Associate Designer, Museum Campus Projects

Ultipro; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Art Institute of Chicago is seeking an Associate Designer, Campus Projects within the Exhibition Design department to support campus expansion projects and institutional planning. You will coordinate with internal stakeholders and external consultants throughout project development.

Responsibilities include preparing drawings, presentation materials, research, and design coordination for a one-year term, with emphasis on clear communication and organized project records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of professional or internship experience supporting design/architectural projects at cultural institutions.

Responsibilities

• Supports the design of campus and institutional special projects by developing design studies, preparing drawings and presentation materials, and assisting with project documentation and communication.
• Generates maquettes and scale models for planning gallery layouts.
• Produces design support materials such as layouts, elevations, and presentation graphics.
• Assists in administration and maintenance of project materials and documentation.
• Collaborates with multiple departments and external consultants to support project continuity.

Skills

CAD

3D software

Detail oriented

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or interior design

Tools

AutoCAD

Vectorworks

SketchUp

Rhino

Revit

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Category: Curatorial Affairs

Requisition Number: ASSOC002939

• Posted : September 25, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Chicago, IL 60603, USA

Description

About the Art Institute of Chicago

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. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

About the Department

The Exhibition Design department leads the museum-wide effort for designing temporary and permanent exhibition spaces. Working with all curatorial departments in our institution, the team designs engaging displays of our collections, ensuring a unique visitor experience. On the operational side, the Exhibition Design team is in charge of overseeing production schedules and budgets that make feasible the buildout of these projects.

Position Summary

The Associate Designer, Campus Projects supports the Executive Director of Exhibition Design and Vice President of Campus Operations on design-related initiatives connected to campus expansion projects and institutional planning efforts across the museum campus.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Exhibition Design, the Associate Designer, Campus Projects supports the visual communication between internal museum stakeholders and external consultants, designers, and architects. The Associate Designer, Campus Projects provides organizational, visual, and administrative support throughout project development, assisting with presentations, design documentation, research and project coordination. This Special Projects position is a one-year term.

Responsibilities

• Supports the design of campus and institutional special projects by developing design studies, preparing drawings and presentation materials, and assisting with project documentation and communication.
• Generates maquettes and scale models as needed for the planning of permanent collection gallery layouts.
• Produces design support materials such as layouts, elevations, and presentation graphics to communicate project goals and design intent.
• Assists in the administration and maintenance of project materials including presentations, drawing packages and documentation.
• Collaborates on artwork layout, interior architecture, furnishings, and design details with departments across the museum, including Facilities, Curatorial, Capital Programs, and external consultants to support project continuity and communication.
• Generates design concepts for new and innovative exhibition display solutions (new casework, label rails, stanchions) for diverse permanent collection galleries.
• Assists the design and coordination of display systems by preparing concept renderings, design intent drawings, interior elevations and case layouts, case schedules and other design documentation as needed.
• Prepares notes and follow-up materials following internal work sessions and workshops with external stakeholders. Maintain organized digital archives and project records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of professional or internship experience preferably supporting design and/or architectural projects at cultural institutions.
• Strong collaboration and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated creative and design skills in the architecture, exhibition design, industrial design or interior design realms.
• Experience drafting and creating fabrication drawing packages as well as ideating fabrication details and production supervision. Strong understanding of materials and production processes.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and fast-paced project environments.
• Proficiency with CAD and 3D software such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, Rhino, or Revit preferred. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Must be able to communicate effectively through digital tools.
• Ability to organize and interpret architectural drawings, project documentation, and visual materials.
• Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and time management skills.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of 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 travel between museum buildings and project locations across campus and be present for in-gallery activities.

• Hiring Range:$53,000-$65,000

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

• Employment Category: Special Project Staff

Union

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

Accessibility

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [e-mail] .

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.