Rob Ross

Rob’s journey into lighting design was sparked by a childhood passion for storytelling and theatrics, cultivated while growing up in the picturesque town of Woodstock, New York. Moving to D.C. for middle school, his desire to be part of the theater scene led him to build a set for a play after being denied an audition, igniting a lifelong commitment to creating immersive experiences. Enthralled by the transformative power of theater, he pursued a BFA in lighting design, realizing his dream to work on Broadway, with his debut on “Godspell.”

Diverse projects in architecture, fashion, and event design have shaped his unique approach to lighting, blending elements of theater and music. As the founder of StudioRRD, Rob pushes boundaries, assembling talented team members to craft unforgettable experiences worldwide. Drawing from a deep reservoir of experience, Ross immerses himself in the essence of each venue at the outset of the design process, uncovering the enigmatic interplay between space, form, and color. In doing so, he imbues every project with the evolutionary design DNA of its predecessors. His work captivates audiences, immersing them in mesmerizing performances. Ross’ knack for storytelling has illuminated dozens of events worldwide, orchestrating immersive experiences that defy expectations. Notable among these events include his role as Creative Director of the Soma tent at Outside Lands, Tesla Cyber Rodeo, Cartier Time Unlimited, Harper’s Bazaar Icons Party, and the Firefly Music Festival. Ross’ creativity has attracted a prestigious clientele, with collaborations spanning Saint Laurent, Gucci, Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, Mercedes, Apple, MTV, Adobe and more.

With each project, Ross invites audiences to embark on a captivating journey by pushing boundaries in lighting design to fuel and deliver the ultimate experience.

Press: Chauvet Professional, Tesla Cyber Rodeo Spirit, Okeechobee Music Festival, Tesla Gigafactory, Coalescent Light, Life is Beautiful, Dazed x Versace, Luar NYFW, Harper’s Bazaar Icons Party, Unfinished Live, Louis Vuitton Cruise | AD, Louis Vuitton Cruise | Nuvo, Outside Lands