Building Grit from the Ground Up on Tough As Nails (CBS)
On Tough As Nails, every challenge had to feel real, rough, and rooted in the kind of work that doesn’t always get the spotlight—but keeps everything running. As one of three art directors on the season, I worked hand in hand with the challenge department to conceptualize and execute large-scale physical challenges that felt authentic, camera-ready, and built to last.
I led art direction on four episodes including the season premiere and finale. Each challenge site came with its own unique demands: variable terrain, limited build time, and the need for total reliability. My focus was on designing immersive, durable environments that honored the spirit of skilled labor and delivered a seamless experience for both competitors and production.
From the first episode to the last, the challenges I oversaw ran without a hitch -- no game failures, no set malfunctions. That consistency came from careful planning, tight collaboration, and a respect for the physical and emotional stakes of the competition. It wasn’t just about building sets—it was about building trust in the experience.
