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Harvard University · 16 hours ago

Exhibition Designer

Cambridge, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid Level

3+ years exp

Harvard University is a vibrant community dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration. The Exhibition Designer will produce unique concepts for gallery installations, guiding projects from concept to production while ensuring aesthetic standards and enhancing visitor engagement with artwork.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, produce installation designs for temporary exhibitions and collection galleries, in consultation with curators and other stakeholders. Generate and propose creative solutions for presenting artworks, narratives, and ideas. Communicate ideas to stakeholders to gather feedback and gain consensus

Prepare and disseminate design materials, including floorplan and elevation drawings, furniture construction drawings, gallery models (physical or virtual), and related documentation

Organize and lead meetings with museum stakeholders to present design plans, review artwork mockups, or other design factors

Review design plans with Exhibition Production team to gather feedback on feasibility for execution and installation

Serve as a reference for design-related project information, such as budget, scheduling, and artwork display specifications, in support of broader museums workflow. Meticulously check data and alert colleagues to any errors or concerns

Help maintain and build upon design office resources, such as base architectural files, furniture drawings and inventories; design tools such as software and supplies; and project-related documentation on Basecamp and in archives

Support gallery installations, being available in person for guidance or to troubleshoot

Work collaboratively with museum colleagues in the execution of his/her duties

Qualification

Exhibition design3D modeling softwareAdobe Creative SuiteArchitectural design practicesProject leadershipFile managementHand sketchingModel-makingProblem-solvingAttention to detail

Required

Bachelor's degree in relevant field of design, or equivalent professional experience

Minimum of three total years of professional experience (including internships) in exhibition design or comparable fields such as architecture, interior design, industrial/furniture design, or set/scenic design, including experience in a museum setting

A body of work that demonstrates relevant skills, such as 3-dimensional and spatial design capability and a creative, problem-solving approach

Proficient with computer-aided drafting and 3D modeling software

Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop and InDesign) and MS Office software (especially Excel). Organized approach to file management

Good hand sketching, model-making, and light-duty prototyping skills

Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously, receive and process large quantities of complex data

An eye for precision and detail is essential

Demonstrated success thriving in a large complex organization and with managing multiple, sometimes conflicting priorities

Willingness to learn

Familiarity with museum best practices (conservation, art handling, security, lighting), accessibility, and life-safety regulations

Knowledge of architectural and industrial design practices, documentation standards, and nomenclature

Understanding of fabrication techniques, materials, and finishes