Senior Exhibition Designer - Museum & Gallery Spaces

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Senior Exhibition Designer to lead concept development and oversee installation of large-scale exhibitions. You will translate curatorial ideas into spatial designs, manage timelines and budgets, collaborate with curators and educators, and ensure accessibility and high visitor experience across temporary and permanent displays.

The role demands strong leadership, proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite, and a portfolio

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exhibition Design, Interior Design, Architecture, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in exhibition design, preferably in museums or cultural institutions.
• Proven ability to design and deliver complex, engaging exhibitions.
• Strong skills in AutoCAD/SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of lighting, materials, and display environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for temporary and permanent exhibitions from concept to installation.
• Collaborate with curators, researchers and educators to interpret themes.
• Develop proposals with floor plans, elevations, renderings, and material specs.
• Oversee graphics, furniture, lighting, and multimedia elements.
• Manage budgets and timelines, ensuring on-schedule delivery.
• Coordinate with fabricators, contractors and technical teams.
• Ensure accessibility and optimise visitor flow.
• Stay updated on trends in exhibition design and museum tech.

Skills

Conceptual thinking

Project management

Communication

Visitor engagement

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exhibition Design/Interior Design/Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

3D rendering tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious cultural institution focused on visual arts and history, is seeking a Senior Exhibition Designer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role involves conceptualizing and realizing compelling exhibition designs that engage diverse audiences and effectively communicate complex narratives. You will be responsible for translating curatorial visions into physical spaces, managing the design process from initial concept through to installation, and ensuring the highest standards of aesthetic quality and visitor experience. This is a unique opportunity to shape the narrative of significant collections and contribute to the cultural landscape of the region. We are looking for a creative visionary with a strong understanding of spatial design, narrative storytelling, and museum best practices. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for temporary and permanent exhibitions, from concept development to final installation.
• Collaborate closely with curators, researchers, and educators to interpret exhibition themes and content.
• Develop detailed design proposals, including floor plans, elevations, renderings, and material specifications.
• Oversee the production of exhibition graphics, display furniture, lighting schemes, and multimedia elements.
• Manage exhibition budgets and timelines, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and within financial constraints.
• Coordinate with fabricators, contractors, and technical teams to ensure high-quality execution of designs.
• Conduct site visits and evaluations to inform design decisions and resolve installation challenges.
• Ensure accessibility and visitor flow are optimized within exhibition spaces.
• Stay abreast of current trends in exhibition design, museum technology, and visitor engagement strategies.
• Contribute to the overall aesthetic vision and branding of the institution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exhibition Design, Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in exhibition design, preferably within museums, galleries, or cultural institutions.
• Proven track record of successfully designing and delivering complex, engaging exhibitions.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), and 3D modeling/rendering tools.
• Strong understanding of lighting design, graphic design principles, and materials suitable for exhibition environments.
• Excellent conceptual thinking, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of museum standards for conservation, accessibility, and security.
• A portfolio showcasing a range of creative and technically sound exhibition designs.
• Passion for art, culture, and public engagement is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, and opportunities for professional development. You will work in a stimulating and creative environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , contributing to significant cultural projects. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, providing a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility.