The snare drum to bio story!
Tony McGuigan
Hello! I'm a Project Manager with a background in industrial design and exhibit fabrication. My passion for music, design, craftsmanship, and technology inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from The University of the Arts, where I graduated with honors in 2015.
Today, I combine technical expertise with hands-on leadership to guide multidisciplinary projects from concept through fabrication and installation. Whether coordinating stakeholders, solving design challenges, or working alongside fabricators and installers, I enjoy bringing complex ideas to life through collaboration and thoughtful execution.
My journey started in my grandmother's basement while building my first snare drum. She would yell downstairs that she could “taste” the sawdust drifting through the house, and every day became a race to finish before another dramatic interruption. Looking back, that project taught me much more than woodworking. It showed me how persistence, curiosity, and creativity can overcome obstacles and transform an idea into something tangible.
That experience shaped a philosophy I still carry today:
“Make with your hands, head, and heart.”
To me, great projects succeed when practical problem solving, technical skill, and genuine passion come together. Whether I'm managing a museum exhibit, developing a new product, or collaborating with a team, I strive to create thoughtful solutions that deliver meaningful experiences while enjoying the creative process along the way.