Associate Exhibition Designer

Whitney Museum of American Art•New York, NY

4d•$67,626 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Exhibition Design department collaborates with curators and artists to shape the design and narrative of the permanent and special exhibitions that form the foundation of the Museum’s mission, identity and visitor experience. Reporting to the Director, Exhibition Design, the Associate Exhibition Designer assists in the creation of innovative, impactful and inclusive designs for the Museum’s exhibition program through all phases of development and implementation. With demonstrated proficiency, the designer will assume increasingly independent responsibility for exhibitions’ design.

Requirements

BA in Architecture, Exhibition Design or Set Design.
2-3 years’ experience in 3D design field (exhibition design, architecture, or set design)
Ability to think abstractly and design creatively within distinctive architectural environment.
Sound judgement and decision-making throughout design process, though most interactions will be supervised by a senior designer until employee has demonstrated proficiency.
Creative problem solving and initiative to determine best design tools, presentation formats, and to meet deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidential exhibition-related documentation, including calendars, exhibition checklists, and artist information.
Familiarity with modern and contemporary art.
Excellent organization and concern for details.
Very good communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to collaborate with diverse implementation team is essential.
Ability to work in a flexible, fast-paced environment on simultaneous projects.
Advanced 2D drafting skills, preferably Vectorworks; advanced 3D modeling skills, preferably Rhino and V-Ray, and fluency in Adobe Suite. Experience with daylighting simulation software a plus.
Professional experience with millwork detailing, material specifications, and the production of Construction Documents.
Familiarity with building code and public safety requirements.
Facility building study models.
Knowledge of best practices for improving sustainability in the design/build field.

Responsibilities

Assist senior staff with developing design concepts and studies, preparing art layouts, researching installation dimensions/specs/instructions.
Assist senior staff with producing architectural design documents from schematics through construction, including egress reviews, millwork detailing and material specification.
Produce design renderings, maquettes, study models and other presentation materials to convey design and exhibition scope to Curators, Director, and various other Museum departments and outside parties.
Conduct daylight simulations to test design performance.
Form and maintain productive working relationships across key departments: Curatorial, Exhibition Management, Production, Conservation, Registrar, Art Handling, Lighting, Multimedia, Security, Fire Safety, Facilities, Visitor Services, Education, and Graphic Design.
As proficiency grows, assume design leadership of exhibitions with attention to aligning design with schedules and budgets, museum standards, and a safe, successful and accessible visitor experience.
Assist senior staff with monitoring the quality and fidelity of casework fabrication, wall construction and other production activities during course of installation, as well as facilitating solutions and communication among various internal Museum departments.
Produce drawings and specifications for mockups and prototypes.
Assist in sourcing vendors, soliciting quotes, obtaining material samples. Maintain material library.
Maintain department supplies and model area.
Maintain accurate database of exhibition floor plans, design and construction documentation, 3D and 2D base models, and correspondence.
Maintain digital collection archive and maquette library.
Research and implement special initiatives that support exhibition design’s strategic plan.