Meet Our Managers
- Susan Attea, Director of Fabrication/Designer
- David Williams, Director of Project Management
- Simon Lashford, Head of Design
- Karen Plomin, Office Manager/Bookkeeper
Susan Attea
Director of Fabrication/Designersattea@redboxworkshop.com
Susan was RedBox Workshop's first outside employee when she began painting for the workshop back in January of 1991. As expected, she quickly became an invaluable part of the RedBox Workshop team, joining the staff full-time as Department Head of the paint department. 15 years later, Susan's role has evolved and she is now responsible for coordinating the flow of each and every RedBox Workshop project, guiding their progression through all production departments to ensure that schedules are met and quality standards are sustained.
Armed with abundant creativity, experience, skills and a great laugh, Susan continues to create and develop specialty paint finishes and samples, design murals, and generate renderings and in-house designs. She also acts as the Design Team Art Liaison with outside design firms that collaborate with RedBox Workshop.
Education
MFA, Scenic Design, University of MichiganBA, Theater Design (Minor: Fine Arts), SUNY, Geneseo
RedBox Workshop Accomplishments
• Paint Department Head for 17 years.• Design Renderings for Kid's Blast at the Traders Point Christian Church
• Mural Design for The Farm & 321 Penguins at the Granger Community Church
• Mural Design for the Children's Ministry at Northview Christian Life Church
Previous Professional Positions
• Freelance Scenic Artist, Chicago Scenic Studios• Freelance Scenic Designer, Various Chicago Theaters
Out of the Box Accomplishments
• Freelance Scenic Designer, various Chicago theaters including Bailiwick, Drury Lane/Oak Brook, Chicago Actors' Ensemble and Organic Lab• Fine Art Exhibitions: Rosie Romero Fine Art, San Antonio, TX; “New Expectations,” President's Gallery: Chicago State University; Suburban Fine Arts Center; Mexican Cultural Center; Jacqueline Ross Gallery; Flat Iron Center: Around the Coyote Festival
• Mom to Alex (16) and Cassie (14)
David Williams
Senior Project Managerdwilliams@redboxworkshop.com
David began working as a scenic carpenter at RedBox Workshop back in 1994, becoming the Shop Coordinator in 1996. With his extensive “on the job” knowledge of wood and metal fabrication, mechanics and electrics—all combined with a “Can Do!” attitude—David is an ideal leader and motivator. David transitioned to Project Management in 2003 where his people skills are well regarded by staff and clients alike. He is an AWS Certified Welder, trained in GE Fanuc Motion Control Programmer and AutoCAD.
Education
BFA, Theatrical Performance, The Goodman School of Drama, DePaul UniversityRedBox Workshop Accomplishments
• Children's Ministries for the Granger Community Church• Children's Library rehab for the Evanston Public Library
• Skyline Exhibit for the Chicago Children's Museum
• Children's Discovery Museum, Normal IL
Previous Professional Positions
• Freelance Scenic Carpenter, Chicago Scenic StudiosOut of the Box Accomplishments
• President (2003-2006), Hamlin Park Baseball Assn. (700+ players from 5 to 19 yrs.)• Youth Baseball Coach, 8 years
• Dad to Taylor (17), Logan (14), Cody (11)
• Married to wife, Jeanne for 20 years
Simon Lashford
Head of Designslashford@redboxworkshop.com
Simon heads up the Design department at RedBox Workshop and serves as Senior Designer for a variety of projects, from children's ministries to theatrical stage productions. He has detailed over one hundred projects since joining RedBox Workshop 10 years ago and is experienced in computer visualization programs including AutoCAD, VIZ 2008, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. As RedBox Workshop's resident “Renaissance Man,” Simon has a strong artistic background in hand drafting, watercolor painting and clay modeling.
Education
BFA, Theatrical Design and Technology, Virginia Tech(graduated Magna Cum Laude)
RedBox Workshop Accomplishments
• Design for Kid's Blast at the Traders Point Christian Church• Design for the Discovery Center at the Community Church of Oakbrook
• Design for Hotrods and Hairdos at Silver Dollar City
• Design for the Children's Ministry at Northview Christian Church
• Design for the Carl Erskine School
Previous Professional Positions
• Assistant Technical Director, San Francisco Opera• Assistant Technical Director, Opera Theatre of St. Louis
Out of the Box Accomplishments
• Scenic Designer, Cirque Shanghai at Navy Pier, 2006• Freelance Designer & Detailer, various scenic and design studios
• Freelance Scenic, Property & Puppet Designer, various Chicago theaters including Chicago Dramatists, TriArts, Defiant Theatre and Famous Door
• Dad to Wyatt (3) and Willow (<1)
Karen Plomin
Office Manager/Bookkeeperkplomin@redboxworkshop.com
When Karen joined RedBox Workshop in 2005, she quickly set to work, streamlining and organizing the company's paperwork processes for added productivity and efficiency. What would we do without her!?!? Karen's long history in property management brings to RedBox Workshop an intensive understanding of accounts payable and receivable, including the intricacies of working with sub-contractors and wavers of lien. But she's not all about the numbers: Karen's background in retail sales management makes her the perfect person to answer the phones and assist our clients and vendors.
Education
Associate's Degree, Accounting, Northeastern Illinois UniversityRedBox Accomplishments
• Staying sane!• Proving that Office Managers can (and do!) have a sense of humor.
Previous Professional Positions
• Office Manger, Burnham Properties• Store Manager, Brookstone
• Store Manager, The Body Shop
Out of the Box Accomplishments
• Published Scrapbook Designer• Avid Volunteer, including work with Chicago Hostel and the Chicago Marathon
• Mom to John (32)