Exhibit Designer

Role overview

Ideum is looking for an Exhibit Designer to help shape immersive, interactive environments that blend exhibit content, scenic elements, multimedia, and display systems within architectural spaces. This position involves concept development, design execution, and coordination across multiple projects at once, typically 2 to 4 large and small assignments in parallel. The work requires close attention to how emerging technologies and non-traditional interfaces are integrated into the visitor experience.

What you will do

The role spans the full design journey, from early concept work through installation support. You will collaborate with in-house designers, producers, production managers, writers, UI/UX designers, software developers, AV engineers, and fabricators, along with external consultants, contractors, and vendors.

• Develop site, building, and gallery program diagrams, space-use plans, detailed floor plans, elevations, AV integration plans, 3D models, fly-throughs, rendered views, cost estimates, and other technical documentation for exhibits and display elements.
• Work with internal teams, sub-consultants, and contractors to coordinate technical, engineering, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, IT, wayfinding, and related requirements.
• Turn those requirements into strong design solutions and clear drawings or documents that can support contracts, fabrication, and installation.
• Meet with clients, facilitate workshops or design conversations, and translate project goals into design direction and documentation.
• Support projects through concept, schematic, detail design, design development, fabrication detailing, and installation oversight.

What success in this role looks like

You should bring energy, enthusiasm, a strong design point of view, and a talent for creative visioning. Success also depends on being able to build relationships, communicate clearly, work well across disciplines, and help a team deliver ambitious, high-quality outcomes. The ability to organize and synthesize information for a multidisciplinary group is important.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Industrial Design is preferred, though equivalent experience in exhibit production and architecture will also be considered if you have a strong track record of designing and delivering successful projects. Architectural registration is not required, but it is viewed positively.

You should have at least 3 years of relevant experience and hands-on expertise with CAD rendering and detailing tools. Revit or Bluebeam experience is a plus, as is familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and software such as Blender or Maya. Experience taking an experiential design project from early design through fabrication detailing and installation oversight is required. Background in museums, zoos, aquariums, science centers, or similar interpretive public spaces is also an advantage.

Eligibility and work requirements

Applicants must be willing to travel and work long or unusual hours when needed for exhibit installation and meetings with outside stakeholders. This is an in-person position based at Ideum’s offices in Corrales, New Mexico.

About the company

Ideum creates visitor-centered experiences that combine emerging technology with storytelling to deliver moments of wonder, surprise, and engagement. The company develops exhibits and products that communicate science, art, history, and culture in immersive and meaningful ways.

Its work spans museums, educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, and other organizations across North America and internationally. Services include exhibit and experience design, custom software development, media systems design and installation, and custom fabrication. The company is based in scenic Corrales, New Mexico, near Albuquerque and about an hour from Santa Fe.

Benefits

After 90 days of employment, the role includes paid time off, health, dental, and vision coverage, critical illness and accident insurance, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability insurance. After one year of employment, employees become eligible for the 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing Plan.

Equal opportunity and employment verification

Ideum is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are made without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable local, state, or federal law. Reasonable accommodations during the application process can be requested through a company representative.

All hires must verify identity and U.S. work authorization and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon joining.

Application instructions

Submit a resume, cover letter, and relevant work samples. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No phone calls or walk-ins.