Exhibition designer
Exhibition designers work with organisations and individuals to turn their ideas into engaging displays.
- Starter salary£25,000 a year
- Experienced£45,000 a year
- Typical hours39 to 41 a week
What you'll do
As an exhibition designer, you could:
- discuss requirements with clients
- present your ideas as sketches, scale plans, computer-generated visuals and models
- produce final blueprints after discussions with clients
- handle orders for supplies
- work with technical specialists like lighting staff
- work with technicians to build and fit displays and installations
- project manage the set-up process from start to finish
Working environment
You could work at events, at a conference centre or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of the fine arts
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- knowledge of construction methods
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a exhibition designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- spatial design (exhibitions)
- interior design
- three-dimensional (3D) design
- interior architecture
- theatre design
You may also find exhibition design options as part of some events management, and museums and galleries courses.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a foundation diploma in art and design
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Scenic Construction Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an events design or scenery building company.
You could also apply to do a Collections Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if working on specialist exhibitions in museums or galleries.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to get into this type of work as a junior design assistant. To do this, you are likely to need a qualification in art and design, like a diploma or an A level.
Experience in using computer-aided design (CAD) software packages would also be helpful.
Volunteering
You could volunteer to help set up exhibitions, for example with local arts festivals, galleries or libraries.
This would help you get practical skills, as well as an insight into the project management that goes on behind the scenes.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move to a more senior position, like team leader or senior designer.
You could also become freelance, set up your own exhibition design company, or move into related fields like set design in theatre, TV and film.
Career tips
You'll need to put together a portfolio of your work to highlight your design skills to show at interview. Some work experience would also give you an advantage when applying for training and jobs.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Chartered Society of Designers , for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Guides for this industry
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