Set and exhibit designer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work irregular hours and may work weekends and evenings
- Usually work in museums, theatres, galleries and studios and may travel
- Need to be creative, accurate and organised
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Create museum and gallery exhibitions
- Design sets for film, television and theatre
- Study scripts to determine project needs
- Create technical drawings and plans
- Oversee set and exhibit construction and installation
- Select and source materials
- Present work to clients
- Work with other technical professionals
- Conduct research to support design
- Inspect sets and exhibits
Outlook
Set and exhibit design is being shaped by digital displays, immersive experiences and audiences seeking interactive, accessible content. In New Zealand, opportunities are linked to museums, cultural organisations, events, screen production and tourism, so work can vary with project funding and visitor demand. Sustainable materials, reusable designs and respectful interpretation of cultural stories are becoming increasingly important.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Creative visual thinking and strong design skills
- Ability to develop ideas from a brief or story
- Confidence using design, drawing or 3D modelling tools
- Understanding of materials, construction and safe installation
- Ability to work collaboratively with clients, curators and production teams
- Respect for cultural stories, accessibility and audience needs
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.