Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation: A Spotlight on Apeiro Design’s Associate Principal, Don Guyton
Don Guyton has spent more than 30 years building a career filled with accomplishments, challenges, stories, and a whole lot of heart. At Apeiro Design, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on one of our most experienced and cherished team members. We celebrate Don’s quarter-century with the firm and his stellar work shaping performance spaces that not only function seamlessly—but leave audiences in awe.
Reflecting on this milestone, Don shared some thoughts on the most memorable moments, creative breakthroughs, and personal victories along the way. From bold architectural milestones to subtle wins that resonated deeply, this conversation reveals the story of a career built on vision and heart.
What’s been your favorite project to date—and why?
“Hands down, the La Perle aqua theatre in Dubai by Dragone. It’s unlike anything else I’ve worked on. We’re talking about a 1,300-seat U-shaped theatre with a pool that holds over 700,000 gallons of water—and the water level rises and falls on cue to cover or expose the stage. Add flying performers, aerial stunts, a fully mapped immersive experience, and high-end finishes? It was technically intense and just…massive. It was not your everyday performing arts center.
The scale was incredible. Plus, traveling to Dubai and collaborating with an elite international design team made it even more rewarding. Honestly, this project is clearly a standout in my roster of past projects.”
Al Habtoor City – La Perle by Dragone Theatre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The stage can be covered with 2.7 million liters of water and drained in seconds. © Courtesy of La Perle
Was there a project that truly pushed you or helped you grow professionally?
“Actually, every single project has pushed me in different ways. Whether it’s a tricky site, advancing technology, or unique client expectations, there’s always something new to learn and take onto the next project.
But the biggest growth usually comes from interpersonal dynamics. Navigating challenging personalities, egos or rigid thinking on a team; That’s where real professional development happens. Learning how best to collaborate even when it’s tough—that’s a skill in itself.”
Is there one accomplishment that stands out as a proud moment?
“I take a lot of pride in my work. You might be surprised, but a small project at the United Nations is one I’m especially proud of. We worked on the Dag Hammarskjöld Library in New York, renovating the stage lighting in the lecture hall and designing new broadcast lighting for their media briefing room.
Just walking through those historic halls—seeing diplomats, feeling the global weight of the place—it gave me a real sense of purpose. It reminded me that even small projects can have powerful meaning.”
Is there a project that you fell in love with?
“Absolutely—the Writers Theatre in Glencoe, Illinois. That project had everything: a brilliant and collaborative architectural team from Studio Gang, an owner’s team with vision, and a truly beautiful outcome.
The main theatre is intimate, acoustically sharp, and perfectly tuned to the company’s work. The vibe on the team was always positive, solution-focused, and forward-thinking. It was one of those rare gems where every moving part just clicked.”
Concierge-style box office (left) / Thrust stage (right), Writers Theatre, Glencoe, Illinois © Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing
What keeps you up at night, work-wise?
“When you build buildings with steel and concrete instead of shows with scenery and lighting that will be taken down at the end of the run, there’s no undo button, it’s permanent. Mistakes can be extremely costly or irreversible.
I remember I had quite a bit of concern over the 37-foot roll-down projection screen at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s (BAM) Harvey Theatre. The screen box is stored under the stage floor, then lifted using chain hoists and bridles. I worried it would tilt, roll or not deploy correctly. I had a giant sigh of relief when we tested that the first time.
But honestly, many projects come with these sleepless nights. You obsess over details, and sometimes, that’s what gets you to the right solution.”
“Don Guyton was a joy to work with on BAM Fisher and BAM Strong. Don is a true expert and can always provide solid information and guidance for any theatrical matter that may come up.
On BAM Strong, the success of the seating project and 3D cinema conversion was largely attributable to Don’s adaptability, knowledge, and capacity to make clear to everyone the reasoning behind any design decision. With myriad stakeholders at the table, these qualities were crucial to the success of the project.
Thoughtful and easy to work with, Don is a true professional and I would be happy to work with him on any project anywhere in the world.”
– Jonathan Jones, Former Capital Projects Director, Brooklyn Academy of Music
Brooklyn Academy of Music – Harvey Theatre Renovation, Brooklyn, New York. © Elliott Kaufman
Thoughtful and easy to work with, Don is a true professional and I would be happy to work with him on any project anywhere in the world.
Which project had a stand-out client team that made the project really successful—and why?
“It’s hard to say one was the best but there is a type of project when things come together, that are great to work on due to the team. I’m thinking of:
- Signature Theatre in NYC
(with Gehry Partners and H3 Hardy) - Writers Theatre
(with Studio Gang) - BAM Fisher Building
(with H3 Hardy) - BAM Harvey Theatre renovation
(with Mitchell Giurgola)
All of those projects had deeply involved owners’ teams that didn’t just have mission statements, but real artistic visions for their projects. And the architects on each of those projects held in-person design charrettes, which create a sense of design team community and ease of collaboration and group problem solving. These projects are stand-outs as having the best teams to work and collaborate with.
I know this is not the question, but I would be remiss to not acknowledge Apeiro Design’s in-house team. We have a great bunch of knowledgeable and dedicated people with a variety of backgrounds and skills who like working together.”
Signature Theater, New York, New York © David Sundberg/Esto
Explore More
La Perle by Dragone – Official Site
Studio Gang – Writers Theatre
Brooklyn Academy of Music