In this Casto Corner feature, we sit down with Matthew Casto, Principal Art Director at CASTO Creative, for an in-depth conversation about the craft and complexity behind themed construction. With a career spanning over 30 years and projects in more than 68 countries—including iconic destinations like Shanghai Disneyland, Universal Studios Beijing, and the upcoming Epic Universe—Matthew has seen firsthand what it takes to bring imagination to life.

In this interview, he unpacks the concept of constructability—the essential balance between artistic vision, structural integrity, and real-world functionality. He speaks candidly about the challenges facing the industry today, from the decline of skilled artisans to the need for deeper collaboration across creative, production, and operational teams. Most powerfully, Matthew reflects on the transformative role of mentorship, sharing how training the next generation not only shapes the future but continues to inspire his own journey.

Whether you're a designer, builder, or simply fascinated by the magic behind immersive environments, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and passion for a craft that’s as imaginative as it is technical.