Exhibition Designer

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Exhibition Designer produces unique concepts and plans for gallery installations. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Exhibition and their focus on design and installation, this position upholds the museum’s standards for display and aesthetics, while seeking creative solutions to enhance visitors’ engagement with artwork. The Exhibition Designer will serve as lead or supporting designer for numerous exhibition and collection gallery projects, guiding them from concept to production and installation.

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience In a museum setting is recommended.
• 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. (The Harvard Art Museums uses Vectorworks and Rhino.) Candidates proficient in other CAD applications are preferred.
• 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. Project leadership or coordination experience helpful.
• Demonstrated success thriving in a large complex organization and managing multiple, sometimes conflicting priorities.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates proficient in other CAD applications are preferred.
• Project leadership or coordination experience helpful.

Responsibilities

• Produce installation designs for temporary exhibitions and collection galleries.
• Work closely with the curator to bring their theoretical concept into a tangible design in keeping with museum standards of sustainability and fiscal responsibility.
• Generate and propose creative solutions for presenting artworks, narratives, and ideas that align with guidelines set by Conservation; Registration; Facilities and Security. Communicate ideas, gather feedback, and obtain consensus from stakeholders for each installation.
• Work closely with Editorial and Design Services to smoothly integrate gallery text and other interpretive elements, including wall graphics, audio and video content, and related print material, into the exhibition design.
• Provide all necessary specs (dimensions, wall and furniture colors, label formats) for the creation of gallery text and graphics and will assist in reviewing and reconciling proofs with gallery elevations.
• To encourage cross-departmental collaboration, meetings or working sessions may take place at the Art Museum Research Facility in Somerville.
• Prepare and disseminate design materials, including floorplan and elevation drawings, exhibition furniture construction drawings if needed, gallery models (physical or virtual), and related documentation.
• Organize and lead meetings with museum stakeholders to present design plans, review artwork; mockups, conservation and/or loan requirements or other elements that factor into the design.
• Review design plans with Exhibition Production team to gather feedback on feasibility for execution and installation.
• Works closely with Assistant Director for Exhibitions and Gallery Planning, providing updates on schedule, budget, design status, and other deliverables specific to each installation. Receive updated information and adjust design and/or schedule as needed.
• 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.
• Keep Assistant Director for Exhibitions and other Collections Management staff well informed of project status, identify complications in advance, and seek advice on challenges or next steps.
• Work collaboratively with museum colleagues in the execution of the role's duties.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level