Born in 1961 in Zurich, Switzerland, Stephen, the son of a commercial pilot, spent his childhood in Switzerland, Japan and Australia. In 1976 Stephen immigrated to Canada with his family, and later received his pilot's license from the Aviation and Flight Technology program at Seneca College in Toronto.

Stephen left flying in 1983 to attend the School of Industrial Design at Carleton University in Ottawa where he specialized in the design of furniture and interactive science exhibits. He received his Industrial Design degree in 1987.

During summers throughout his university years, Stephen was employed as a designer at the Ontario Science Centre, where his projects included mechanics and visitor-interfaces for exhibits on resonance and space.

In 1987 Stephen moved to Saskatchewan to oversee the development and production of exhibits for the fledgling Saskatchewan Science Centre (SSC). As Manager of Exhibits for the SSC Stephen was responsible for the design and construction of 75 new exhibits and a budget of $1.75M. In 1988 he was promoted to Director of Science and Exhibits, and in 1990 was appointed Executive Director. In his 3 year tenure as the Saskatchewan Science Centre's director Stephen oversaw the construction and grand opening of the $4 million Kramer IMAX Theatre.

In late 1992, Stephen left the Science Centre to launch Platypus Productions, a small business providing creative services and specializing in film and television production. In 1993 Stephen produced three documentaries for the CanWest series LIFE LESSONS, and was an associate producer of Saskatchewan's first made-for-TV movie, GUITARMAN. From 1994 to 1997, Stephen produced and directed three seasons (35 episodes) of UTOPIA CAFE, a television series for CBC Network. The award winning series also played on SCN in Saskatchewan and NBC in Asia.

Since 1997 Stephen has focussed on directing.

His directing credits in the last 5 years include dozens of commercials; the half-hour romantic comedy HAROLD & KATJA; two episodes of the Minds Eye children's series, PRAIRIE BERRY PIE (Global); parodies and sketches for 23 episodes of the CBC Series STREET CENTS (CBC network); the short psychological thriller, MEPHISTO SAYS (CBC Halifax and CBC Saskatchewan), 3 stories for Minds Eye Pictures/Vérité Films INCREDIBLE STORY STUDIO (YTV and Disney Channel); 8 episodes of the drama series RISK (shot in London England for Channel 5 (UK) and Showcase (Canada)); and 13 episodes of the first season of DESIGNER GUYS. He is currently directing the second season of DESIGNER GUYS (26 episodes).

Stephen has won numerous awards for film and television production. Most recently, he shared honours with the cast and crew of CBC series Street Cents, which was nominated for a 2001 International Emmy Award for Best Children's or Youth Program and a 2001 Gemini Award for Best Children/Youth Program. (Stephen directed parodies of the popular Budweiser "Wassup" commercials for the nominated episode)

Stephen is currently vice-chair of the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Directors Guild of Canada. He also sits on the board of directors of the Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund (CIFVF). He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industries Association (1998 to 2000)