Patrizia von Brandenstein

A notable production designer of the 1980s and 90s, von Brandenstein has shown versatility in creating sets for both lavish historical films and glossy contemporary fare. She was born in Arizona to Russian emigrant parents. Her education abroad climaxed with two years as an apprentice at the famed Comedie Francaise. Returning to the USA, von Brandenstein threw herself into the flourishing off-Broadway scene of 60s New York at the Actors Studio and LaMaMa as a seamstress, prop maker and scene painter. 1966 saw the real start of her career in design with an eight-year stay creating costumes and sets at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco under William Ball. She also met future husband and fellow production designer Stuart Wurtzel.