In 2014 I was asked to be one of the designers on this $1 million project. I was thrilled! I worked full time on this project for 3 months. I assisted with the design of the electrical layout, the color and placement of the straps, the lighting and the plumbing. I even picked the color for the wood stain.
Creating the concept behind the concierge desk and sourcing volunteers was one portion of the project that I really owned. All members of the camp were encouraged to volunteer. I was in charge of setting up in advance the time and place they would volunteer once Burning Man started. I created a database of the guests. I also created spreadsheets which were used to track and to fill all roles as necessary on playa.
One of the most exciting parts of the project was coming early as a part of the build crew. I was one of the main crew onsite assembling the project prior to the festivals beginning.
This was the hardest project I’ve ever worked on both physically and mentally, but I am very glad after all that I did. I hope the guests that stayed in the elaborate campgrounds we created were exposed to the beauty and magic of Burning Man. I hope they took that beauty and shared it in their own lives.
Kelly Ann Kalac 