Norman Stuart Craig

Norman Stuart Craig
-Harry Potter set designer

After perusing the architecture library and not finding something that I wanted to research much, I did a little digging on the internet and uncovered Norman Stuart Craig (just goes by Stuart Craig) who was the production designer for all of the Harry Potter movies (as well as a few others (The Secret Garden, Gandhi, Notting Hill, and The English Patient) (Internet Movie Database). Although he's won 3 academy awards, he's been nominated 8 times! (imdb.com)

From his work with the Harry Potter franchise (including the theme park), he has accrued many awards and accolades including Academy awards, BAFTAs and an OBE (a royal honor). Craig came from a small british town where he was expected to grow up and work for the local insurance company. Instead of following the well-worn path, he was inspired to pursue something else when he was complimented for his painting of a school-play's set. When designing a set, Craig will ask the director what he or she would like to see in the scene rather than limit himself to the fact that a scene takes place in a non-descript room (http://www.angelfire.com/mi3/cookarama/craig.html). Throughout the franchise, Craig has put his efforts in making sure that each detail is well sorted, as there are many objects and aspects of the scenery/props that are not seen for long enough to be truly appreciated, like the details gone into the golden snitch or the Weasley clock. (http://www.snitchseeker.com/harry-potter-news/stuart-craig-cried-watching-snapes-death-filming-for-deathly-hallows-71172/)
When the Harry Potter theme park was slated to be produced, J.K. Rowling specifically asked for Craig to continue the wonderful work that he had done in the movies and how it mirrored how she imagined the wizarding world. (http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Stuart_Craig).
Stuart's first film where he's credited as the production designer was in 1980, although he has been credited as early back as 1972 as an Art Director making his career a well-respected 39 years long (imdb.com).