry by acquiring and using his unique skills. Set Designing is Ken's passion. He has many years experience and a wide range of skills. Kenneth Larson lives and breaths Set Design and can think of nothing that he'd rather have as a profession, yet he has a wide range of other interests. Ken is a film maker in the sense that his work aids in the film making process, but his passion is the scenery and he prefers working behind the camera. Ken does enjoy still photography. It was probably logical for Ken to transition from an interest in theme parks to film sets It was always the scenery that interested Ken the most. It was not the round and round and up and down that Ken enjoyed, it was studying the scenery. Ken would go to Disneyland and spend hours studying and photographing the scenery and observing the transitions form one themed area to another. This would explain his reduced interest in non-themed amusement parks. Even today, on the weekend Ken visits historic buildings, sites, and museums and studies the details. Ken has a large library of reference from all areas of the world and major time periods. It is always helpful to study other scenery, but Ken likes to keep grounded in reality by studying the real thing. While Kenneth Larson is dedicated to his profession, on the weekends, he volunteers at all three branches of the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum system where he has served a combined total of over 25 years. Ken and his wife visit other museums and historical buildings and sites throughout the Southern California area and the Western United States. Ken Larson has a large research slide collection and library. Ken is developing two web sites dedicated to historically significant architecture in California and to the California Mission system. Ken is turning his passion for the California Missions into art and sculpture.

Atlantis 2. Rizzoli and Isles. Justified. American Pie 2. Indiana Boomtown Casino study model.

I was Computer Modeling, when Computer Modeling wasn't cool.

I included this wire-frame drawings for a Vac-u-form buck using AutoCAD © R12 in 1992, when only a few Set Designers used the computer for anything.

Gilmore Girls, 2004.

Wisconsin State Lottery. Preliminary sketch for bidding purposes for Cinema Production Services, Inc. The criteria was to make a Rube Goldberg like device to propel a lottery ball through a dozen events including two specific events, leading to the final result. AutoCAD ADT 2002 and pencil. 2004.

ER, 2003.

In Spring of 2003, I was hired to work as Computer Specialist Set Designer on an untitled Sony feature regarding futuristic Naval

and aircraft carrier designs. My start date was pushed several times until the show was finally canceled. While I waited, I began researching the latest navel designs and produced this 3D computer model of the Sea Shadow stealth ship. AutoCAD ©. 2003.

Everyday Life, TV Pilot, This was not a typical Sit-Com, but rather, improvisation. AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2002. 2004.

The Spaces. Set Design for futuristic sets for a sit-com pilot. Pencil, 2003.

Set Designers 50th Anniversary Party. AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 3.3 ©. 2002.

The Polar Express for Castle Rock Entertainment. This was my second all CGI feature. I used AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 3.3 © to produce Set Designs for CGI sets. 2003. I have been asked not to show any of my work on this show until after the film is released. If you wish to interview me for a legitimate job as a Set Designer, I will be happy to show hard-copy during the interview.

Borg Invasion a Star Trek attraction for a new Space Theme Park in Germany. I used AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 3.3 ©. 2002.

I Spy reshoots. Bridge set and aircraft cockpit. Pencil, AutoCAD ©, and models. 2002

I have worked on C. S. I. - Crime Scene Investigators four times including the episode which was also the pilot for C. S. I. Miami. I began designing new production offices and reconfigured one set to move to a new studio. Later, I worked on several sets. The most recent work as Set Designer on C. S. I. was working on an episode to be used as a pilot for the spin-off series, C. S. I. Miani. Pencil, 2000-2002

Titus, pencil drafting and foam core models of sets for the Television series. 2001.

Secret Disguise - American Pie 2, pencil drafting and foam core models. I was one of three Set Designers on this sequil to the popular feature American Pie. I worked on the light house, Dog Years Restaurant, Spanish Apartment, spotting plans, window and door details and interior room for the main house set, and other. 2001.

The Last Castle - Set Design Models. I worked at DreamWorks before the show moved to Tennessee. 2001.

Collateral Damage. I worked as a Set Designer on this feature for three months. Sets included modifications to an existing house to fit our needs and converting an existing location to look like a street, Metro Station and museum. Also drew a cliff face, other smaller sets and objects for Set Dressing. I worked using traditional drawing (with pencil) and model making (foam core and card board) skills. 2000

Gabrielle. I was the entire Art Department for this student film, including most of the set construction and painting. We remodeled one set and built two others, which was quite ambitious for a student film. AutoCAD © R15, 2000

That's My Bush, original title Family First. Set of the White House State Dining Room, pencil, 2000

Dog Days. I worked as a Set Designer on the three permanent sets, the house (remodeled from the pilot which I didn't work on), the Venice Marketplace, and the junk yard. My last day, I also completed the Italian Restaurant which was about 50% stock units. After three weeks, I left due to a production scheduling conflict. AutoCAD © R14, 2000.

House Beautiful/Art Directors Guild; Hollywood Bungalow Project. A still photo spread in House Beautiful magazine (November 2000) and tour at Pacific Design center, July 13 to August 31, 2000. All of the Art Department work was completed by volunteer Art Directors and Set Designers. Pencil, 2000.

Kris' Apartment - plan and elevations for a set of this turn of the (previous) century San Francisco Apartment. Pencil, 2000

Cabot sailing ship set - plan. First US ship to sail around the world. AutoCAD © R15, 2000

Summer Nights, Floor 1 and 2 plan. Contemporary house set. AutoCAD © R15, 2000

I was most of the Art Department for Freak Boy. AutoCAD © R14. 1999

Hospital Emergency Room set. AutoCAD © R14, 1998

Alien Empire. Plan and section of "Camp" set. AutoCAD © R12, 1997

I made numerous set designs and director drawings for the series X-Files when it first moved to Century City from Canada. AutoCAD © R14. 1998

I made numerous set designs and computer models/renderings for Shrek, a CGI film for DreamWorks Animation. I worked as an animator in Visual Development. AutoCAD © R14. 1998

For The Pentagon Wars I made several drawings for the picture vehicle, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. These were plant-on details added to a real vehicle of a smaller size, made to look like a half scale working model of the final design. The story was about the development of this vehicle and how tests were falsified so that the unsafe vehicle would pass. AutoCAD © R14, 1997.

Batman and Robin Visual Effects and Computer Specialist Set Designer. Dozens of drawings both new and as-built of miniatures. AutoCAD © R12, 1997

Cracker Police Station and house sets. Police station reflected ceiling plan and detail. AutoCAD © R14, 1997

On the Run Plan and elevation of Mexican village set. AutoCAD © R12, 1997

Absolut Versace, photo spread for Vogue Magazine including sets, furniture, and otehr objects made of ice. AutoCAD © R12, 1997

Temple set, for the feature Ramayan. AutoCAD © R14, 1995

Set Design model for Contact, 1996. This is the sphere that Jody Foster travels in.

Indiana Boomtown Casino study model. Click for more models. Plastic, 1995

2D drawing of "Eye Sign" for Batman Forever. AutoCAD © R12, 1995

I drew several sheets of details for a CGI ship for Outbreak for Boss Film. AutoCAD © R12, 1994

Lucy Goldstar, simulator ride. I both managed the laser cutting and worked as model maker for Boss Film, 1992. This is the finished model which covered approximately 2,5000 square feet and contained tens of thousands of laser cut windows. Had the windows been cut by hand, the sequence would not have been economical to produce. AutoCAD © R12, 1992

What is a Set Designer and an Art Director? In Theater, New York, and most places outside of "Hollywood," an Art Director and a Set Designer is the same position. Production Designer is a recent position, used sparingly before the 1960s. Now, a Production Designer does what an Art Director formerly did and an Art Director does what an Assistant Art Director formerly did. Oddly, there are still Assistant Art Directors doing tasks similar to Lead Set Designer. In "Hollywood," the Art Director and the Set Designer are distinct positions. The Set Designer's job is to take the concepts and ideas of the Production Designer, Art Director, and Illustrator and translate these into working drawings and models to guide the actual construction of sets, props, picture vehicles, signage, and miniatures. Note: On an IA*** production in "Hollywood," the only people legally allowed to do draftings or Art Department models are Local 847 Set Designers and Model Makers members in good standing. Kenneth Larson works mostly as a Set Designer and prefers this position, but has worked occasionally as an Art Director/Production Designer. *** IA is a commonly used abbreviation for, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada. Other abbreviations are IATSE, I.A.T.S.E., International.

Alien Empire. Temple set for Ramayan. Gabrielle.

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