The Art of Chill: Mist Q & A with Koolfog President Bryan Roe – Koolfog | Misting Systems | Patio Misters | Fog Effects

Bryan Roe, President and CEO of Koolfog, has spent nearly two decades immersed in the world of atmospheric effects, with a specialized focus on fog and mist technologies. His deep industry expertise and forward-thinking approach have positioned Koolfog as a global leader in innovative environmental solutions.

From designing cooling zones that help people and animals manage extreme heat to crafting immersive sensory experiences with mist and fog, Koolfog’s installations transform public spaces, attractions, and environments worldwide. Under Bryan’s leadership, the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible – where technology, design, and human experience intersect. 

What are some key trends in Misting Technology?
Today’s clients are looking for more than just a standard misting line stretched across a patio structure; they want cooling solutions that are as visually compelling as they are functional. This growing demand for artistic integration aligns perfectly with Koolfog’s core values and our passion for pushing creative boundaries. With deep roots in themed environments and experiential design, Koolfog has a long history of collaborating with artists, architects, and landscape designers around the globe. Our commitment to innovation has led to a wide array of fog and mist delivery methods that create not only practical cooling but also dramatic visual effects. One standout solution gaining attention is our misting poles. Originally developed as custom elements for select parks and landscape installations, these poles are now available to designers everywhere. Offered in a variety of sizes, colors, and mist output levels, they bring both form and function to any space – allowing creative professionals to elevate their environments with a sleek, integrated misting experience.

What is a unique technology that you’ve created?
As mentioned earlier, I’m particularly proud of our misting poles. We’ve designed them to be both simple and elegant, with the flexibility to be arranged in a wide variety of configurations. Whether used to create a cooling canopy or to introduce a sculptural element to a space, these poles offer a visually striking and highly effective way to deliver mist. They exemplify our commitment to blending form and function—bringing artistry to atmospheric design.

What is the Coolest Project You’ve Ever Been a Part of?
There is no way to narrow this down to just one. We created a suspended “cloud” with artist Ned Kahn outside the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, named “Cloud Arbor.” This project featured an impressive amount of fog, integrated into sixty-four stainless steel poles, each standing 32 feet tall and arranged in a precise 32 x 32 grid. The grid layout was intentionally designed to form a spherical volume – much like constructing a 3D sphere by positioning individual pixels within a digital grid. The result was a striking, immersive fog structure that combined mathematical precision with atmospheric artistry.

“Pulse” in Philadelphia was another standout project. We had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artist Janet Echelman to bring this unique installation to life. The concept traced the path of the Philadelphia subway using curved segments of fog line that moved rhythmically along the track. The fog itself was air-assisted and delivered in a smooth, laminar flow—creating a mesmerizing visual that echoed the motion of the trains below in real time.

I’d be remiss not to mention the many Kool (yes, with a K) projects we’ve completed at major theme parks around the world. Most recently, we contributed a significant number of fog-driven effects to the new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. From immersive environments to dramatic scene enhancements, our systems are featured throughout nearly every corner of the park. It’s a stunning achievement—and I can’t wait to experience it firsthand as a guest, not just a collaborator.

What is new for Koolfog in the latter part of 2025?
We’re excited to introduce a new product that delivers fog through sculptural, artistically designed enclosures—or “shells,” for lack of a better term. These illuminated fog pedestals combine form and function, offering a visually striking solution that simplifies installation. With integrated LED lighting, fog dispersion, and built-in drainage, they allow for flexible placement and creative configurations without the need for additional infrastructure or separate design considerations.

What do you enjoy most about the profession?
I love that I am still learning. Even after more than 20 years in this industry, new challenges continue to land on my desk—and each one presents an opportunity to problem-solve, innovate, or develop something entirely new. Often, these challenges prompt us to revisit ideas we once set aside due to technological limitations. But with the rapid evolution of process controls, automation, and system integration, many of those former roadblocks are now surmountable. Advances in technology—and the speed at which we can now bring ideas to life—have opened doors we couldn’t walk through before.