Dezeen Jobs

Natural History Museum is seeking a senior 3D designer to join its team in London.

About the role

This is an exciting time to join the NHM Design Studio as we develop new exhibitions, galleries and displays that bring to the fore the collections and scientific research carried out by the Museum’s scientists.

You will be part of an integrated, dynamic team of graphic designers, 3D/exhibition designers, and architects, responsible for strategically developing and designing for our buildings, temporary and permanent exhibitions, brand identity, visual communication, and marketing campaigns.

We transform the face, fabric, and structures of one of the world’s most famous museums. We set the design vision, deliver design projects, and encourage design excellence in the Museum. We support the Museum’s activities through multiple outputs including campaigns, exhibitions, permanent galleries, our brand and more. We are brand guardians for the Museum. We promote the coherence of our visual identity across all our platforms.

We work iteratively, based on research, constantly refining our processes and adapting to the Museum’s changing needs. Due to our unique position, as part of the Museum, we harness organisational knowledge to ask the right questions and deliver appropriate design solutions. Our goal is to create enriching environments that inspire learning and engagement.

This role will focus on the design and delivery of our exhibitions and galleries programme, enhancing displays and developing spatial projects within the Museum. As well as designing, you will provide project administration and programming, being responsible for day to day project delivery coordination.

About you

Main responsibilities and skills:

• you are ambitious, curious and pioneering and will provide innovative and thought-provoking sustainable designs within the project’s scope and budget
• you are an excellent team player and will be able to collaborate with other colleagues within the Design Studio and Museum, external consultants and contractors
• you will act as Lead Designer on designated projects, overseeing all design administration and management, programming, and coordination with all stakeholders required throughout the project lifecycle
• coordination and delivery of RIBA stages one–seven
• you will ensure all design deliverables are issued to others on time to equip team members, stakeholders and contractors to succeed
• you will present Design Progress Reports and End Stage presentation for sign offs, confidently, engagingly, and professionally to a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders
• you will have strong conceptual and presentation skills, effectively visualizing complex ideas using various mediums and techniques
• you will be proactive, maintain a positive attitude, and have a strong passion for design, sustainability and problem-solving
• you will enjoy working as part of a creative team, collaborating to develop effective design solutions
• you act with pace and are able to manage multiple projects and work packages at the same time. You know how to prioritise actions ensuring all design deliverables are met on time. You will manage the delivery of other design-related duties as requested by the Exhibition Design Manager and Head of Design
• you will align with the Museum specific ways of working from championing the NHM Spatial Design Guidelines, health and safety guidelines, as well as relevant access and inclusivity standards

Essential experience and knowledge:

• the Natural History Museum has a Grade I listed status. Practical demonstrable experience of delivering major spatial design projects within heritage environments and their associated constraints is essential
• the Museum cares for more than 80 million objects, experience in working with museum collections (objects and/or specimens) with an understanding of the conservation requirements for their safe display is a must
• experience working in multi-disciplinary design teams
• you will have a high-quality portfolio that showcases outstanding skills in exhibition, spatial, and interior design, delivering projects following the RIBA work plan while adhering to a specified programme and budget. Samples to include a Stage one spatial design visioneering, Stage four construction design intent setworks drawings as well as of internal showcase plinths and object mounts demonstrating excellent technical and drafting skills
• demonstrable experience in producing written Designers Specifications for tenders together with associated detailed technical drawings and schedules. Maintaining all records and files relating to design work for each project
• demonstrable practical experience of CDM, BSA, Access legislation, Building Regulations, Health and Safety and Fire Safety compliance. You will be maintaining all records and files relating to design work for each project
• excellent proficiency in Vectorworks, Cinema 4D
• proficiency in SketchUp, V-Ray, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office
• degree or equivalent in 3D design, Interior Spatial Design or Architecture

Desirable criteria:

• experience in public sector tenders
• experience in touring exhibitions

How to apply

If that sounds like you, please apply online on the Natural History Museum’s careers portal and complete the online application form.

Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. We advise you to double-check your application form data before submitting as the tool may interpret CVs differently.

Applications must include a non-expiring portfolio link demonstrating how you meet the essential experience, skills, and knowledge criteria for the role.

Please provide a supporting statement of no more than 400 words describing how your experience, skills, and knowledge meet the main responsibilities and essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification

Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.

www.nhm.ac.uk