About Us

Unique to the world of garden railways, Applied Imagination’s installations have garnered nationwide acclaim for over 30 years. Inspiring audiences of all ages through our inventive use of botanical materials to create iconic botanical models and sculptures, perfectly paired with universally beloved G scale model trains that transport visitors to an immersive celebration of the natural world.

These exhibitions and botanical artworks are created at our workshop located in the rolling hills of Alexandria, Kentucky just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. Founder Paul Busse is retired and his artistic vision lives on, continuing to elevate through their inspired creative team under the direction of Paul’s daughter, Laura Busse Dolan, President / CEO, Stephanie Winters, Creative Director (M.Arch), and Jarrod McNertney, Lead Engineer, who work alongside a team of 15 full-time artisans, fabricators, and model train experts. In Paul’s own words ‘They are taking my vision farther than I ever dreamed possible.

Since 1991 Applied Imagination has created countless award-winning garden railway displays across the country, many of which have been running for two to three decades, including current installations at:

New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, NY since 1992
United States Botanic Garden in Washington D.C.
Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC
Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, OH
Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL
Morris Arboretum in Philadephia, PA
Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, IN
Cheekwood Gardens in Nashville, TN
Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati, OH since 1992

Applied Imagination continues to break attendance records with their unique creations. Most notably, at The New York Botanical Garden, who will celebrate the 31st anniversary of their Holiday Train Show this year. New York City's Mayor Bloomberg declaring this show one of the top 5 things to see in New York City during the holidays.

Laura Busse Dolan, President / CEO

Laura handles all client communication, new business procurement, and oversees all creative concepts, design execution, and installations. Supporting each employee with an environment to thrive, how we work together is as important as what we create. Prior to Applied Imagination, Laura held a decade-long career in advertising at one of the top agencies in Cincinnati, Ohio. Initially as a Traffic and Project Manager, then as an Interactive Project Manager designing the flow and functionality of custom-built websites for Fortune 500 companies. The later half of her career in advertising was spent as Brand Leader where she discerningly oversaw all creative aspects, strategy, and client communication for leading, national brands. Laura is founder Paul Busse's daughter. She was compelled to step into this new role at Applied Imagination when Paul’s Parkinson's progressed to the point he could no longer run his beloved business. Laura took the reins in 2017, completely restructuring Applied Imagination in 2019. With support from her leadership team, Laura’s vision has led the company to new heights through elevated creativity, artisanship, and nationwide success.

Stephanie Winters, Creative Director

A botanical sculptor from the early years of Applied Imagination (1997-2006), Stephanie returned in 2019 as the active Creative Director. She has a background in Experiential Design focusing on themed commercial environments and museum exhibitions. She has a Master of Architecture degree (M.Arch), from the University of Cincinnati (DAAP) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from The Art Academy of Cincinnati. Stephanie possesses a diverse skill set that includes architectural drafting and design, computer graphics and production, stage design and sculpture. She has worked on notable projects such as Smithsonian Deep Time in Washington DC, Ferrari World -Formula 1 Interactive Theater in Abu Dhabi, UAE and Angry Birds Global. Stephanie began her career at Applied Imagination as a sculptor working directly with Paul Busse in the late 90s where she met and worked with his daughter Laura in the small shop in Northside creating a lifelong friendship. Her current work for AI includes ideation and concept design, drafting, and sculpting while leading the artistic team in the fabrication of botanical models. 

Jarrod McNertney, Lead Engineer

Jarrod McNertney has been with Applied Imagination since 2011, and understudied Paul for five years, eventually overtaking the drafting and track layout design. Jarrod oversees the trains, fabrication and installation team with an emphasis on safety, craftsmanship, and efficiency. Jarrod holds a BFA in sculpture from Northern Kentucky University, and is a master woodworker, specializing in modern design.