This is a union position.

The Exhibition Designer reporting to the Manager of Exhibitions, will manage the design and production of Carnegie Museum of Art’s temporary exhibitions and permanent collection installations. The Exhibition Designer will closely collaborate across departments—Curatorial, Exhibitions, Registration, Art Preparation & Installation, Conservation, and Education—to produce specifications, methods, materials, technical drawings, and display techniques for museum casework, platforms, walls, partitions, fixtures and lighting, in accordance with best museum practices. The position provides support for the administration and execution of all aspects of construction-related activities associated with the exhibition design. The Exhibition Designer works closely with internal and external stakeholders including the Manager of Exhibitions, Curators, contractors, vendors, and contributing Carnegie Museums (CM) and Carnegie Museum of Art (CMOA) departments to efficiently and effectively achieve exhibition goals and installation designs on schedule and on budget.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Working with defined curatorial concepts, manage the overall exhibition design process for temporary exhibitions and permanent collection installations to enhance the curatorial, educational, and interpretive vision for an exhibition through the layout of artwork, creation of additional walls/spaces, color, lighting, and the thoughtful and innovative integration of interpretive elements, including technology.

• Collaborate with the Curators, Associate Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Manager of Exhibitions, Registrars, and Senior Manager of Art Preparation and Installation on all phases of designing exhibitions and permanent collection installations: scheduling, budget monitoring, design research of objects displayed, space planning, construction and shop drawing documents, revisions, and quality control; coordinate request for proposal, contracting and implementation with outside exhibition design contractors for same.

• Use computer aided design (CAD) to produce scaled floorplans and elevations including layout of walls, platforms, and furniture as well as specific detailed object placement (case layouts, groupings) and color schemes for review/approval; create three-dimensional scale models, quick concept sketches, and renderings as needed throughout exhibition design process; produce final construction and/or shop drawings for fabrication.

• Prepare/communicate design specifications for gallery installation to museum support staff as appropriate; collaborate with Design and Publishing and/or contracted graphic designers to ensure cohesive exhibition and graphic design approach in exhibition and permanent collection presentations.

• Consult with relevant museum and CM staff on other aspects of interior design as necessary; create design plans for other special projects in the galleries or museum as directed.

• Ensure all designs adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations and requirements.
• Coordinate all construction-related activities associated with the museum’s temporary exhibitions, permanent collection installations, and special projects, including:

• • Oversee requests for proposals, bidding, contractor selection; participate in contractual terms negotiation, preparation of construction agreements, professional service agreements, and/or purchase orders
  • Manage all pre-construction contractor planning and project preparation with contractors and staff as it relates to specific projects as well as the CMOA exhibitions schedule
  • Coordinate load in, worksite staging/maintenance, and load out of contractors and materials on site
  • Estimate, order, and negotiate costs with vendors for construction-related materials
  • Coordinate with relevant CM departments, especially Facilities Planning & Operations (FP&O), to facilitate contractor work on site/in galleries
  • Provide oversight to maintain the high standards of construction established in construction policies and procedures in accordance with CMOA and CM construction policies and procedures.

• Manage exhibition documentation and project budget expenses related to the design and production of exhibitions and installations, including:

• • Budget forecasting, managing, and reconciling of expenses for each project.
  • Documenting each installation and special exhibition.

• Maintain inventory of exhibition furniture and fixtures (casework, visitor seating, tables, floor coverings, etc.) and monitor condition.

• Undertake additional administrative and/or design responsibilities under the supervision of the Associate Director of Collections and Exhibitions Management and the Manager of Exhibitions as required.

• Other duties as assigned.

Please see a full list of requirements on the Carnegie Museum's Career Site. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, design, fine arts, or a related field, and at least two years’ experience in architectural gallery drawing and detailing, interior space planning, materials specification, and/or fixture design (or an equivalent mix of education and experience). Must be able to administer the drafting and production process from specification through completion. Proficiency in computer aided design programs such as InDesign, CAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, etc., as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is mandatory. A working knowledge of basic office equipment is required.

Position requires sufficient mobility to travel throughout the museum’s galleries and storage areas.