The sweeping sets of House of the Dragon often feel like living, breathing worlds, and that sense of authenticity comes from the imagination of production designer Jim Clay. On the official Game of Thrones podcast, Clay revealed that his lifelong obsession with building model theaters shaped the way he designs Westeros.
Childhood obsession with miniature theaters
Jim Clay recalled how his fascination began at a young age, when he started building model theaters and experimenting with lighting and scenery:
“I built theater models from the age of about ten or 12. And I became quite obsessed with my model theater… I was obviously so impressed with the lighting and the sets that I just thought, this is what I want to do with my life.”
That early obsession planted the seed for a career in production design, where the same curiosity about light, space, and atmosphere now defines the look of Westeros.
Designing Westeros through three-dimensional models
Clay explained that model-making remains central to his creative process, allowing him to visualize sets in physical space before they are built:
“The model making is a big thing. And often I model-make as part of the design process. It’s a sort of designing in three dimensions rather than starting with a plan.”
By working with models, Clay ensures that every set feels immersive, with depth and texture that translate seamlessly to the screen. This approach makes Westeros feel less like a backdrop and more like a world viewers can inhabit.