Geoffrey Taft Woodward Founder & Principal

With my twenty-seven years of industry experience, I have found that the key components in creating success for the client is to understand and develop their vision into a story that creates a lasting memory for the visitor and a successful business model for the client.

Geoff began his career with Walt Disney Imagineering as a set designer, show producer and project manager on key projects from Disneyland Paris to EPCOT Center and Disneyland California. His experience with Disney gave him a firm grounding in the principles and practicalities of theme design from concept through construction.

As director of project management for Mitsubishi Entertainment Design International, and later as vice president in the Leisure Group of KBD Innovative Arts, he was responsible for negotiating proposals and new contracts, as well as budgets, scheduling, and resource allocation for multi-million dollar theme parks, themed entertainment projects, and recreational property development.

Geoff founded Taft Design + Associates in 1990 to provide experienced design services for themed entertainment parks, museums, and resorts. As president, Geoff collaborated with clients in creating innovative and immersive projects for the Walt Disney Company world-wide, Warner Bros., Simon Wiesenthal Center, and Turning Stone Resort & Casino, to name a few.

Doris Hardoon Woodward Executive Vice President of Creative & Principal

I’ve always believed that a good design begins with good listening, a good story, and a good understanding of the mission and project requirements.

For twenty-two years Doris was a respected designer, art director and producer with Walt Disney Imagineering, working as the lead designer for the EPCOT Center Pavilions, Tokyo and Paris Disneyland, Animal Kingdom, Disney Cruise Line, and the Disney Urban Entertainment Centers nationwide.

Doris went on to become the senior executive art director, producer, and chief designer for billion dollar theme parks and resorts, such as Anaheim WESTCOT Center, Long Beach Disney Sea, and Hong Kong Disneyland. During her career at Disney, Doris was one of a few creative executives responsible for the design and implementation of large-scale, non-Disney installations such as Autry National Center and Port Discovery — the Baltimore Children’s Museum.

In 2000 Doris joined Taft Design + Associates as the executive vice president for creative. Doris has earned an international reputation for her ability to create and implement visually compelling design in a wide variety of educational and entertainment projects.