March 3, 2025

Leader in Themed Entertainment Industry, Chris Grap, Joins Martin Aquatic

Martin Aquatic, a world-class aquatic design and engineering firm, has tapped themed entertainment industry leader Chris Grap as its new Creative Director, expanding the company’s thematic storytelling capabilities.

As a former Blooloop Top 50 influencer and current TEA Eastern Board Member, Grap has had an extensive career in experiential design through his recent tenure with Mall of America and previous film production career, bringing a wealth of experience to the Martin team.

“Chris brings an invaluable perspective to Martin Aquatic, strengthening our ability to create immersive, story-driven aquatic environments that captivate guests and elevate experiences,” said Josh Martin, President and Creative Director, Martin Aquatic. “His expertise in themed entertainment and creative development allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in designing Aquatic Leisure Destinations—transforming waterparks and beyond into fully realized worlds. By adding Chris as another Creative Director on board, we’re expanding our ability to craft narratives, shape destinations and deliver unforgettable moments that transport guests into new realms of adventure.”

Grap joins Martin Aquatic after an extensive tenure at Mall of America in Minneapolis, where he served as Vice President of Experiential and Entertainment. Producing more than 350 large-scale events annually, his creative concepts redefined “retailtainment” and helped draw millions of guests to the nation’s largest retail and entertainment destination. Leveraging the Mall’s partnerships with several IP brands, he brought to life large attractions for Nickelodeon Universe and created immersive attraction overlays for seasonal campaigns.

One of his latest projects was leading the creative development for Mall of America’s proposed “Mystery Cove” waterpark, an adventurous indoor concept with unique moments of discovery woven throughout aquatic rides and attractions. Martin Aquatic supported Mystery Cove through its conceptual and schematic design phases as the project sought additional funding.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by the challenge of redefining what’s possible—whether that was transforming how people experience a retail space at Mall of America or now, reimagining the future of aquatic leisure destinations," said Grap. “What excites me about this opportunity is the chance to help move the industry forward, to push beyond the expected and create experiences that immerse, inspire and transport people into entirely new worlds. Having collaborated with Martin Aquatic, I know firsthand the passion and dynamic thinking their team brings to each project. Together, through bold ideas and creative collaboration, we’ll shape the future of aquatic experiences in ways that haven’t been seen before.”

Over his career, Grap has served as a recognized leader in the themed attractions industry, through his engagement with organizations like the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), where he serves as a member of the Eastern North American board. His professional relationships branch through the entire entertainment community, and he has served as a speaker alongside other design consultants at various conferences for trade groups such as IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry. In 2022, Grap was voted as a Blooloop Top 50 Theme Park Influencer, a prestigious list of individuals honored for their impact on innovation and creativity within the business.

Grap comes to Martin Aquatic at a time when the firm is expanding its creative capabilities, taking on conceptual projects such as the above-mentioned Mystery Cove and a waterpark design project with Hasbro, a leading toy and game company. Teased during 2024’s IAAPA Expo, Martin Aquatic developed the concept for a Hasbro waterpark using the company’s most iconic brands such as NERF, TRANSFORMERS, Saban’s Power Rangers, and MY LITTLE PONY. As Aquatic Leisure Destinations continue to evolve, integrating thematic storytelling into the designs is something Martin Aquatic is focused on delivering for its clients, from cruise ships to resort destinations.

“As theming within location-based entertainment transitions from a ‘surprise’ to an ‘expectation’ for many guests, we’re seeing high demand paired with limitless opportunity for future aquatic developments,” said Martin. “Bringing Chris’ talents to our team is a big win for Martin Aquatic.”