Associate Designer, Museum Campus Projects

Art Institute of Chicago•Chicago, IL

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Art Institute of Chicago is seeking an Associate Designer, Campus Projects to support design-related initiatives for campus expansion and institutional planning. This role, reporting to the Executive Director of Exhibition Design, will facilitate visual communication between internal stakeholders and external consultants, designers, and architects. The Associate Designer will provide organizational, visual, and administrative support throughout project development, including assistance with presentations, design documentation, research, and project coordination. This is a one-year term position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field preferred.
Minimum 1 year of professional or internship experience preferably supporting design and/or architectural projects at cultural institutions.
Strong collaboration and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities simultaneously.
Demonstrated creative and design skills in the architecture, exhibition design, industrial design or interior design realms.
Experience drafting and creating fabrication drawing packages as well as ideating fabrication details and production supervision.
Strong understanding of materials and production processes.
Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and fast-paced project environments.
Proficiency with CAD and 3D software such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, Rhino, or Revit preferred.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
Must be able to communicate effectively through digital tools.
Ability to organize and interpret architectural drawings, project documentation, and visual materials.
Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and time management skills.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
Frequently moves about through the museum galleries and offices; must be able to travel between museum buildings and project locations across campus and be present for in-gallery activities.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with CAD and 3D software such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, Rhino, or Revit preferred.

Responsibilities

Supports the design of campus and institutional special projects by developing design studies, preparing drawings and presentation materials, and assisting with project documentation and communication.
Generates maquettes and scale models as needed for the planning of permanent collection gallery layouts.
Produces design support materials such as layouts, elevations, and presentation graphics to communicate project goals and design intent.
Assists in the administration and maintenance of project materials including presentations, drawing packages and documentation.
Collaborates on artwork layout, interior architecture, furnishings, and design details with departments across the museum, including Facilities, Curatorial, Capital Programs, and external consultants to support project continuity and communication.
Generates design concepts for new and innovative exhibition display solutions (new casework, label rails, stanchions) for diverse permanent collection galleries.
Assists the design and coordination of display systems by preparing concept renderings, design intent drawings, interior elevations and case layouts, case schedules and other design documentation as needed.
Prepares notes and follow-up materials following internal work sessions and workshops with external stakeholders.
Maintain organized digital archives and project records.