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Associate Exhibition Designer

Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY, United States


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.

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

Occasional duties

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

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

Unusual working conditions

Some light physical work

Physical model-making, maquette and prototype production

Weekend, holiday, and overtime hours may be required during exhibition changeovers

High tolerance for last-minute changes and extensive consensus-building

Hybrid work schedule with minimum four days/week in office

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range is $67,626 - $70,000 and will be commensurate with experience

Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) elections

Generous Paid Time Off benefits

Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit

Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally

Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike

This position may be covered by UAW Local 2110

EEO Statement The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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