JPConnelly is a design services company.
We're a large team of dreamers, do-ers, creatives, and technicians at the intersection of pop culture and "what's next?" - all led by television's most prolific production designer - James Pearse Connelly. We believe stories come through spaces - moving cast, contestants, with viewers into the perfect place to inspire the story, while inducing the desired actions and responses.
James has led this design services company with this core belief. We specialize in pre-visualization of design forward spaces and value engineering for television, special events, residential and commercial budgets. We've been in business since 2009 - and now staying on the leading edge of both design and technology, we focus on both virtual and physical environments.
So what exactly does this all mean?
We design and make spaces.
James Pearse Connelly
Principal creative & CEO
James Pearse Connelly, an awarded production designer, stands as a titan in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his talent in crafting iconic brands that propel shows into success. With a legacy that spans over a decade, Connelly's prowess has been recognized with 3 Emmy Awards, a staggering 16 nominations, and 9 Art Directors Guild Award nods, underscoring his prominence in the field.
Connelly's portfolio is a testament to versatility, showcasing a range of projects that navigate from the elegant allure of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" to the gravitas of the California Senatorial Debate. His visionary approach to production design has left a mark on some of the most talked-about television shows, including “The Masked Singer,” “The Voice” and “The MTV Video Music Awards,” cementing his reputation as a master of visual storytelling. Connelly's influence extends further to hits like “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Netflix's “Bill Nye Saves the World,” Bravo's “Top Chef,” “Red Table Talks,” “Ru Paul’s Drag Race,” “Nailed It,” “Is it Cake?,” “Holey Moley,” and many more. His creativity is also set to captivate audiences in the upcoming reunion special for “The Traitors,” Ryan Seacrest’s “Wheel of Fortune,” as well as Netflix’s “The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady.”
Elevating his craft beyond television, Connelly ventured started in the realm of cinema as the principal art director for the 2010 Oscar-nominated film “The Kids Are All Right.” In addition to his work behind the camera, he starred as a judge on the HBO Max series “Craftopia” and hosted his own DIY show, “We’re Moving In” for FYI network.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish JPConnelly in 2009, a forward-thinking creative design firm renowned for providing production design services in groundbreaking special events and experiential activations for heavyweight brands like Fifa, Twitter, and Activision. JPConnelly is on the leading edge of both design and technology by focusing on both virtual and physical environments. Virtual production highlights include providing virtual content for Master Class, Meta’s “Oh Hell No,” and Kevin Hart’s “Hart to Heart.”
A previous governor of the Television Academy, Connelly's influential voice has been instrumental in steering the industry forward through his involvement in the Design Peer Group. His dedication to innovation and narrative excellence has fortified his status as an eminent figure in the industry.
meet the TEAM
LYDIA SMYTH |
HEAD OF PRODUCTION
Responsible for directing a skilled team of Art Directors, she ensures seamless collaboration with trusted vendors to optimize client value within budget allowances. Under Lydia's leadership, meticulous planning and dedication, the result is unparalleled.
Lydia joined the JPC team in 2011.
MATTHEW KORNEGAY | Associate production designer
Matthew brings creativity and flair to every production he's involved in. With his dedication to both his craft and his personal interests, Matthew embodies a well-rounded approach to life and art. Colleagues often recognize his office by the lively tunes echoing from within, a testament to his vibrant personality.
Matthew joined the JPC team in 2021.
Alex Hartford | 3D designer
Alex is proficient in modeling, texturing, and brilliant with lighting within Unreal Engine 5, fervently contributes to the design team. He adeptly converts 2D set design sketches into vibrant 3D environments, showcasing his dedication and talent in digital creation.
Alex joined the JPC team in 2020.
BRYAN BEUHRING|
Chief financial officer
Bryan leads strategic financial planning and oversees fiscal operations to drive sustainable growth and profitability. As a CPA with an eye for financial analysis and risk management, he implements innovative strategies to optimize financial performance. Bryan's commitment to details ensures JPC remains financially robust and agile in a dynamic market landscape.
Bryan joined the JPC team in 2023.
MIRANDA FRIEL | Associate production designer
Passionate about the relationship between graphic design and environmental design, Miranda is always thinking about how to create bold, impactful gestures that describe a unique relationship between a brand or property and a space. Prior to joining JP Connelly, Miranda spent nearly 10 years in the theater industry, as a scenic designer, scenic artist and fabricator, and designing short films, one of which won the Best Student Short Film award at Cannes in 2023.
Miranda joined the JPC team in 2022.
Lauren Reese | Production manager
Lauren Reese’s meticulous organization and unwavering patience are key pillars of her success. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for managing an ever changing punchlist, she makes sure the company, team, and projects are well supported. A testament by her colleagues, she is an invaluable asset to the team and a cherished presence in the office.
Lauren joined the JPC team in 2021.
VANIA ARIFFIN | Head of digital
Originally from Indonesia, Vania traveled to the US to further her education and pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She leads a team of designers and 3D artists and oversees all artwork production for physical, virtual, and development projects.
Vania joined the JPC team in 2015.
HAYDEN YEAGLEY | LEAD 3D designer
A Gnomon School of Visual Effects graduate in Digital Production utilizes his expertise in Unreal Engine, he transforms our set designs from sketches into immersive 3D renderings and cinematics. His passion for digital art stems from a fascination with video games, television, and movies, driving him to craft captivating visuals that ignite inspiration in others.
Hayden joined the JPC team in 2020.
Jordan Fox | Executive assistant & studio coordinator
His journey began as an Art Assistant in Foodtastic and Making It leading to his current position. Jordan adeptly handles administrative tasks, facilitates client consultations, and manages various responsibilities with efficiency and professionalism.
Jordan joined the JPC team in 2021.