Senior Exhibition Designer at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

 

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. www.lucasmuseum.org.

 

 

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art seeks a Senior Exhibition Designer to join the Museums team who will serve a critical role in supporting the development of the exhibitions and will help will shape the visitor experience design of the Museum. Reporting to the Head of Exhibition Design, the Senior Exhibition Designer will utilize best practices and creative strategies to collaborate with other exhibitions, lighting, and graphic designers, and curators. This is a unique opportunity for someone who is interested in collaboratively shaping the institutions exhibition design program in the Museums nascent stages.

 

The Senior Exhibition Designer will have a strong background and innovative approach to design and is responsible for all phases of the exhibition design process including conceptual design and presentation materials, architectural planning, casework design, and design drawing and rendering packages to procure fabrication/construction bids for both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The Senior Exhibition Designer must be able to communicate effectively with external consultants from architects to structural engineers, case manufacturers, digital media consultants, designers, and other external consultants. They must be familiar with creating design documents, construction bid package processes, creating presentation models, making scale maquettes, and researching visual/fabrication materials. Working collaboratively with Curatorial, Collections Management, and other museum staff, the Senior Exhibition Designer should be able to support institutional projects that require rendering three-dimensional mock-ups that support the Museums mission.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Works collaboratively to create exhibition designs that best supports the museums mission and curatorial vision, including concept design and presentation materials
  • Working closely with internal teams, develops and updates documents recording all design-related components of installed exhibitions that best supports the collection and exhibition program
  • Oversees production and execution of art exhibitions, including working with the in-house production team as well as outside contractors for construction, fabrication, digital design and integration, and other vendor services
  • Responsible for understanding the Museum’s base-building conditions and exhibition wall typical construction as it relates to MEP, structural capacities, fire protection, lighting, ceiling and floor components upon which future exhibition rotations and gallery renovations will be developed
  • In coordination with the Buildings Facilities and Operations staff, responsible for understanding the infrastructure parameters and approvals required for outdoor installations within the Park and Garden
  • With Exhibition Design team, prepare design document drawings, floor plans, detail drawings, case lists, or schedules for internal museum reviews and construction bid documents to be supplied to outside vendors
  • Serves as liaison with external vendors, contractors, and design consultants
  • Working with external professionals, ensures all physical exhibitions meet all necessary code requirements and achieve accessibility standards set by the museum
  • Works with Architect of Record and exhibition fabricators to facilitate and adapt layout configurations and other necessary processes for LADBS submissions and approval
  • Manages project schedules, prioritize and coordinate design deliverables
  • Works in collaboration with design team to oversee production of graphics from external vendors including printing, silk-screening, and fabrication for exhibitions, and coordinates with Collections Management teams to arrange their installation
  • Working with internal teams, manages the process and schedule for exhibition design and fabrication.
  • In collaboration with internal teams, develop and lead the process for determining aesthetic standards for framing, plinths, furniture, and casework
  • Oversees selection and procurement of casework and exhibition furniture and will work with the internal team to source appropriate materials to the gallery environment. With Collections Management team will manage the selection of fabricators and specialty vendors to produce and install custom fabricated elements in the galleries as needed
  • Constructs architectural models and mockups for design processes and presentation purposes
  • Prepares all 2D and 3D artwork assets for use in Vectorworks and Rhino models
  • With the Head of Exhibition Design, manages budgets with regards to in-gallery design, building, and construction (walls, casework, etc.) and other duties as assigned

 

CORE COMPETENCIES

• • Planning and Organizing Sets clearly defined objectives; plans activities and projects well in advance and takes account of possible changing circumstances; manages time effectively; identifies and organizes resources needed to accomplish tasks; monitors performance against deadlines and milestones
  • Adapting & Responding to Change Adapts to changing circumstances; accepts new ideas and changing initiatives; adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations; shows respect and sensitivity towards differences; deals with ambiguity, making positive use of the opportunities it presents
  • Adhering to Principles & Values Upholds ethics and values; demonstrates integrity; promotes and defends equal opportunities, builds diverse teams; encourages organizational and individual responsibility
  • Presenting and Communicating Information Speaks clearly and fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; makes presentations and undertakes public speaking with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback
  • Working with People Demonstrates an interest in and understanding of others; adapts to the team and builds team spirit recognizes and rewards the contribution of others; listens, consults others, and communicates proactively; supports and cares for others; develops and openly communicates self-insight

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• • Education & Experience
  • Bachelors degree in architecture, industrial design, interior design, studio art, or other related field required
  • Masters degree in architecture, industrial design, interior design, studio art, or other related field strongly preferred
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in exhibition design in a museum or other arts institutions context required; Portfolio submission required
  • Proven experience working in a start-up or entrepreneurial environment with the ability to roll up ones sleeves to accomplish initiatives and achieve goals
  • Experience working with an international network of museums with touring exhibitions preferred

• • Skills
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and superior design presentation skills
  • Excellent project manager, with experience formulating budgets and timelines, instituting clear workflow processes for workflow, managing internal and external partners, and enforcing deadlines
  • Highly organized and capable of managing multiple concurrent project workstreams
  • Strong knowledge in architecture and 3D design history and trends
  • Knowledgeable of the latest trends and best practices for in-gallery technologies and interfaces

• • Knowledge
  • Experience in creating conceptual solutions to design needs and 3D design experience
  • Innovative thinker with a proven track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
  • Strong knowledge of art, visual culture, architecture, and design
  • Strong knowledge of construction techniques, fabrication skills, materials, and project management
  • Must be proficient in REVIT, RHINO and Vector Works, with working knowledge in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Sketch Up

• • Abilities
  • Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative, and nimble environment
  • Strategic, thoughtful, and intentional about honoring the diverse perspectives and experiences of our audiences
  • Skilled at working cross-departmentally and collaboratively to build consensus around projects and initiatives
  • Adept at managing multiple projects at once, always with excellent attention to detail
  • Collaborative team player with proven ability to build relationships and work effectively and positively with Museum leadership and staff, a diverse set of external partners, and the general public

$82,000 – $89,000 a year

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

 

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

 

 

We are a museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through visual storytelling the Lucas Museum expands the role of art and museums for society. The Museum inspires thought provoking ideas and conversations that are relevant within and beyond geographic boundaries. Our work radiates to catalyze more connected and empathetic spaces. The art of storytelling connects us to shape a more just society.

Our internal and external practice is shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

 

PEOPLE FIRST

We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what people find meaningful, to works of art and the work of our organization.

 

INSPIRED

We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

 

COLLABORATIVE

We believe that nimble thinking and working together yields exponential results.

 

BRAVE

We approach our work and learning with courage, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

ART

Amplify the social impact of Narrative Art through an approach that bridges the academic and the popular.

 

COMMUNITY

Connect to a broad and diverse public by create an institution rooted in impactful, respectful, sustainable relationships.

 

INCLUSION

Practice diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in all operational and programmatic aspects of our work.

 

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Create a healthy and durable institution equipped to fulfill its vision and public mandate.