Senior Specialist, Exhibition Design

Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off and holidays

401k with company match

Free Academy membership screenings

Free tickets and museum access

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles is seeking an Exhibition Designer to create engaging exhibition spaces, work with curators, and translate concepts into construction-ready drawings.

You will draft CAD/VectorWorks plans, render concepts, and collaborate with fabrication teams while coordinating with multiple disciplines in a fast-paced museum environment.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in architecture or related field is required.
• 2-3 years' experience in architecture, exhibition design, and construction.
• 1 year or more of experience with construction documents for museum projects.
• Technical drawing skills.
• Working proficiency in CAD or VectorWorks, Revit, Rhino, Adobe Suite.
• Experience producing construction drawings.
• Excellent rendering/animation skills in Cinema 4D or similar.
• Familiarity with HVAC, electrical systems, and load capacity.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Create unique and impactful design for exhibitions following museum best practices.
• Collaborate with curatorial staff to determine intent and artwork.
• Coordinate with graphic design and other departments.
• Assist in generation and coordination of exhibition concepts and layouts.
• Draft and develop CAD/Vectorworks drawings and renderings.
• Produce diagrams, presentations, animations, or 3D models.
• Prepare multiple design versions for review by stakeholders.
• Specify dimensions, materials, and construction methods.
• Create construction drawings for fabrication and construction teams.
• Work with fabrication and construction teams to ensure design execution.
• Manage models, maquettes, prototypes, and sample libraries.
• Source materials and services; maintain sample libraries.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Fast-paced environment

Presentation skills

Creative thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture or related field

M.A. preferred

Tools

CAD

VectorWorks

Revit

Rhino

Adobe Suite

Cinema 4D

Job description

Department: Exhibitions

Reports to: Director, Exhibition Design

Job Type: Regular - Full-time

Job Classification: Hourly (Non-exempt)

Workplace Location: Los Angeles - Academy Museum

Compensation: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour

This position is represented by a union.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Create unique and impactful design for wide array of exhibitions following museum best practices
• Work with Curatorial Staff to determine curatorial intent and artwork.
• Collaborate with the Graphic Design team.
• Assist the Director of Exhibition Design in the generation, presentation and coordination of exhibition concepts and layouts.
• Work as a primary draftsman for exhibition design department.
• Work from rough sketches and specifications created by the Director of Exhibition Design and/or outside producers.
• Convert conceptual ideas to design development drawings.
• Create CAD or Vectorworks drawings and computer renderings to communicate concept as well as final design to other departments as required.
• Produce renderings, diagrams, presentations, animations, or 3D models to communicate design ideas.
• Prepare multiple versions of designs for review by curators, engineers, and base building architects.
• Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for new layouts.
• Possess general understanding of construction technologies.
• Create construction drawings to communicate with Fabrication and Construction team.
• Work closely with the Fabrication and the Construction team to ensure that all design elements are executed according to plan.
• Manage the making of models and maquettes as well as prototypes and mock-ups.
• Source materials and services. Obtain and maintain sample libraries.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies:

• A bachelor's degree in architecture, museum spatial studies, or a related field is required.
• 2-3 years' experience in all phases of architecture, exhibition design, and construction.
• 1 year or more of experience with construction documents for architecture and/or museum exhibition design projects.
• Technical drawing skills.
• Working proficiency in CAD or VectorWorks, Revit, Rhino, Adobe Suite.
• Experience and ability to produce construction drawings.
• Excellent rendering/animation skills in Cinema 4D or others.
• Excellent model-making skills.
• Familiarity with Audio/Video and Lighting systems.
• Familiarity with building's HVAC, electrical systems, access points, and load capacity.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work in a flexible, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse implementation teams is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating with multi-disciplinary and multi-skilled project teams in a gallery or museum environment.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.A preferred.
• Experience working with high profile contract designers preferred.

Required Vaccination:

Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required, including any booster vaccinations as applicable. Exception: Medical and religious accommodations approved by the Office of People & Culture.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 15 days of PTO, plus company-paid holidays.
• Additional time off including summer hours, winter hours, and a cultural floating holiday.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• 401k retirement plan with a company match
• Clean Air Commuter Program
• Employee Assistance Program through CompPsych Guidance Resources.
• Wellness benefits through Cigna Healthcare.
• Free access to 16,000+ online courses through LinkedIn Learning
• Free Academy membership screenings
• Free tickets and screenings at the Academy Museum
• Employee discounts through LifeMart and Working Advantage