One main tool I use to help design the house is Photoshop. I use it to ideate, try out ideas, and see what the house could look like, even before we create the set pieces.

In my file, I have an image of the house, and a silhouette of the supporting structure which we put up each year. I then lay in various images and shapes trying to capture what is in my mind, while at the same time making sure that it will line up with the supports and not be too big or too small.

I have set up my file in such a way that I can also turn on a grid and print “blueprints” from Photoshop, which I can then take and use while building. It makes the process not only go smoothly, but also keeps things fun!