Introduction: Crafting Spaces, Creating Experiences

Events are ephemeral by nature—beautiful, immersive, and unforgettable, yet temporary. Within this impermanence lies the challenge: How do you create spaces that feel as meaningful and immersive as a permanent structure, yet exist for only a moment in time? For Josie Romani, Event & Structure Designer at Hensley Event Resources, one of our sister companies, the answer lies in a fusion of architecture, creativity, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Born in Peru and now shaping the landscape of luxury events across the United States, Josie doesn’t just design tents or event layouts—she builds homes for memories, spaces where people gather, celebrate, and experience magic. Her work is the scaffolding of dreams, transforming blank canvases into grand architectural expressions that rival permanent structures.

From Architect to Event Designer at Hensley Event Resources: A Vision Rooted in Structure

Josie’s journey into event structure design was not a conventional one. With over 12 years of experience in architecture and event production, her passion for music led her to be part of iconic massive concerts like the Rolling Stones tour giving her a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic vision. “When I design, I think beyond the event,” she shares. “I think about how the space should feel, how it should function, and how it can leave a lasting impression.”

This architectural approach sets her apart. She applies the same principles of form, function, and spatial harmony fundamental to permanent structures but with a deep understanding that ephemeral architecture is in nature variable, and therefore needs to be flexible and transformative. The result? Custom-built pavilions, atriums, and ephemeral spaces that look and feel like they belong, even if only for a night.

Designing Dreams: The Blueprint for Transformative Events

A wedding in Pescadero. A luxury brand activation in Napa. A wedding at Hearst Castle. Each project Josie undertakes is an intricate puzzle, requiring precision, innovation, and an understanding of the physical space, the landscape itself, and the emotional impact it must have.

Nestled in a vineyard, this architectural pavilion becomes the heart of the celebration.

Guests dine in elegance beneath a sculptural modern pavilion, framed by dramatic columns and ambient

A breathtaking aerial view of a custom octagonal pavilion glowing under the night sky, masterfully b

From above, the pavilion’s grandeur and thoughtful symmetry take cenetr stag

At the heart of her work is a commitment to bespoke design. Unlike traditional tenting solutions, her creations are custom-fabricated, ensuring every element—from the subflooring to the ceiling treatments—is tailored to the event’s vision.

Josie's collaboration at the Luxury Wedding Planners Familiarization Retreat at Montage Healdsburg exemplifies her philosophy. She and the Hensley team were tasked with transforming a lawn into an elegant event space. Listening to the client's vision, Laurie Arons Special Events and Gregory Blake Sams Events, explored various design possibilities and developed a custom oval tent with slatted walls and ceiling. This innovative approach turned a standard tent into a culinary space where the Montage Chef hosted a special tasting night.

The outcome? A stunning tent that not only hosted the event but also integrated seamlessly into the resort’s infrastructure, enhancing the experience for every guest!

Balancing Form & Function: The Art of Temporary Architecture

A key challenge in event structure design is the inspiring balance between grandeur and safety, along with functionality. These spaces must be visually striking while remaining structurally sound and adaptable to varying terrain, weather conditions, and site-specific challenges.

Modern outdoor wedding ceremony framed by a dramatic steel structure in a scenic countryside setting

Chic vineyard reception under a stunning clear-top tent at sunset.

Imagine a breathtaking wedding set against the stunning backdrop of Oregon’s open fields. This enchanting affair was brought to life through a brilliant collaboration between the acclaimed HMR Designs and the internationally celebrated New York planner Marcy Blum Events. To create the perfect setting, Josie and the Hensley team rolled up their sleeves to craft a magnificent custom tent, complete with elegant side extensions that stretched an impressive 25 feet on either side. In total, the tent spanned a grand 132 feet, offering a spacious yet inviting atmosphere for the joyous celebration.

Every detail was carefully considered—from the sturdy flooring to the elegantly draped fabric walls—ensuring that both beauty and durability were at the forefront. The result? A stunning environment that embraced the spirit of the occasion while standing strong against the elements. This wedding was not just an event; it was a memorable experience filled with warmth, style, and joy.

In addition to this tented reception space, Josie describes that, for the ceremony and cocktail area, two atriums were constructed simultaneously – where integration of the tiered ceremony floor with the structure was meticulously planned, rendered, and executed.  To further define the space, over 100 custom planter boxes of varying heights were designed and fabricated around the tent poles and between each level of the platform. This effectively defined the ceremony area within the expansive terrain. A collaborative planning effort contributed to this achievement, demonstrating strong leadership in executing the project.

“Event design is about problem-solving,” Josie explains. “We’re working with nature, with materials, with tight timelines. My job is to make it all come together flawlessly.”

Innovation Through Materials & Techniques

One of the hallmarks of Josie’s work is her dedication to pushing the boundaries of materials and techniques. From custom-sewn ceiling liners to digitally printed backdrops, she constantly seeks ways to elevate the visual and tactile experience of an event.

Her work at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix exemplifies this drive for innovation. To transform existing tents into high-end VIP spaces, she implemented custom ceiling treatments, sleek wooden framework, and integrated lighting elements, proving that even temporary structures can exude luxury.

She’s also a proponent of sustainable design. Whenever possible, she incorporates reusable components, modular frameworks, and eco-conscious materials. “Sustainability isn’t just a trend,” she notes. “It’s the future of event design.”

The Power of Collaboration: “WE” Over “ME”

At Hensley Event Resources and Blueprint Studios, the philosophy is clear: The concept of WE is greater than ME. No project is a solo endeavor. Each requires the collective expertise of planners, designers, fabricators, and technicians. It takes a village to make these dreams become unforgettable memories, they say.

Josie thrives in this collaborative environment. “The best ideas come from teamwork,” she says. “Designs are only possible because I work with an incredible and diverse group of people who bring them to life.” Whether it’s developing large-scale 3D renderings, overseeing fabrication, or ensuring on-site execution, she understands that excellence is a shared effort.

Memorable Milestones: A Legacy of Impactful Events

Throughout her career, Josie has played a pivotal role in some of the most breathtaking transformations. Her ability to turn concepts into physical spaces has not only elevated Hensley Event Resources’ reputation but has also left an indelible mark on the industry.

One of her proudest moments? Hosting a wedding at Hearst Castle at San Simeon is a remarkable privilege, and we were committed to upholding the highest standards while honoring its stunning traditional architecture. Our client, Gregory Blake Sams, sought a vision that would allow a custom tent and decor to blend effortlessly into the castle's enchanting surroundings.

Hensley team crafted a breathtaking custom Conservatory Tent, adorned with elegant metallic details, set within one of the castle's picturesque courtyards. To further elevate the ambiance, we introduced custom curtains in rich shades of brown and incorporated exquisite gold accents, creating a cohesive and luxurious design that enriched the castle's timeless beauty.

A stunning palm-lined dining installation beneath a clear-span tent, where chandeliers and rich text

Layers of glamour and natural beauty converge in this bespoke tented experience, blending lush flora

As golden hour sets in, the custom-built clear structure glows, with palm fronds and golden light da

Any challenges? Josie and the Hensley team needed to efficiently orchestrate logistics across over 25 trucks while ensuring that 4 to 5 trucks were offloaded daily within a tight 3-hour window before the tours commenced. Achieving this required not just effective project management, but also meticulous pre-planning. By prioritizing these elements, they successfully met our client's deadlines and streamlined operations, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and reliability.

The Future of Event Design: A Vision Beyond Today

For Josie, the future is filled with limitless possibilities. She envisions a world where temporary event structures rival permanent architecture, and where design trends evolve to incorporate smart technology and immersive spatial experiences. More importantly, she hopes to mentor the next generation of event structural designers, sharing her knowledge and passion for building spaces that matter.

“I want to keep pushing boundaries,” she reflects. “To create events that feel like home, no matter where they are.”

Conclusion: The Architect of Experience

Josie Romani is more than an event & structure designer—she is an architect of experiences, a builder of dreams. Through her innovative approach, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication to her craft, she has redefined what is possible in the world of temporary structures.

As she continues to craft immersive, breathtaking spaces, one thing is certain: her work is not just about constructing events. It’s about building moments that last a lifetime.

Special thanks to our incredibly talented photography partners who captured the magic through their lenses: Jose Villa for Gregory Blake’s unforgettable Hearst Castle celebration and Laurie Arons’ inspiring Fam Trip 2023 (alongside the brilliant Joel Serrato), and Allan Zepeda for Marcy Blum’s breathtaking events. Your artistry brings our designs to life and helps us tell these stories beautifully.

To see more of Josie Romani’s extraordinary work and discover how our teams bring visionary designs to life, visit Hensley Event Resources and Blueprint Studios—where unforgettable spaces begin with bold ideas and exceptional execution.

Photography Credits:

Gregory Blake Sams Events– Wedding at Hearst Castle

Photography: Jose Villa

Laurie Arons Special Events – Luxury Wedding Planners familiarization Retreat at Montage Healdsburg

Photography: Jose Villa / Joel Serrato

Marcy Blum Events & HMR Designs – Wedding in Oregon

Photography: Allan Zepeda