Project management · Electronics integration · Prototyping & Design

James Lamken

I lead the teams that build interactive attractions, museum exhibits, and art installations, bridging the gap between business goals and technical implementation.

See case studies Volunteer work

The NERF Challenge tower-defense arena: glowing hexagonal targets along a padded blue wall, behind orange barriers FeaturedNERF Challenge Team vs. team tower defense, one of 20 large-scale arcade games in a touring 90,000 sq ft attraction. Read case study

01About

Strategic leadership

A strong understanding of the technology behind a project is essential to leading it successfully. My technical background allows me to communicate effectively with both engineering teams and stakeholders, bridging the gap between business goals and technical implementation. This understanding helps me identify potential risks early, make informed decisions, and set realistic expectations for timelines. By recognizing the challenges and opportunities within the work, I can support teams in delivering predictable, high-quality results.

  • Team leader

    • Fostering a positive, supportive atmosphere.
    • Inspire motivation and collaboration towards shared objectives.

  • Project manager

    • Ability to function under pressure.
    • Adaptable to evolving situations.
    • Comfortable in fast-paced environments.

  • Concept prototype

    • Electrical design.
    • Python, C++, Arduino.
    • Hardware mockup.
James at a desk with a computer and a lamp, in front of a brick wall James wiring the electronics on an electric go-kart frame James kneeling beside an equipment rack, sorting a bundle of network cables James standing among light-up NERF targets mounted on blue barrels

02Work

Project case studies

A few of my favorite projects.

  1. The NERF Challenge entrance, lit orange and blue at night

    01Live attraction

    NERF Challenge

    A touring, 90,000 sq ft NERF attraction with 20 networked arcade games. I joined as a contractor and finished as head of Electronic Design & Integration.

    • Team leadership
    • Networking
    • Electronics
    Read case study
  2. WNDR Museum’s glass garage-door facade with large WNDR lettering

    02Art installation

    WNDR Museum: Ephemera

    The centerpiece of WNDR Museum’s post-pandemic reopening. Your portrait appears, dissolves into ash, and joins a pile that grows all day.

    • Interactive art
    • Mechanisms
    • Systems
    Read case study
  3. Entrance to the Energy / Energía exhibition, with a glowing circular sculpture and tall lettering

    03Museum exhibition

    Discovery Museum: Energy

    Project management and electronics integration for a museum exhibition, from the Gantt chart to emergency repairs before opening day.

    • Project management
    • Scheduling
    • Electronics
    Read case study
  4. Clear vertical tubes forming a bar graph on the Energy exhibition floor

    04Interactive exhibit

    Energy Portfolio

    Server parts and a clever pipe design make an attention-grabbing interactive bar graph.

    • Design
    • Fabrication
    • Electronics integration
    Read case study
  5. The Pinball Golf prototype: a blue pinball playfield that feeds into a strip of putting green

    05Prototype

    Pinball Golf

    Four weeks to prove a concept: a pinball table scaled up to golf-ball size, flippers, spinners and all.

    • Prototyping
    • Electromechanical
    • Programming
    Read case study

03Volunteer

Volunteer work

Community organizations I help lead, organize, and support.