Immersive Experience Makers: We Bring Stories to Life
Acomb Ostendorf & Associates (AOA) is a full-service design, production, and project management practice founded in 2009 by Tom Acomb and Mike Ostendorf, former Walt Disney Imagineering leaders. Headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, with additional office and production spaces in Orlando, Burbank, and Nashville, AOA delivers end-to-end physical storytelling experiences from initial concept through construction completion. Its capabilities span master planning, themed architecture, strategic engineering, interior design, show set and scenic fabrication, media production, and technical systems integration. Serving clients in themed entertainment, hospitality, retail, and cultural attractions, AOA has completed over $1 billion in projects, including Dolly Parton's Life of Many Colors Museum, Meow Wolf installations, and major resort and entertainment destinations.
Tom AcombCo-Founder
Mike OstendorfCo-Founder
Early strategic planning to align the site layout and initial cost estimations with operational and design goals.
Development of big ideas, guest-focused narratives, concept renderings, and initial scope, schedule, and budget frameworks.
Digital flythroughs and immersive digital environments using XR (AR and VR) tools to validate experiential designs.
Creation of detailed drawings, BIM coordination, and packages for bidding, permitting, and construction.
Development of physical show elements, props, and custom scenic components to add dimension to practical environments.
Sourcing and procurement of furniture, fixtures, equipment, unique materials, and finishes from early concept through installation.
Technical coordination across civil, structural, and MEP engineering scopes for complex rides, show systems, and architectural features.
Design of engaging visual communication systems, including wayfinding, signage, marketing materials, and fundraising assets.
Creation of rich visual assets, motion graphics, 2D and 3D animations, and dynamic projection mapping.
Integration of complex audio, video, lighting, special effects, and control programming to ensure system performance.
Fabrication of physical prototypes and proof-of-concept mockups to troubleshoot technical challenges before full production.
Scenic painting, mural design, model making, set dressing, and custom fabrication of authentic physical environments.
Schedule coordination, vendor relations, and budget management from initial concept through completion.
Owner-side quality assurance, progress documentation, and troubleshooting as facility construction and creative design converge.
Arts & Culture · Sports & Recreation · Hospitality · Retail · Healthcare · Education · Infrastructure · Space · Food & Beverage
Nashville, TN · Arts & Culture · 2026 · Client: Dolly Parton Productions
This 20,000-square-foot museum celebrating Dolly Parton's life and career is located on the third floor of Dolly's SongTeller Hotel in Nashville. The experience spans every dynamic decade, showcasing costumes, music, movies, and personal memories with a colorful, transformative exhibit design. The project also features a dedicated retail store for official merchandise.
Arts & Culture · Client: Meow Wolf, Inc.
Collaborations with Meow Wolf on immersive, location-based art installations and experiential exhibitions.
New York, NY · Arts & Culture · Client: Hines
Immersive observation deck and transit-oriented experiential project in New York.
Sports & Recreation · Client: Universal Creative and Marvel
Design and delivery coordination for the high-thrill coaster attraction in theme parks.