Pittsburgh Event Designers
Designing Beyond the Standard Package
Whether you are hosting a wedding in a historic ballroom or a gala in an industrial loft, we bring the practical know-how to transform your space. From custom draping to striking event lighting, our team handles all the setup, heavy lifting, and behind-the-scenes logistics—ensuring the room looks exactly as you imagined, completely stress-free.
Beyond The Decor
Direct Partnership, Seamless Care
A stunning design requires a dedicated, experienced team to bring it to life. As a family-operated studio, you work directly with the owner, guiding your project from the very first sketch to the final teardown. We focus entirely on open, honest communication and intentional care, ensuring that the planning process feels just as seamless as the event day itself.
We look far beyond simple decorating. Our goal is to ensure every single structural element and design detail of your Pittsburgh celebration is managed safely, smoothly, and beautifully—bringing your vision to life exactly as you imagined it.
Connect With UsIf you are looking for a vendor that cares AND someone that listens…these are your people! Don’t hesitate a second longer. They are seriously the best in Pittsburgh.
Beyond the Catalog
Custom Elements Crafted for Your Space
Most event decor is limited by what a rental company happens to have sitting in a standard warehouse inventory. We choose a different path. Instead of pulling generic, pre-existing pieces from a catalog, we design and craft custom elements inside our own studio to perfectly match the exact look and feel you want to achieve.
From elegant fabric drapery installations to uniquely designed focal backdrops, our team guides the entire process from the first concept sketch to the final on-site placement. We don’t just fill a room with mass-produced rental items; we curate a cohesive, personalized environment tailored to the architecture and layout of your Pittsburgh venue.
ConnectChris and Kristin worked to even create pieces for our wedding they didn’t have to make our dream wedding a reality!
Stage to Celebration
A Foundation in Large-Scale Production
Before founding ILLUME, our founder, Chris, spent nearly a decade coordinating logistics and staging for international concert tours and grand-scale corporate events. This extensive background provides our studio with a deep understanding of structural safety and spatial design—especially when it comes to crafting large-scale installations—that sets our team apart from standard decor companies.
Today, Chris brings that same meticulous precision and care to Pittsburgh’s most cherished event spaces. Whether he is navigating the unique architectural guidelines of a historic downtown ballroom or transforming a raw industrial loft with a custom structural build, he ensures that every single element is installed safely, cleanly, and beautifully.
Begin Your Unforgettable ExperienceThey made my Pinterest dreams come true with twinkle lights over the dance floor and an awesome backdrop for our venue! They were so easy to work with!
Meet Your Pittsburgh Event Team
A Collaborative Team Devoted to the Details
Our work is a partnership between your vision and our close-knit collective of local designers. As a boutique studio, we collaborate seamlessly to bring your distinct ideas to life, ensuring every Pittsburgh celebration receives our undivided attention and personal care.
Chris Ubinger
Principal Designer & Event Lead
With over 20 years in high-stakes event production, Chris is the technical and creative heart of ILLUME. After leading national tours and large-scale concerts across the country, he now brings that ‘tour-grade’ precision to Pittsburgh’s premier weddings and events. He specializes in navigating the complex logistics and structural details that make ambitious designs possible. Chris believes the design process should be clear and stress-free, translating complex production concepts into simple, actionable choices for his clients. When he’s not on-site, he’s usually spending time with his family, building complex LEGO sets, or visiting Walt Disney World.
Kristin Maher
Event Manager & Logistics
With a Master’s degree in Business and a background in organizational strategy, Kristin is the operational engine that keeps ILLUME running with precision. She serves as the steady hand behind the scenes, ensuring every design is backed by a flawless logistical plan. Kristin manages the complex flow between our client services and warehouse operations for our Pittsburgh production house. She believes in providing clear communication and professional support that allows our clients to breathe easy during the installation process. Outside of the studio, Kristin loves spending time with family, reading, and enjoying the magic of Disney.
Morgan Hunter
Event Specialist
With a foundation in theatre and design, Morgan is a creative focused on environmental storytelling. Their theatrical training provides a unique understanding of how light and structural elements work together to transform Pittsburgh venues. Morgan specializes in translating creative concepts into high-impact installations that are both safe and beautiful. With an additional background in event photography, they also ensure the craftsmanship of every ILLUME project is perfectly captured for our digital footprint. Outside of the studio, Morgan is a lifelong creator who enjoys sewing, practicing the banjo, and finding adventure in the everyday.
Professional Integrity & Care
We Value the “How” Just as Much as the “Wow”
As proud American Rental Association (ARA) members, we prioritize industry safety and professional standards above all else. We ensure every installation is securely and flawlessly engineered—because a breathtaking room is only a success if it is built the right way.
They helped me figure out the best lighting and draping for my wedding and that they were honest with what they thought I needed and what they thought I could do without. They could have told me to add a bunch of other stuff to my package, but they actually helped me cut back to just the right amount of added light/draping.