David Parkin
Senior Creative Director
Singapore,Sinagpaore
Summary
Senior Creative Leadership Experience An experienced Senior Creative Director with over 20 years of international project experience, spanning museums and galleries, theme parks, and themed entertainment environments, with built projects valued at up to USD $1 billion. Highly experienced in leading culturally diverse, multidisciplinary design teams, delivering innovative solutions on complex entertainment, attraction, and museum projects worldwide. Former Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at IRMS, leading large, multicultural teams in the creation of theme parks, attractions, rides, cruise ships, and integrated resort destinations.
Professional design leader with strong background in driving impactful visual solutions. Proven ability to foster team collaboration and adapt to changing project needs. Skilled in creative direction, user experience design, and strategic planning. Known for producing high-quality work that consistently meets objectives and exceeds expectations.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Head of Design for Asia Pacific
George P Johnson Experience Marketing
05.2023 - Current
- Leading a multidisciplinary team of 14 creatives and designers, applying extensive experience across projects of varying scales and typologies to collaborate with diverse brands and deliver innovative, engaging experiences that excite, entertain, and create lasting memories.
- Specializing in the integration of physical solutions to create immersive environments, combining a strong eye for detail with a natural strength in storytelling and content creation.
- Oversaw successful rebranding initiatives for numerous companies, revitalizing outdated image.
- Improved design team efficiency by implementing agile methodologies and streamlining project management processes.
- Client roster includes Meta, Netflix, Porsche, Disney cruses, MasterCard, P&G, and others.
CEO Founder
DreamLab’s Studio
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Founder and Creative Lead of an award-winning, 12-person multidisciplinary studio, specializing in spatial and environmental design, architecture, graphics, and creative content. Creating Innovative and engaging experiences that Entertain and create Memorable Moments that last.
- Leading end-to-end creative strategy and delivery across theme parks, water parks, FECs, museums, and gallery experiences.
- Specialist in immersive, physical environments, combining storytelling, content creation, and a meticulous eye for detail.
- Client portfolio includes Singapore Zoo Mindi Quest, Singapore Discovery Centre. Singapore Army Museum, Singapore Mandi Bird Park. Vietnam Vinpearl group.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
VIP - Vice President Entertainment Creative Services
IRMS Genting Resorts.
12.2018 - 07.2022
- Creative lead for an award-winning, 24-person multidisciplinary team, spanning architecture, environmental design, graphics, illustration, and fine art.
- Driving end-to-end creative development for theme parks, water parks, FECs, museums, and gallery experiences.
- Expert in physical integration, delivering immersive, narrative-driven environments through strong storytelling, content creation, and exceptional attention to detail.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Client portfolio includes Singapore Zoo, Super Nintendo World (Japan), Vingroup (Vietnam), Genting Highlands, and Resorts World Sentosa.
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
Senior Art Director At 20th Century Fox World & Sky Worlds
Resorts World Genting
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Directed an international, multidisciplinary design team, delivering the design and development of a US$800 million theme park project in Malaysia, opened in late 2021.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors successfully which resulted in favorable terms for both parties involved.
- Improved client satisfaction by delivering high-quality design solutions within tight deadlines.
- Developed comprehensive style guides to maintain consistent brand identity across multiple platforms.
Senior Art Director
International Resort Management Services (IRMS) Genting
12.2013 - 01.2016
- Responsible for the creative development of key themed attractions, leading a focused creative team through concept and design delivery.
- Key projects include: 20th Century Fox Theme Park (Malaysia); Jeju Island Theme Park (South Korea); Universal Studios Singapore — Puss in Boots, Sesame Street Spaghetti Junction, and associated retail and F&B experiences.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of art direction into marketing initiatives.
- Mentored junior designers, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth and development.
Lead Creative Director - Senior Creative Director
Gallagher & Associates LLC Asia
03.2009 - 12.2013
- Founded and directed the Gallagher & Associates Asia creative team in Singapore, collaborating with U.S. offices in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. to deliver international projects.
- Expanded the studio into a 25-strong multidisciplinary team, covering design and creative disciplines.
- Key projects include: Shanghai Natural History Museum, Shanghai World Expo 2010, Shanghai, GSM Mobile Congress Barcelona, Hong Kong Jockey Club, and the National Museum of Singapore.
Executive Creative Director - Executive Creative Director
PICO International
03.2008 - 06.2010
- Headed a team of 80–90 designers and creatives at Pico Singapore, providing strategic and creative leadership.
- Established and led training and development initiatives to strengthen design capability and career progression.
- Led a team of designers for the successful execution of high-impact projects, resulting in increased sales.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within the workplace, fostering a supportive environment for creativity to thrive.
- Optimized workflow processes to ensure timely project completion and maximize efficiency within the creative team.
- Mentored junior team members to improve their skills and enhance overall departmental performance.
Senior Creative Director
PICO International
01.2000 - 02.2008
- Key projects and clients include Nokia, Ericsson, Siemens, Singapore Airshow exhibitions, National Day events, and multiple museum projects, including Tiger Live Museum, Air Force Museum, and Science Museum.
Education
Bachelor’s of Art (Hon’s) - Museum & Exhibition Design, Interior Design
University of Lincoln
England01.1995
Skills
Attraction Master Planning
Themed Attraction Concept Development
Onsite Field Art Direction
Team Management
Creative direction
Visual communication expertise
Interpersonal communication
Timeline
Head of Design for Asia Pacific
George P Johnson Experience Marketing
05.2023 - Current
CEO Founder
DreamLab’s Studio
08.2022 - 05.2023
VIP - Vice President Entertainment Creative Services
IRMS Genting Resorts.
12.2018 - 07.2022
Senior Art Director At 20th Century Fox World & Sky Worlds
Resorts World Genting
01.2016 - 12.2018
Senior Art Director
International Resort Management Services (IRMS) Genting
12.2013 - 01.2016
Lead Creative Director - Senior Creative Director
Gallagher & Associates LLC Asia
03.2009 - 12.2013
Executive Creative Director - Executive Creative Director
PICO International
03.2008 - 06.2010
Senior Creative Director
PICO International
01.2000 - 02.2008
Bachelor’s of Art (Hon’s) - Museum & Exhibition Design, Interior Design
University of Lincoln