Set Designer

confidential; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

See Hear Productions, a Curated Events company, seeks an experienced Set Designer to translate creative concepts into precise buildable drawings for live events and theatrical productions. This role collaborates with sales, production teams, and craftspeople to ensure designs are realized on time and within scope.

The Senior Designer leads creative and technical decisions, bridging concept-to-fabrication across intimate theatre to large-scale events, reporting to the Director of Design.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional experience in scenic design and/or technical design.
• Ability to produce production-ready drawing packages independently.
• Proven collaboration with directors, production managers, and shop craftspeople.
• Solid understanding of materials and fabrication processes (wood, steel, soft goods).

Responsibilities

• Develop full scenic design packages from concept to final presentation.
• Create scale models to communicate design intent to production teams and clients.
• Produce complete technical drawing packages for fabrication (Vectorworks/AutoCAD).
• Coordinate with production managers and shop foreman to meet build deadlines.
• Manage multiple projects, budgets, and documentation.

Skills

Scenic design

Technical design

Time management

Collaboration

Communication

Shop collaboration

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Job description

Set Designer

About Us

Curated Events is a leader in luxury event rentals, delivering exceptional experiences through elevated design, expert execution, and genuine hospitality. From tents and linens to audio/visual production and custom event solutions, we partner with clients to bring extraordinary events to life with precision, craftsmanship, and service that exceeds expectations. Our mission is simple: Service. Selection. Style. Delivered.

Job Summary

See Hear Productions, a Curated Events company, is seeking an experienced Set Designer with deep expertise in both scenic design and technical fabrication to join our scenic and fabrication shop. This role bridges creative vision and shop-floor execution - translating design concepts into precise, buildable drawings while collaborating closely with the sales team, production teams, and skilled craftspeople. Reporting directly to the Director of Design, the Senior Designer serves as a key creative and technical lead on productions ranging from intimate theatrical to large-scale live events.

Key Responsibilities

• Scenic Design

  Develop full scenic design packages - from initial concept sketches and renderings to final presentation materials - in close collaboration with sales teams and production leadership.

  Create scale models (physical or digital) to communicate design intent to production teams and clients.

  Establish and maintain the visual language of each production, ensuring design continuity from concept through execution.

  Present designs to sales teams, producers, and stakeholders; incorporate notes and revisions efficiently.

• Technical Design & Drafting

  Produce complete technical drawing packages in Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD: ground plans, sections, elevations, and construction details.

  Develop shop drawings suitable for fabrication, specifying materials, joinery, hardware, and finish treatments.

  Coordinate structural requirements with production managers and, where needed, structural consultants.

  Maintain drafting standards and drawing library for the shop.

• Fabrication Collaboration

  Work hand-in-hand with the fabrication team throughout the build process - clarifying design intent, solving build challenges, and approving work in progress.

  Review shop drawings and cut lists for accuracy; flag conflicts before they reach the floor.

  Source materials and specialty items; evaluate vendors and maintain supplier relationships.

  Participate in load-ins and installations to ensure design is realized as intended.

• Project & Budget Management

  Manage multiple concurrent projects across varying scales and timelines.

  Develop and track design budgets; identify cost‑saving options without compromising design quality.

  Coordinate schedules with the production manager and shop foreman to meet build and delivery deadlines.

  Maintain organized project documentation, including revision history and approval records.

Required Skills & Abilities

• 6+ years of professional experience in scenic design and/or technical design for theater, live events, or a related entertainment industry.
• Mastery of Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD; ability to produce production-ready drawing packages independently.
• Demonstrated ability to design and detail for practical fabrication - solid understanding of wood, steel, soft goods, and composite materials.
• Strong visual design sensibility balanced with rigorous technical accuracy.
• Experience collaborating directly with directors, production managers, and shop craftspeople.
• Excellent time management; comfortable managing multiple productions simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Proficiency in SketchUp, Rhino, or other 3D modeling tools.
• Experience with scenic painting, soft goods, or specialty fabrication techniques.
• Familiarity with rigging principles and load calculations.
• Working knowledge of how lighting design affects scenic surface treatments.
• Experience with touring or traveling productions.

Working Conditions

This position is primarily shop-based, with occasional presence on production sites during installation periods. Some evening, weekend, and extended-hour work is expected during active production schedules. Occasional travel may be required for out-of-town productions.

Curated Events provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.