In our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we’re introducing you to the talented individuals who make up the creative collective of PLB.

Kicking things off, meet Jamie, our Creative Director. Now in his 19th year at PLB, Jamie is a seasoned strategic heritage specialist. He leads our creative team, working closely with clients to tackle complex visitor challenges with a unique blend of ingenuity, flair and business acumen.

We sat down with Jamie over a cuppa to ask him a few questions, and get to know him better.

1. What inspired you to work in the heritage and museum sector?

By chance! While at Art College, I met Eduardo Paolozzi, the Scottish sculptor and had the opportunity to collaborate with him on generating ideas for The Dean Gallery. That experience sparked my passion for interpretation, art and design.

2. What do you love most about PLB?

No two projects are ever the same. We’re always immersed in new narratives, constantly exploring fresh ways to engage audiences with history and culture.

3. Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment from a recent project that made you proud?

The opening of Hopetown Darlington was a standout moment. We knew we had created something special, but seeing it come to life with visitors engaging in the space was truly rewarding.

4. If you could work on any heritage site or museum in the world, which one would it be and why?

I’d love to work at Musée du Louvre in Paris, immersing myself in Parisian life while engaging with one of the world’s most iconic collections.

5. What’s a common misconception about what you do?

That we’re architects! In reality, working with architects is just one small part, along with storytelling, accessibility, and engagement – all designed to create meaningful and lasting connections between visitors and our heritage.

6. What’s the most interesting fact you’ve learned while working on a project?

Dickens was a ‘rock star’ of his time and would often go on tour. Fans would sleep outside the venues where he was appearing just to make sure they got to see him ‘live’.

7. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into exhibition and interpretation design?

Be curious. Always think about how people engage with spaces and what makes an experience truly memorable for them.

8. Describe your job in three emojis!

💭✍️👷‍♂️ (Ideas, creativity and bringing them to life!)

9. What’s one object, artefact, or display that has left a lasting impression on you?

A spoon from a concentration camp at The Holocaust North, a small yet profoundly significant object that carries immense historical weight.

10. If PLB had a company mascot, what would it be and why?

A DeLorean Time Machine, perfectly capturing our role in interpreting the past, designing the future.

Stay tuned for more team insights and a closer look at the people who make PLB what it is!