MARK Pyrah is one of the leading figureheads in thematic design, production and experience destinations worldwide, having completed more than 600 projects across his 30 years of experience within this ever-evolving industry.

Based in Elvington, Paragon through the leadership of Mr Pyrah and his co-director Peter Holdsworth, create models, interactives and scenic & theming works for museums, retail, corporate brands, theme parks, agencies, visitor attractions, councils and rrivate clients worldwide.

Recent project highlights include: The Olympic Museum, Titanic Belfast, The Istanbul Aquarium, Think Tank and Eureka. The highly creative team has also just recently won major elements of a theme park project in Dubai.

Paragon has been well established and supported the York business community for more than 20 years, now with a team of more than 100, the company provides creative individuals from across the region with a place to develop, refine and hone their unique design skills in a highly commercial environment.

The company has gained a strong reputation in its industry, thanks to its high quality designs and delivery of leading projects, and is now one of the largest companies of its kind across the whole of Europe.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"If I could have any other job I suppose it would be the one I actually set out to do, to be a designer.

"I trained at Falmouth School of Art and Design to be a graphic information designer, it was a four-year degree and in the third year I secured an internship in London.

"It was a fantastic placement where I learnt first hand about film, big brand identity and advertising. The industry was at an incredible exciting stage of its life so it was fantastic to feel a part of this influential period.

"I learnt quickly and the studio where I was working asked me to stay, resulting in me never finishing my degree.

"Design is a fantastic skill, which is often overlooked by large brands, at Paragon we support and encourage our designers to really excel in their work and see the benefits it has for every single project. The times I love the most at Paragon are when I’m involved in the design process as opposed to being the CEO of a business.

Greatest achievement?

"My greatest achievement has been the creation and development of Paragon Creative, which has become one of the leading specialist design and build companies in Europe. So many people can’t believe a company like this is based in York, it’s a great achievement for the team and also for the city.

"In project terms, my greatest achievement has undoubtedly been the design and build of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was a long process which took a lot of sleepless nights, but to be able to work with one of the greatest brands in the world to create their in-house brand centre was a huge privilege. They are a highly inspiring organisation, which we continue to learn from and work with today."

What makes you most angry?

"People who take a backseat in life and expect great things to happen to them."

Biggest mistake?

"Surprisingly it would be the flotation of the business in December 2011, having a small (in city terms), creative business on the stock market is extraordinarily hard and you open yourself up for huge criticism.

"We just have to always ensure the company and team continues to deliver the best for our clients, shareholders and staff. It’s tough but it drives us forward."

What do you need to make life complete?

"I will let you know when I find it but I always need a plan – organisation is key, make sure you have all your ducks in a row and understand and know how to achieve your goal."

Why do you make a difference?

"I have helped create hundreds of projects that educate, entertain, enrich, delight, emote, scare and thrill people.

"Several millions of people from around the world have visited projects that I have been involved in and they would have felt one of these emotions. It makes me so proud to think that my team and company will have had such an impact on a significant amount of people across the globe. I think it’s quite the achievement."

Epitaph

"Don’t do tomorrow what you can do today and don’t look back!"