Meet The Team

  • Pittsburgh, PA

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    Meet Upward Consulting. We bring ideas to life through prop rentals, production design, creative consulting, and immersive experiences tailored for stage, screen, or story-driven environments. Based in Pittsburgh, our work blends hands-on artistry with strategic planning—helping clients craft spaces that surprise, engage, and inspire.

    Whether we're designing cinematic sets, fabricating custom props, or creating unforgettable experiential events, we approach each project with purpose, precision, and a deep respect for collaboration. Our team has supported commercials, film shoots, theatrical productions, and interactive exhibits for major brands and local legends alike.

    We’re proud Pittsburghers, and we draw inspiration from our city’s character, creativity, and community spirit. We can’t wait to make something remarkable with you—right here in the city we call home!

  • Jon Ward

    Designer

    Meet Jon, a charismatic art director and creative force with more than a decade of experience designing immersive environments for stage, screen, and live events. Known for his sharp eye and hands-on leadership, Jon has brought creative vision to major brands including PA Lottery, Hasbro, GNC, UPMC, and Vitamix.

    Whether he’s building a mummy themed escape room, managing art departments for OTT commercials, or leading theater teams at Center Theatre Group, Jon blends storytelling, logistics, and design to deliver impactful results. His work spans production design, prop fabrication, and art direction for advertising, entertainment, and higher education institutions.

    As a former department head and instructor at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, Jon has mentored dozens of emerging artists. He holds a B.S. in Theater Production from Towson University and trained as a Props Department Apprentice with Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago.

  • Heidi Ward

    Producer

    Meet Heidi, co-owner of Upward and the best thought partner in town. Heidi is a dynamic television and film producer with over a decade of experience turning creative visions into compelling stories for screens of all sizes. With a sharp eye for logistics and a passion for storytelling, she has played pivotal roles on unscripted hits, including MasterChef, Hell’s Kitchen, The Final Table, Botched, Dance Moms, and Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge.

    Whether she is managing a high-stakes kitchen showdown or orchestrating behind-the-scenes care, Heidi brings a rare blend of precision, creativity, and calm to every production. Her expertise spans producing, culinary coordination, and production management for major networks such as FOX, NBC, Netflix, E!, and Lifetime.

    A Daytime Emmy Award winner for Naturally, Danny Seo (NBC), Heidi is equal parts creative and strategic—a collaborative leader who thrives on clear communication. She holds a B.A. in Cinema and Digital Arts and an MBA in Management from Point Park University.