Studio Connelly 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 is a production designer with a career that spans over two decades in designing studio sets, interiors and events. As Founder, Principal Creative of StudioConnelly.com, James leads a studio of talented creatives and technicians who help bring stories to life through one-of-a-kind set design and remains at the forefront of the industry with providing production and interior design services and experiential activations in both virtual and physical environments. Connelly has earned recognition with 3 Emmy Awards, 18 nominations, and 9 Art Directors Guild Award nominations. He is a member of the Television Academy, having served as Governor on the Board from 2014 to 2019. Connelly’s portfolio is a testament to his versatility and his visionary approach to production design has left a mark on by originating the most talked about television shows, including The Masked Singer, The Voice, The MTV Video Music Awards, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Top Chef, Red Table Talks, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Netflix's The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady, Wheel of Fortune, and Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson, and many more. Connelly was principal art director for the 2010 Oscar-nominated film The Kids are All Right and has starred as a judge on the HBO Max series Craftopia and host of FYI network's DIY show, We're Moving In.
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 Team Connelly in 2011.
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 Team Connelly in 2023.
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 Team Connelly in 2021.
Yi LIN ZHAO | Associate production designer
With a background in fine art and a love for performing arts, Yi Lin came to the U.S. to study and pursue a career as a designer for theatre, film, and television. Within the company’s design workflow, she leads the conceptual design phase and oversees the 3D artist team in producing refined renderings.
Yi Lin joined Team Connelly in 2025.
Alex Hartford | LEAD 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 Team Connelly in 2020.
Jordan Fox | Executive assistant & studio coordinator
Jordan adeptly handles administrative tasks, facilitates client consultations, and manages various responsibilities with efficiency and professionalism. He is ecstatic to be apart of such a prestigious team.
Jordan joined Team Connelly in 2021.
Maxx Ortiz | 3D Designer
Maxx began his art journey with a BA in Studio Art from San Francisco State University, waddled around a bit then went back to school at Gnomon, which led him to being a 3D Artist here at Studio Connelly! Some core responsibilities include translating 2D concepts and designs into Unreal Engine, and cracking the occasional bad joke..
Maxx joined Team Connelly in 2024.
Jensn Trevino | 3D designer
Jensn is a 3D Designer on the team and can do anything 3D. Texturing, modeling, lighting, and designing as well as 2D work. He works with an efficiently great team of artists and it's been a privilege for him to learn as much as he has about the back-and-forth's of design passes and client feedback.
Jensn joined Team Connelly in 2024.
As creative designers in the bustling production world of Hollywood, we started Brass Tacks to serve those who need curated style for spaces of all shapes and sizes and for all budgets.
Our inventory has been used for television, special events, residential, and commercial projects, providing award-winning designs. We pride ourselves on not only supplying accessible and updated contemporary style for your one-of-a-kind environment and also being available to you when you need it and how much you need it for.