Associate Exhibition Designer

Huntington Public Library•San Marino, CA

5d•$85,000 - $89,000

About The Position

The Associate Exhibition Designer develops and executes two- and three-dimensional designs for permanent collection displays, in-gallery graphics and signage, labels for accessioned outdoor sculptures, and select temporary exhibitions across The Huntington’s Art Museum, Library, and Botanical divisions. The role establishes and maintains design standards for collection displays and exhibitions, including interpretive graphics, wayfinding, accessibility, construction, and built environments, in alignment with museum best practices. Working with exhibition coordinators, curators, editors, registrars, conservators, preparators, technical staff, and colleagues across departments, the designer translates curatorial objectives into effective, accessible, and technically sound design solutions. The role also coordinates with external designers, fabricators, vendors, and contractors to ensure the quality and timely delivery of exhibition elements. It reports to the Head of Exhibition Management and requires a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach when working with people from diverse backgrounds. This is a limited-term position covering a leave of absence for approximately six months.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in graphic design, environmental graphic design, exhibition design, architecture, art, or a related field.
At least four years of professional experience in the position offered or a related occupation.
Intermediate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
Intermediate proficiency in Vectorworks or comparable software for space planning, 2D drafting, and architectural drawings.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Strong understanding of typography, layout, color, visual hierarchy, and legibility in environmental graphics and interpretive materials.
Ability to interpret and produce architectural, construction, and fabrication drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and details.
Knowledge of graphic production methods, fabrication techniques, materials, finishes, and construction methods used in exhibition environments, including furniture, casework, and built environments.
Knowledge of space planning, building codes, and accessibility requirements, including the ADA, and understanding of inclusive exhibition design principles related to legibility, wayfinding, visitor circulation, and diverse audience needs.
Experience developing and tracking project budgets, obtaining vendor estimates, and managing production costs.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills, including the ability to present design concepts, explain technical specifications, incorporate feedback, and develop effective design solutions.
Ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners, including curators, exhibition coordinators, contract designers, fabricators, and graphic vendors.
Flexibility and adaptability in responding to evolving project requirements and changing circumstances.
Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk and computer.
Visual acuity and ability to communicate effectively to identify and address safety and security concerns promptly.
Ability to access and traverse a large campus, including galleries, meeting locations, and outdoor spaces on paved and unpaved surfaces and in varying weather conditions.
Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs as needed.
Ability to work professionally and remain attentive to safety and visitor needs in public spaces.
Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a museum environment.
Experience with 3-D modeling and rendering software, such as SketchUp, Rhino, or comparable applications.
Experience with museum exhibition lighting and in-gallery digital media installations.
Experience typesetting and proofreading multilingual content, particularly Spanish and Chinese.
Portfolio or equivalent work samples demonstrating graphic design, spatial design, technical documentation, and completed projects.

Responsibilities

Design exhibition identities and graphics—including title walls, interpretive panels, object labels, wayfinding, and directional signage—from concept and prototyping through proofing, production, and installation.
Maintain consistent visual standards across permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions using materials such as vinyl, murals, mounted panels, and printed graphics.
Coordinate in-house and external production, fabrication, delivery, and installation of graphics and signage with exhibition management, curatorial, registration, and preparator teams.
Research, prototype, test, and evaluate materials and production methods for effective, durable, and appropriate exhibition solutions.
Collaborate with curators and editors to review exhibition text, incorporate revisions, and manage proofs through final approval.
Prepare files for in-house printing, including files supplied by external designers, and produce graphics for permanent collection displays and temporary exhibitions.
Review curatorial checklists, sections, and themes to determine object placement and scale, and develop scaled plans, elevations, and sections showing proposed gallery layouts.
Develop design concepts and construction and fabrication drawings for gallery layouts, built environments, and exhibition elements such as architectural details, risers, platforms, mounts, and fabrics.
Ensure designs meet curatorial objectives, conservation standards, lender requirements, applicable technical and building codes, budget parameters, and implementation schedules.
Recommend finishes and materials for walls, cases, platforms, and other exhibition elements in consultation with curatorial, conservation, registration, preparation, and security staff.
Prepare object installation diagrams that identify conservation, lighting, security, and other requirements.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders throughout design development, construction, and installation; attend planning meetings, coordinate deliverables, and meet schedules.
Incorporate engineering, electrical, fire safety, accessibility, building code, and other technical requirements into exhibition designs.
Coordinate the integration and installation of audiovisual and other media with gallery media technicians.
Partner with exhibition coordinators to develop and manage design budgets and schedules, obtain estimates, coordinate contracts, and control production costs.
Participate in gallery installations and deinstallations, reviewing object and graphic placement and verifying dimensions, finishes, and design execution.
Provide design support for the Art Collector’s Council and other internal Art Museum projects at the request of the Office of the Director.
Manage the Exhibition Design Request system for permanent collection display requests, coordinating priorities and responding to project needs.
Maintain current design practices, technologies, software, materials, and production methods in accordance with museum and industry standards.
Maintain and periodically update the Permanent Collection Graphic Standards Style Guide.
Apply Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and accessibility best practices to exhibition design.
Maintain accurate, scaled gallery floor plans by measuring sites, verifying existing conditions, and documenting changes to layouts, walls, openings, fixtures, and equipment.
Maintain an inventory of reusable exhibition elements, coordinate requests, and track use and availability to reduce costs and environmental impacts.
Maintain current samples of paint, fabrics, and other materials for exhibition planning and gallery maintenance.
Organize and maintain design and production files, including specifications, vendor information, and as-installed documentation, according to established file standards.
Maintain design supplies and equipment, coordinate software updates, and oversee the operation and maintenance of Epson printers.
Coordinate and support design work with exhibition coordinators and contract designers as needed.
Undertake additional administrative and design responsibilities under the supervision of the Head of Exhibition Management, and perform other related duties as assigned.