Senior Exhibition Designer

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid role in Johannesburg

High-profile projects

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Exhibition Designer to lead concept to installation from our Johannesburg studio. You will shape immersive spaces, create floor plans, 3D models, and technical drawings, and supervise fabrication and onsite delivery.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in exhibition or museum design, a strong portfolio, and mastery of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite. This hybrid role blends in-person collaboration with remote work flexibility in Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Exhibition Design or related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in exhibition or museum design.
• Strong portfolio showing concept to fabrication execution.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization and design of engaging exhibition spaces.
• Develop design proposals with floor plans, elevations, 3D models, mood boards.
• Create technical drawings and fabrication specifications.
• Collaborate with curators, content creators, project managers, and fabricators.
• Oversee design from brief to final installation and client presentations.
• Ensure designs meet budgets, timelines, and safety regulations.
• Conduct site surveys and advise on venue requirements.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to team output.

Skills

Conceptual design

Client presentations

Mentoring juniors

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exhibition Design, Spatial Design, Architecture, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

3D rendering software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned creative agency specializing in immersive experiences and exhibitions, is seeking an experienced Senior Exhibition Designer to lead conceptualization and execution from their Johannesburg, Gauteng studio. This role is perfect for a visionary designer who can translate client briefs into captivating and memorable spatial experiences. You will be responsible for the entire design process, from initial concept development and client presentations to detailed technical drawings and on-site supervision. The position requires a deep understanding of narrative design, visitor engagement, and the technical aspects of exhibition fabrication. This role operates on a hybrid model, allowing for flexibility while ensuring essential in-person collaboration and site coordination in Johannesburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design of engaging and innovative exhibition spaces.
• Develop detailed design proposals, including floor plans, elevations, 3D models, and mood boards.
• Create technical drawings and specifications for fabrication, lighting, and AV integration.
• Collaborate closely with curators, content creators, project managers, and fabricators.
• Manage client relationships and present design concepts effectively.
• Oversee the design process from initial brief through to final installation.
• Ensure designs meet budget constraints, timelines, and safety regulations.
• Conduct site surveys and analyze venue requirements.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends in exhibition design, interactive technologies, and materials.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to the creative output of the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exhibition Design, Spatial Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in exhibition and/or museum design.
• Proven track record of successfully designing and delivering complex exhibitions.
• Strong portfolio showcasing creative conceptual thinking and high-quality execution.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with 3D modeling and rendering software.
• Excellent understanding of spatial narrative, visitor flow, and engagement strategies.
• Strong technical knowledge of materials, fabrication processes, lighting, and AV integration.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional development. This hybrid role provides a balance between remote work flexibility and essential in-office collaboration in Johannesburg, Gauteng . Employees benefit from working on high-profile projects for leading institutions and brands, gaining valuable experience in the dynamic arts and culture sector. Join a passionate and creative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of experiential design in South Africa .