Position Summary
The Exhibition Designer, in collaboration with curators, interpretive team members and others, develops the design of exhibitions and installations in (in the galleries, on the grounds, and in other museum-related spaces) that engage visitors aesthetically, emotionally and intellectually and deliver on the Museum’s mission.
The Exhibition Designer is an integral member of the exhibition team and enhances the curatorial, educational and interpretive vision for an exhibition through layout of works of art, creation of additional walls/spaces, color, lighting, and the thoughtful and innovative integration of interpretive elements, including technology.
S/he consults with curators, registrars and preparation staff to determine the methods, materials, and display techniques for the presentation of works of art to ensure greatest visual appeal, visitor engagement and learning, optimum traffic flow and safety, using drawings, scale models, a Computer Aided Design (CAD) based program and other design tools to communicate design ideas. S/he collaborates with in-house designers to specify and integrate exhibition graphics and digital elements, and with facilities and grounds staff as needed. From time to time, s/he may work with outside designers, artists, architects, builders and others.
Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Works with curators, interpretive staff, artists, educators, conservators, registrars, preparators, and others to organize works of art and interpretive elements into an exciting and engaging exhibition plan suitable for public display.
Develops exhibition designs which fit within the budget and time available for each project, in close consultation with the Exhibition Coordinator.
Manages expenses and design schedule to ensure exhibitions are opened on time and on budget.
Collaborates with curators, interpreters, graphic and digital designers through an exchange of ideas to help determine how the exhibition experience unfolds. Creates concept sketches, 3-D scale models and drawings offering a variety of solutions.
Uses computer aided design (CAD) to produce scaled floor plans and elevations including layout of walls, casework, interpretive elements and graphics. Taking into consideration specific environmental and aesthetic requirements of each object, specifies supplies and materials (e.g. paint, vitrines, case furniture, fabric, Plexiglas). With input from curators and others, makes aesthetic decisions regarding the presentation of artworks, wall and case colors, and places objects for maximum educational and aesthetic impact.
Collaborates with in-house graphic designers in the development of exhibition way finding and graphics plans and includes all graphics into scaled elevations.
Creates design plans to facilitate the regular rotation of objects, and collaboratively includes curators in the process. Creates design plans for other projects as needed.
Collaborates with in-house lighting team members in the development of an effective overall lighting plan to enhance the works of art and the visitor experience.
Generates, collects and organizes the appropriate documents for each phase of a project, and, at major milestones, presents design plans for review by curator, supervisor and Executive Director.
Consults with facilities, guest services and security teams as needed.
Job Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits:
Bachelor’s Degree in art, art history, architecture, design or related field from an accredited college or university, or commensurate work experience, is required
Additional education and/or experience in exhibition and/or graphic design, industrial design, commercial art, architecture, theater design or related area desirable but not required
Demonstrated knowledge of principles, techniques and best practices of exhibition design; lighting and graphic design knowledge a plus
Experience in incorporating multi-media into exhibitions
Demonstrated experience with the presentation, environmental and safety requirements of rare objects and/or works of art
Knowledge of the requirements for guests with disabilities and familiarity with the principles and benefits of Universal Design
Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and implement multiple overlapping design projects, and communicate effectively in a team setting
Ability to organize, represent, and communicate information effectively through sketches, renderings, models and other forms of representation
Ability to understand and apply principles of visitor studies and educational theories
Ability to conceptualize exhibition design and make refined aesthetic judgments that are appropriate to the materials, exhibition criteria, museum goals and brand
Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally if required
Ability to generate detailed, scaled plans, elevations and isometric views using CAD-based software and to effectively communicate concepts and requirements of exhibition design; identify and solve problems
Ability to think and design creatively within the limits of the budget, and to suggest new approaches
Enjoys working collaboratively with curators, interpretive teams, artists, and others in the design of exhibitions; able to consider and appropriately incorporate ideas and input from others while maintaining a compelling vision
Demonstrates an understanding of structural integrity and basic construction methods and materials
Creativity and imagination
Enthusiastic about being a member of a team developing exhibitions and installations in a museum with a strong guest-centered focus
Keeps abreast of trends and technologies
Work Experience:
Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, design, and implementation of museum exhibitions using computer aided design programs, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Portfolio Requirement:
A portfolio, including examples of scaled exhibition floorplans, elevations and isometric views (created in a CAD-based program), along with conceptual drawings or images, will be required as part of the application. Please provide a link to an online folder or Website.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid driver’s license
Ability to obtain passport for international travel
Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally
Prioritizing, planning, and problem-solving skills
Ability to be self-directed and balance the time demands of multiple overlapping projects
Able to synthesize design input from multiple sources into a balanced response; able to receive feedback gracefully and respond to concern
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently within museum office and spaces, construction sites and grounds. In the work environments described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, moving throughout the museum, trails, and associated buildings, reaching, lifting/moving objects up to 30 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The position requires the ability to focus and work at a computer for long periods of time, listening, analyzing and summarizing large quantities of information. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to discern nuances of color and lighting.
Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, interior and exterior museum spaces and grounds, construction sites, some overnight travel may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
APPLY FOR THIS JOB
Apply URL: http://goo.gl/k74MGh
