Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenna Kreiling
Hi McKenna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Living with arthritis has profoundly shaped my approach to experiential design, instilling a deep commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. This personal experience drives my dedication to disability education and awareness, leading me to actively promote accessibility in the arts. As a past honoree for the Arthritis Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of raising awareness about living with a chronic condition and advocating for disability rights.
In my professional endeavors, I consistently prioritize ease of access and inclusivity. Whether designing immersive environments or managing complex projects, I ensure that accessibility remains at the forefront of my creative process. I believe that thoughtful design can bridge gaps and create spaces where everyone feels welcome and engaged. These experiences have solidified my commitment to creating immersive environments that resonate with audiences, blending narrative depth with tangible design elements. I believe in the importance of creating inclusive spaces in the entertainment industry and constantly seek ways to incorporate accessible features into my designs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Embarking on graduate studies while managing arthritis has presented a unique set of challenges. The rigorous demands of academia often clash with the physical limitations imposed by my condition, leading to periods where pain and fatigue make it difficult to maintain the expected pace of study. Stress, a common companion in graduate school, can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, creating a cycle that’s challenging to break. Balancing the need for rest with academic responsibilities requires constant self-awareness and adaptability.
Relocating from Illinois to Savannah, Georgia, added another layer to this journey. Adjusting to a new climate, especially one with higher humidity, has had unpredictable effects on my arthritis, sometimes alleviating symptoms and other times intensifying them. Beyond the physical aspects, moving away from a familiar support network meant rebuilding connections and finding new healthcare providers, which is crucial for effective arthritis management. This transition required resilience and a proactive approach to establish a new equilibrium in an unfamiliar environment.
Despite these obstacles, these experiences have deepened my empathy and reinforced my commitment to creating accessible and inclusive designs. They serve as a constant reminder of the importance of considering diverse needs in experiential design, ensuring that spaces are welcoming and navigable for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an experiential designer and project manager specializing in creating immersive environments that are both engaging and accessible. My work focuses on integrating narrative depth with tangible design elements, ensuring that every experience resonates with a diverse audience. A significant aspect of my approach is advocating for accessibility in the arts, driven by my personal journey with arthritis. This advocacy has led me to actively promote disability education and awareness, aiming to make art and design inclusive for everyone.
Currently, I serve as a Project Manager at Plague Productions, where I oversee the design, fabrication, and installation of immersive attractions across the world. This role allows me to merge my passion for storytelling with practical execution, ensuring that each project is both captivating and accessible.
What sets me apart in the field is my unwavering commitment to inclusivity. I believe that thoughtful design can bridge gaps and create spaces where everyone feels welcome and engaged. This perspective not only enhances the user experience but also broadens the reach and impact of the projects I undertake.
I take immense pride in my ability to transform challenges into opportunities for innovation. My personal experiences have deepened my empathy and understanding, allowing me to design with a unique sensitivity to the needs of all users. This approach ensures that the environments I create are not only immersive but also inclusive, reflecting a holistic vision of experiential design.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One surprising thing many people might not know about me is how deeply my background in philosophy and my lived experience with arthritis have influenced not only my creative work but also the way I lead teams. My academic exploration of philosophy has instilled in me a constant curiosity about the human condition, encouraging me to seek deeper meanings in every project. This reflective approach enables me to infuse my work with purpose and nuance, ensuring that each design is not only visually captivating but also emotionally resonant.
Together, the insights from philosophy and the strength from living with arthritis have become central to who I am as both a designer and a leader. They inspire me to push boundaries, to think critically about how spaces can impact lives, and to lead teams with compassion and a commitment to inclusivity. This blend of reflective thought and lived experience sets my work apart, ensuring that every project I undertake is both thoughtfully designed and deeply human.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mckennakreiling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennakreiling/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckennakreiling/
