People.

Great work. Good people.

A team of makers, planner, and problem-solvers. Different backgrounds and shared care for the work bring ideas to life in our shop.

David Brown, PMP®

CEO & Director of Production

David has worked in construction and fabrication for 20+ years, as a chief detailer and finisher, a scenic designer and builder, and a general contractor in residential renovations. His experience includes projects for local, national, and international clients in film and television, performing arts, retail, events, public art, and museums. As Director of Production, David oversees the fabrication of all projects, from design through execution to closing.

dbb [at] gnwshop.ca

Jon Schoonderbeek

Director of Operations

Jon works closely with all departments to ensure all aspects of fabrication are delivered to the highest standard. He works with a broad range of materials and processes, including wood, metal, plastic, electronics, and casting. He’s familiar with myriad presentation methods, art-handling best practices, and archival materials. Before joining GNW, he worked as the main prototyper of new designs and processes at Brent Comber Originals, a design house with projects around the world. Jon’s expertise benefits interactive exhibitions with elements such as touch boards, infographics, display cases, welded acrylic cases, and vitrines. (BFA, ECUAD)

jon [at] gnwshop.ca

Milo Butterfield

Head of Metal Fabrication

Milo began his career at GNW in 2016 as a journeyman cabinetmaker before deciding to specialize in metal fabrication. He graduated from BCIT’s welding course in 2021 and has ever since led GNW’s metal-fabrication team to deliver projects to the highest standard. He works mostly with steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, and is always maximizing opportunities to learn new processes with new materials. He specializes in TIG welding, and is CWB-certified in all positions of stick welding.

milo [at] gnwshop.ca

Kyle Sutherland

Head of Carpentry

Since joining GNW in 2007, Kyle has worked as a project manager, designer, carpenter, installer, and metal worker. Now he specializes in scenic carpentry and custom display fabrication. Kyle has strong and lasting ties to the performing arts community since moving to Vancouver from Victoria. Kyle’s continuing professional development includes two years honing his carpentry skills at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and ongoing advanced worksite-safety training. (BFA, University of Victoria)

kyle [at] gnwshop.ca

Adam Curry

Head of Special Projects

Adam is responsible for vetting all technical drawings to ensure fabrication demands and processes are clear and accurate for fabrication purposes, for liaising between the technical team and the fabrication team, and for communicating to and overseeing the fabrication team, and ensuring all demands of safe, secure cartage are met. Adam’s value extends far beyond carpentry; he has been integral to the success of many of GNW’s major fabrications and installations over the years, notably for Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Polygon Gallery, Nikkei National Museum, Museum of Vancouver, TED Talks, Westbank, and Lululemon’s C-Suite Activations. (BFA, ECUAD)

adam [at] gnwshop.ca

Elisa Bonnafous

Project Manager

A civil engineer from France, Elisa worked on two exciting construction projects notable for shaping the Parisian skyline—Hekla Tower and Duo Towers—as well as on the Nantes University Hospital, one of Europe's largest and newest hospitals. Always looking for an adventure, Elisa moved to New Zealand, where she worked in marketing for a French wine and delicacy shop, developed several artistic endeavors like portrait and event photography, performed stand up comedy, and earned an international certification in wine. At GNW, she is able to combine her project-management and engineering skills with her passion for the arts — a match as perfect as wine and cheese, for her and our clients. (MEng, Polytech Clermont-Ferrand; MSc BIM, Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées & ESTP)

elisa [at] gnwshop.ca

Luis Bellassi

Project Manager

Luis is a Paraguayan architect who transitioned to the realm of scenic design. He has established himself as a versatile designer, lending his talents to a diverse range of projects spanning short films and theatrical productions. Prior to his relocation to Canada, he cultivated a successful career in Paraguay as both an architect and an art director. His decision to shift his professional focus to theater marked a significant turning point, reflecting a profound passion for the performative arts. He represented both Canada and Paraguay at the prestigious 2022 World Stage Design Exhibition held in Calgary. (MFA, UBC)

luis [at] gnwshop.ca

Alex Forsyth

Project Manager

Alex is a multidisciplinary artist with a history as production manager and technical director for Pi Theatre (Beautiful Man, Lampedusa, Dance Like No One's Watching, Black Space Jam, Truth & Lies, Deafy, Medicine, and Black and Rural), as well as experience in production capacities for the likes of Cirque du Soleil, Lady Gaga, Metallica, Guns ‘n’ Roses, and Queen. His live-performance experience includes writing, producing, and performing plays for K.I.A. Productions that have toured nationally and internationally in collaboration with his wife and co-artistic director Keltie Forsyth. (BA, University of Alberta; MFA, East 15 Acting School)

alex [at] gnwshop.ca

Vera Ganhão

Project Manager

With 10+ years of experience in creative production, retail displays, and brand environments, Vera oversees end-to-end project coordination, ensuring high-quality execution across complex builds and client activations. She has worked with top brands like Aritzia, Tiffany & Co., and Tommy Hilfiger, bringing a sharp eye for design and strong project execution to every role. Vera blends creativity with precision to deliver high-impact visual solutions. Born in Lisbon and educated in Europe, Vera is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. (BA, IADE; MA, Elisava)

vera [at] gnwshop.ca

Rebecca Proteau, Operations Manager
rebecca [at] gnwshop.ca

Katie McDonald, Project Coordinator
katie [at] gnwshop.ca

Michelle Porter, Bookkeeper
michelle [at] gnwshop.ca

JC Fung, Project Manager
jc [at] gnwshop.ca

Get in touch and let's make something great.

info@gnwshop.ca