UNM ALUMNUS TO SPEAK ON DISNEY PROJECTS

September 22, 2003

UNM ALUMNUS TO SPEAK ON DISNEY PROJECTS

Toby Pugh, graduate of the master's program in the University of New Mexico's School of Architecture and Planning, will present, "The Wonderful World of Disney Imagineering: A Conversation with UNM Alumnus Toby Pugh," on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. in the Student Union Building, Lobo A&B room.

Pugh, who was recently named manager of specifications and standards at Walt Disney Imagineering, worked on Hong Kong Disneyland, a new theme park currently under construction. Pugh also served as the principal project architect for Disney's California Adventure. As lead architect, he was responsible for the architectural production of the recently opened 55-acre theme park at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

Pugh worked for several years with FMSM Architects in Albuquerque and Los Angeles working on hotel and hospitality projects before joining Disney Co.

"His is a career that not many architects ever see, working with the Disney Co., helping to create new theme parks across the world, in Paris and Hong Kong. We are delighted that he can come home today to share his adventures with us," said John Hooker, past president of the Albuquerque chapter of the American Institute of Architects and alumnus of the School of Architecture and Planning.

Pugh's presentation will focus on the challenges he faced on the Hong Kong Disneyland project including issues with local codes, governmental processes and universal design as it applies to accessibility issues.

Pugh is a registered architect in New Mexico, California, Florida and Hong Kong. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Institute of Architects.

Pugh said, "It's been a wonderful experience and in many ways far beyond anything I would have ever imagined when I first started my studies at UNM!"

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