our Team

Rob is a professional artist who has worked as a theatrical designer, professional photographer and architectural lighting designer for more than 20 years. In 2007, he started Clear Story, working with architects, engineers, developers and cultural organizations to create some of Pittsburgh’s most captivating illuminations. Rob embraces new creative collaborations and challenging projects, expanding the possibilities of lighting design through his instinct for visual storytelling.

Tanya has been working with Clear Story for over a decade, managing finances and keeping order. She holds a degree in Film Studies and History of Art & Architecture from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the Clear Story team, Tanya spent 15 years serving the Pittsburgh nonprofit arts community.

Owen Smith brings a wealth of experience from his 16 years as an exhibitions manager at The Mattress Factory art museum. His passion for creative problem-solving and collaboration drives his work, ensuring each project is executed with care and precision. Owen is frequently accompanied by his dog, Honey, who supervises office morale.

Stephen is a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience in scenic woodworking and lighting, where he has crafted and installed elements for art installations, corporate events, and films. He is dedicated to merging technology with craftsmanship to produce unique, artistic projects and address complex challenges with creative solutions.

At Clear Story, Sean utilizes his passion for design and close attention to detail to make previs renderings, conceptual artwork, and videos. He is a 2014 graduate of Pitt's Film Studies program and loves creating.

Chris Craychee is an artist, project manager, and art services provider with extensive experience leading multi-disciplinary projects across art, culture, and experiential marketing. Having worked independently, for non-profit institutions, and for private firms, Chris can navigate a wide variety of workflow models, and is committed to excellence in all his projects.

Shehnaz Nilamdeen is a technical lighting designer with a multidisciplinary background in architecture, engineering, project management and UI design. Her experience spans architectural and biophilic lighting, combining design sensitivity with technical precision. At Clear Story, she supports projects through photometric analysis, lighting calculations, fixture research, visualization, and technical documentation.

Honey keeps a close eye on office morale and is frequently accompanied by Owen Smith.