Exhibition Designer

MISSION

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

Salary Grade 8

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Exhibition Design department leads the design process for our campus-wide program for temporary exhibitions and permanent collection gallery projects. Working across the museum's curatorial departments, the Exhibition Design department ensures a unique visitor experience while employing the highest standards in design, safety, and accessibility.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The exhibition designer creates engaging and distinctive displays of our collection galleries and temporary exhibitions. From concept to completion, the exhibition designer leads the design process working in collaboration with curators, conservation, visual design, interpretation, and facilities teams across the museum.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform as the design lead in temporary exhibitions and permanent gallery displays, helping envision curatorial narratives by materializing them into a physical space.
• Evaluate the spatial needs and challenges of exhibition projects with curators and project managers, and provide the necessary design resources such as space assessments, floor plans and elevations to determine scope and expectations for each project.
• Facilitate the design development of exhibition and gallery spaces through researching concepts for inspiration, interpreting creative briefs, and presenting materials like sketches, physical and 3D models, floor plans and elevations, in order to visualize and express the curatorial narrative.
• Provide detailed designs for all components of an exhibition such as casework, platforms, pedestals, and other specific needs, in consultation with departments such as Conservation and Collection & Loans, making sure that all museum and loan protocols are met for the safety of the artworks on display.
• Create drawing packages for the fabrication and buildout for all physical components for exhibition and gallery projects. Collaborate with in-house production teams and external vendors for coordination of production and construction.
• Maintain close communication with curatorial, production and installation teams during installation periods, overseeing the adequate implementation of built components and providing feedback and design support as needed.
• In conjunction with production teams, develop design schedules and production budgets that follow the direction of the exhibition project manager and museum finance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods 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 cross campus in a timely manner and be present for in-gallery activities where seating may not be available.
• Constantly operates a computer; must be able to communicate effectively through digital tools.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA degree in architecture, interior design, industrial design or a related field is required.
• Minimum 3 - 5 years experience working as a designer in the architecture, exhibition design, industrial design or interior design fields required. Museum experience is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated strong creative and design skills in the architecture, exhibition design, industrial design or interior design realms on projects from conception to completion.
• Fluent in CAD software (VectorWorks preferred), 3D software (such as Sketchup) and Adobe Creative Suite required. Other design software a plus.
• Experience drafting and creating fabrication drawing packages for the built environment, as well as ideating fabrication details and production supervision. Strong understanding of materials and production processes.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting schedule and budget requirements.
• Strong collaboration, communication and management skills. Enthusiastic and proactive attitude.
• Highly developed time management skills and detail oriented.
• Up to date in design theory, and current trends, materials and styles that can inform the design process.

CLOSING STATEMENT

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.

UNION INFO

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.