John Kasperowicz

JOHN KASPEROWICZ, AIA has more than 25 years of experience in the design and development of themed entertainment projects that have gained him international recognition as a leading specialist in the conceptualization and implementation of theme parks, entertainment venues, casinos, resorts, restaurants, and retail centers. For The Hettema Group, John serves as Director of Architecture and Master Planning

During six years with Walt Disney Imagineering, John helped to develop EPCOT ‘s World Showcase and the Tokyo Disneyland master plan. He subsequently worked in creating the concepts for Disney’s Pleasure Island and Disneyland’s ToonTown children’s attraction.

In 1982, John developed the first themed entertainment casino in Las Vegas with volcanoes, roller coasters, a water park, and virtual reality nightclubs.  He was also chief architectural designer for the Bullwinkle’s chain of Family Entertainment Centers.  As principal architect at Knott’s Berry Farm, John led expansion efforts that resulted in the development of the popular series of Camp Snoopy Theme Parks.

After establishing his own design firm, John’s team of architects, show and interior designers, and planners created designs for projects that include master planning and attraction design of LEGOLAND, Warner Bros. theme parks in Spain and England, Ecocentrum entertainment in Manila, Raging Waters water park, Disney’s Muppet 3-D Theater, and the Starland theme park in Australia.  John’s firm also designed several casinos, the Roy Rogers theme retail and dining center, as well as highly themed nightclub/restaurants in Barcelona and Hong Kong, and the COSI Children’s Museum.

John and his team were instrumental in developing many of the designs for Disneyland Paris.  Recently John oversaw the theme construction of several casinos in Las Vegas as well as Native American casino resorts.  Tarzan’s Tree House at Disneyland and theme character finish for Disney’s California Adventure also bear John’s artistic stamp.

In 2003, the Kasperowicz-designed Toon City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was named top FEC in the World by IAAPA.  In 2004, his Imagination Workshop children’s museum in Temecula, California received a THEA award.