Exhibition Designer Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project

Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, and other manifestations of visual culture, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods. The Guggenheim realizes this mission through exceptional exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim strives to engage and educate an increasingly diverse international audience through its unique network of museums and partnerships. With nearly three million annual visitors worldwide, the Guggenheim and its network is one of the most visited cultural institutions in the world.
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and is a museum of modern and contemporary art with a mission to contribute to and stimulate expansive perspectives on the history of art. Presenting an international collection with a specific focus on West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia (WANASA), Guggenheim Abu Dhabi fosters a deeper understanding of how different local, regional, and international forces have shaped the interconnected histories and cultures of our time.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
As a member of the Exhibition Design Department, the Exhibition Designer Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project is responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of exhibition designs and artist’s commissions within the museum’s galleries and distinctive architectural spaces, in collaboration with the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and NY teams.
SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree or equivalent preferred in Architecture or 3D design field.
• 5-7 years of relevant Exhibition Design experience
• Professional experience with millwork detailing and shop drawing review, material specifications, and the production of Construction Documents
• Ability to graphically communicate ideas and propose design ideas through renderings, images, drawings, and diagrams.
• Ability to present creative pitches to internal team members, artists, and various collaborators and project stakeholders
• Advanced 2D drafting skills (preferably Vectorworks), 3D modeling and rendering skills, (preferably Rhino and V-Ray), and advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
• Facility constructing and working with physical models
• Familiarity with ADA requirements and public safety requirements
• Demonstrated interest in fine art, particularly modern and contemporary
• Ability to think abstractly and design creatively within distinct, architectural environment
• Excellent concern for detail while working within fast-paced project timelines
• Good communication skills: verbal, written, and graphic
• Exceptional organization skills
• The ability to collaborate with diverse implementation teams is essential

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Consider innovative, conceptual, and holistic design solutions for special exhibitions, site-specific installations and permanent collection gallery displays, including a wide variety of programming, space, and object conditions.
• In collaboration with curatorial team, develop exhibition design proposals for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s inaugural program and beyond, attuned to the unique architectural characteristics the building provides.
• Coordinate implementation of exhibition design in collaboration with Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, exhibition design team, conservators, general contractors, building specialists, and outside consultants (as required) to determine all aspects of the gallery environment including layout of art work, wall construction, audio/visual requirements, custom casework, finishes, engineering, fabrication techniques, etc.
• In collaboration with Guggenheim and Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi curatorial and project management teams, help develop a multiyear design implementation timeline with key deliverables milestones.
• Work with artist studios as needed to help convey and accommodate specific design components and requirements  withinin the gallery space, including creative solutions where required.
• Produce digital design drawings and renderings, physical maquettes and models, and other presentation materials to convey design intent and exhibition scope to curators, artists, directors, and various other project constituents.
• Create architectural drawing sets for all phases of designs, assist curatorial staff in spatial analysis, and produce or oversee production of gallery installation renderings, as needed
• Communicate design ideas and information graphically to help establish design direction, and make presentations of ideas to various project stakeholders
• Consult with Guggenheim New York Exhibition Design and Conservation teams for guidance and input on exhibition design and display requirements and best practices.
• Interface with the various departments of Production, Art Preparation, Construction, Fabrication, Graphic Design, Facilities, Visitor Experience, Security, Fire Safety, Lighting, Multi-Media Arts, Education, and Special Events to ensure exhibition design meets Museum standards for fine art display, safety, and overall visitor experience. 
• Interface and coordinate with outside consultants and architects as required
• Manage the production of models and maquettes as well as prototypes and mock-ups for individual exhibition designs. Assist staff with  large-scale mockups, installation support ,documentation, and summary reports as needed.
• Closely collaborate with the Fabrication and Construction departments to ensure that design elements are executed according to plan and budget. 
• Conduct field surveys of galleries as needed. Maintain departmental digital archive of CAD files including plans, sections and 3D model. Establish drawing and digital library in alignment with Guggenheim New York Exhibition Design standards.
• Assist in sourcing vendors, soliciting quotes, obtaining material samples in accordance with our sustainability principals. Help maintain material library.
• Project exhibition design specific budgets and cost analysis reports as directed and with support as required. Manage relevant project invoices.
• As part of the Exhibition Management team, the Exhibition Designer Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project will work on special projects as needed.

WORK DEMANDS and ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to travel within the metropolitan area as required to perform the above duties at any of the Guggenheim’s owned or leased properties and International travel upon request.
• International travel (frequency?)
• Virtual meetings with international teams across various time zones
• Occasionally, work may be conducted outdoors, with exposure to varied weather conditions.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on occasion.
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree or equivalent preferred in Architecture or 3D design field.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: n/a
REPORTS TO:  Deputy Director and Mellon Foundation Chief Conservator with a dotted line to Senior Curator Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project
LOCATION:  One Liberty Plaza, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10006
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 Hours per Week, Schedule TBD
POSITION TYPE:  Full-time, Exempt. This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 2110 UAW. 
SALARY RANGE: $78,000 to $80,000 annually
The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution.  We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience.  The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.