London, UK
3D designer
at The National Gallery
The National Gallery is seeking a 3D designer to join its team in London.
The National Gallery is looking for an experienced, talented and energetic 3D designer to work in its busy creative department. Reporting to the senior 3D designer, you will be working on a range of exciting National Gallery exhibitions, displays and other 3D projects. This will include the design of exhibition environments, showcases, object mounts and display furniture along with issuing working drawings, instructing and managing contractors. A knowledge of materials and production processes and proficiency in Vectorworks or similar CAD software is required.
This is a full time, permanent role, with on-site working required three days per week.
Job purpose
The 3D designer is responsible for producing creative and effective design solutions for exhibition and 3D design projects. The main emphasis of this role will be given to exhibition design, including the overall design of an exhibition space, the design of display cases for loan exhibits along with issuing working drawings and instructing and managing contractors.
The work will involve liaison with lenders, registrars, graphic designers, curators, exhibition managers, build contractors, building and facilities team, and art handling, among other gallery teams.
This role reports to the senior 3D designer in the creative department.
Scope of job:
- to produce creative 3D designs for exhibitions beginning with conceptual design work and presentation visuals. To develop and draw up detailed working drawings using Vectorworks, for all 3D elements of the exhibition including wall construction, plinths, platforms, and other 3D items as appropriate
- to produce creative design solutions for the display of 3D objects including the design of display cases, object supports and mounts. To work closely with the registrars and exhibitions to ensure that display cases and mounts meet the necessary conservation, environmental, display and security requirements for loan exhibits. Arrange and oversee the installation of appropriate climate control materials, alarms and security devices according to lenders’ requirements
- to research the suitability of materials used for the display of objects, arranging for these to be tested when necessary
- to produce and present creative exhibition designs including plans and elevations showing layouts of the galleries, paintings and objects. Discuss and agree selection and specification of paint colours for exhibitions with the curator
- to prepare tender documentation for exhibitions, specifying all construction, scheduling, and contractual details. Send out tender documents, select and appoint contractors
- to liaise with external contractors over the manufacture of 3D items, supervising contractors on site making sure that all work is completed on time, within budget and to the required standard
- to provide costings for 3D projects
- to provide support and assistance to the senior 3D designer on major exhibition projects as required
- to liaise closely with art handling over the installation of 3D objects
- to liaise closely with graphic designers to ensure that the graphic design fully integrates with the 3D design
- to keep all 3D design files for live and past projects. Maintain a library of product information, materials, and samples from suppliers, keeping abreast of developments in materials/product technology
Key deliverables:
- to produce creative and effective 3D design solutions in response to a brief
- to produce plan, elevation, and display case drawings and visual presentations
- for all designs to be accessible and sustainable
- to work within set budgets
- to ensure projects are delivered to deadline
- to prepare, issue, and evaluate build tenders
- to design display cases, ensuring they meet the necessary conservation, environmental, display and security requirements for loan exhibits
Key relationships:
- senior 3D Designer
- graphic designers
- head of design and brand
- deputy head of designs and brand
- curators
- exhibition managers
- build contractors
- building team
- art handling
- conservation
Key required skills:
- excellent knowledge of Vectorworks
- experience working in or for a museum or gallery
- ability to produce detailed working construction drawings
- ability to produce 3D rendered visuals of exhibition environments
- experience of producing display case designs
- knowledge of interpreting technical and conservation display requirements
- ability to design exhibitions and 3D projects to a high standard, to deadline and within budget
Key required attributes:
- ability to prioritise own workload ensuring competing deadlines are met
- ability to multi-task, working on a variety of jobs simultaneously
- ability to communicate effectively and influence people on all levels from the Director to contractors, as well as colleagues and lenders in other museums
- ability to work independently as well as part of a team
- ability to work and communicate well within a team
Essential minimum qualification on entry:
- 3D design degree or equivalent
Summary of terms and conditions of employment:
- 3D designer
Contract:
- permanent, working full time hours of 35 per week
- this post is on the Gallery’s Band D. The salary is £38,133 per annum
Pay review
Pay increases are dependent upon government public sector pay policy and affordability, and the gallery’s pay settlement arrangements.
The following are for employee status:
- occupational defined benefit scheme (Civil Service Alpha, details available through the Civil Service website); transfer from another Civil Service employer with an existing scheme (e.g. Classic) will be recognised
- annual leave entitlement begins at 248.5 hours pro rata (inc. Public and privilege holidays), rising to 283.5 hours (inclusive) at five year’s service
- flexible benefits from one month’s service, including discounts, holiday trading, cycle to work and other benefits which vary from time to time according to availability via the Gallery’s palette scheme
- flexible working arrangements to suit
- participation in the reciprocal arrangement between cultural institutions for free entry
- employee discount in the Gallery’s retail and catering outlets, as well as several outlets in the vicinity of Trafalgar Square
- free tickets to Gallery exhibitions, up to four to share with friends and family
- employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health, including annual flu vaccination, subject to availability
How to apply
It is important to complete all sections of our application form in order to ensure that we have all the information necessary to consider you for the job you are applying for. There are a number of sections to complete before submitting your application. However, you can save your application form at any stage and return at any time prior to the closing date to complete.
Please provide a link to a PDF of six relevant examples of your work in the Supporting Information section on your application form. Please include at least one technical drawing showing construction details for a showcase or similar item you have designed. Please note applications will not be considered without a link. Please do not use a link that will expire.
If you have any questions on the information you should provide, or have any difficulties completing the form, please contact the Human Resources Department at [email protected].