Exhibit Designer Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Exhibit Designer Resume examples

Ever walked through a museum exhibit that made you completely lose track of time? That's the magic of exhibit design—where storytelling, visual arts, and spatial thinking collide to create immersive experiences. Exhibit designers transform empty spaces into narrative journeys, whether for museums, trade shows, retail environments, or corporate installations. It's a career that demands equal parts creativity and technical precision (and sometimes, the ability to explain to clients why their logo can't actually be "just a bit bigger" on that 30-foot wall).

The field has evolved dramatically in recent years, with digital integration reshaping traditional approaches. Interactive technologies now complement physical elements in about 73% of new museum installations, according to the American Alliance of Museums' 2023 survey. This shift creates exciting opportunities for designers who can bridge the physical-digital divide. As public spaces increasingly compete for visitor attention in our distraction-filled world, the demand for designers who can create memorable, Instagram-worthy environments continues to grow. The future belongs to exhibit designers who can craft experiences that resonate emotionally while delivering measurable engagement—turning passive viewers into active participants.

Junior Exhibit Designer Resume Example

Leah Martinez

Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 555-7219 | leah.martinez@email.com
linkedin.com/in/leahmartinez | behance.net/leahmartinez

Junior Exhibit Designer with foundation in spatial design and interactive experiences. Blending creativity with practicality to transform concepts into engaging physical environments. Skilled in 3D modeling and fabrication techniques with hands-on experience supporting museum exhibit installations and trade show displays.

EXPERIENCE

Junior Exhibit Designer – ExhibitWorks, Atlanta, GA
March 2023 – Present

  • Collaborate with senior designers to develop concept sketches and 3D renderings for trade show displays and museum installations
  • Assist in producing detailed construction drawings using AutoCAD and Vectorworks, reducing revision cycles by 17%
  • Support client presentations by creating physical scale models and material boards to communicate design intent
  • Help coordinate with fabrication shops to ensure accurate interpretation of design specifications
  • Contributed to a team that won an industry award for the Georgia Science Center’s “Future of Flight” exhibit

Design Intern – Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, GA
June 2022 – February 2023

  • Assisted with installation of “Civil War Memories” traveling exhibit, including lighting setup and artifact placement
  • Created wayfinding graphics and interpretive panels using Adobe Creative Suite
  • Conducted visitor experience research to gather feedback on exhibit flow and engagement
  • Helped maintain exhibit spaces, troubleshooting interactive elements when needed

Exhibition Assistant (Part-time) – University Art Gallery, SCAD, Savannah, GA
September 2021 – May 2022

  • Supported gallery director with exhibition setup and takedown for 6 student and faculty shows
  • Designed and fabricated simple display fixtures for 3D artwork and installations
  • Managed visitor flow and provided information about exhibited works during opening events

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Exhibition Design
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah, GA
Graduated: May 2022

Relevant Coursework: Spatial Design, Environmental Graphics, Exhibition Lighting, Materials & Fabrication, Interactive Design, Museum Studies

Senior Thesis Project: “Immersive Learning Environments” – Designed a modular children’s science exhibit with tactile learning stations

CERTIFICATIONS

OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety (2023)
Adobe Certified Professional – Photoshop & Illustrator (2022)

SKILLS

  • Design Software: SketchUp, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • 3D Modeling: Rhino, Fusion 360 (beginner), basic 3D printing
  • Fabrication: Model making, material selection, basic woodworking, vinyl cutting
  • Visualization: Hand sketching, rendering, physical model construction
  • Project Management: Basecamp, Asana, Microsoft Office Suite
  • Languages: English (native), Spanish (conversational)

PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS

Trade Show Display for EcoTech Solutions – Created modular display system with integrated digital touchpoints
Children’s Interactive Wall for Piedmont Library – Designed and fabricated tactile learning stations
Pop-up Retail Experience for Lunar Clothing – Developed concept and installation plan for 3-day event

Mid-level Exhibit Designer Resume Example

Melissa Tanaka

Philadelphia, PA | (267) 555-8129 | m.tanaka.design@email.com | linkedin.com/in/melissatanaka

PROFILE

Exhibit Designer with 5+ years creating immersive, educational environments for museums and cultural institutions. Combines strong visual storytelling with practical fabrication knowledge to develop engaging visitor experiences.

Known for translating complex concepts into accessible designs while balancing creative vision with technical feasibility and budget constraints. Skilled collaborator who thrives in cross-functional teams.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Exhibit Designer – Keystone Museum Services, Philadelphia, PA (Jan 2021 – Present)

  • Lead designer for 6 major exhibits including the award-winning “Urban Ecosystem” installation that increased visitor engagement by 32% over previous exhibits
  • Manage all phases of exhibit development from initial concept through installation, collaborating with content specialists, fabricators, and AV teams
  • Created standardized design process that reduced production time by 3 weeks while maintaining design quality
  • Developed sustainable material guidelines resulting in 27% reduction in environmental impact
  • Mentor junior designers and interns, providing training in specialized exhibit design software

Exhibit Designer – Heritage Museum Group, Pittsburgh, PA (Mar 2019 – Dec 2020)

  • Designed 12+ exhibits for mid-sized museums focusing on history, science and cultural topics
  • Collaborated with curators to translate complex scientific concepts into intuitive, hands-on experiences
  • Created detailed fabrication drawings and specifications for production team
  • Researched and sourced specialized materials meeting conservation requirements while staying under budget (saved $14,700 on a major traveling exhibit)
  • Helped implement ADA compliance improvements across existing exhibits

Junior Designer – Immerse Exhibition Studio, Philadelphia, PA (Jun 2018 – Feb 2019)

  • Assisted senior designers with concept development, material research, and production documents
  • Created detailed 3D models and renderings for client presentations
  • Conducted on-site measurements and documentation of installation spaces
  • Helped coordinate with vendors and fabricators during production phase

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Exhibition Design – Moore College of Art & Design, Philadelphia, PA (2018)

Certificate in Museum Studies – Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (2019)

Universal Design for Learning Workshop – American Alliance of Museums (2020)

SKILLS

  • Exhibit Planning & Design
  • 3D Modeling & Rendering (SketchUp, Rhino, Vectorworks)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Material Specification & Sustainable Design
  • Visitor Experience & Wayfinding Systems
  • Fabrication Documentation
  • ADA Compliance & Universal Design
  • Project Management & Budgeting
  • Environmental Graphics
  • Lighting Design for Exhibits

SELECTED PROJECTS

“Voices of Immigration” Traveling Exhibit – Designed modular system allowing customization for different venue sizes while maintaining narrative integrity (toured 4 cities)

“Ocean Depths” Interactive Zone – Created immersive children’s area with tactile elements that increased dwell time by 18 minutes on average

“Industrial Evolution” Permanent Gallery – Revitalized outdated history exhibit using contemporary storytelling techniques and interactive technology while preserving key historical artifacts

Senior / Experienced Exhibit Designer Resume Example

VINCENT ROSSI

San Francisco, CA 94110 • (415) 555-8294 • vrossi.design@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincentrossi • Portfolio: vincentrossidesign.com

Exhibit designer with 9+ years creating immersive, accessible experiences for museums, trade shows, and cultural institutions. Blend of technical expertise and artistic vision with a focus on sustainable materials and interactive elements. Proven track record managing $750K+ budgets while delivering 12 major installations that boosted visitor engagement by 31% on average. Experienced team leader with strong client relationship skills.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Exhibit Designer | Freeman Exhibition Design | San Francisco, CA | 2019 – Present

  • Lead design strategy for 8-10 high-profile museum and corporate exhibition projects annually, managing interdisciplinary teams of 5-12 designers, fabricators, and multimedia specialists
  • Spearheaded the design of the “Ocean Futures” traveling exhibit for California Academy of Sciences, resulting in a 43% increase in visitor engagement and earning an AAM Excellence in Exhibition award
  • Created sustainable design standards that reduced material waste by 27% while maintaining aesthetic quality and durability
  • Developed a digital prototyping workflow that cut design iteration time from 3 weeks to 6 days and reduced client revision requests by 35%
  • Mentor junior designers through structured feedback sessions and collaborative concept development workshops

Exhibit Designer | Museum Associates | Oakland, CA | 2016 – 2019

  • Designed and executed 6 major temporary exhibitions and 2 permanent gallery renovations for a regional science and history museum
  • Collaborated with curators and education staff to translate complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible visitor experiences
  • Oversaw installation of “Pioneers of Flight” exhibit, completing the project $12K under budget and 2 weeks ahead of schedule
  • Introduced modular display system that improved installation efficiency by 21% and allowed for more flexible exhibition layouts
  • Researched and specified materials and fabrication techniques that balanced preservation needs, sustainability goals, and budget constraints

Junior Exhibit Designer | Westbrook Exhibit Solutions | Seattle, WA | 2014 – 2016

  • Produced detailed construction drawings, material specifications, and 3D visualizations for corporate trade show exhibits and retail environments
  • Assisted senior designers with client presentations, material samples, and design development for 15+ projects
  • Created an innovative lighting solution for the Microsoft Ignite conference booth that reduced power consumption by 34% while enhancing product displays
  • Developed expertise in materials, fabrication techniques, and ADA accessibility requirements for public spaces

EDUCATION

Master of Fine Arts, Exhibition Design | California College of the Arts | San Francisco, CA | 2014
Thesis: “Sensory-Inclusive Museum Design: Creating Accessible Experiences for Diverse Audiences”

Bachelor of Arts, Industrial Design | Rhode Island School of Design | Providence, RI | 2012

CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEED Green Associate | U.S. Green Building Council | 2019
Universal Design Professional | Institute for Human Centered Design | 2018
Advanced 3D Visualization Workshop | Autodesk University | 2017

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Design Software: SketchUp Pro, AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion, Rhino
  • Fabrication: CNC programming, material specification, lighting design, prototype development
  • Project Management: Asana, MS Project, budgeting, timeline development, vendor coordination
  • Sustainability: LEED principles, recyclable materials, energy-efficient lighting, low-VOC finishes
  • Accessibility: ADA compliance, universal design principles, multi-sensory engagement strategies

SELECTED PROJECTS

  • “Tech Through Time” | Computer History Museum | 2022 | 4,000 sq ft permanent installation
  • “Biodiversity Now” | California Academy of Sciences | 2021 | 2,500 sq ft traveling exhibit
  • “The Sound Experience” | SF Symphony Interactive Gallery | 2020 | 1,800 sq ft interactive space
  • “Medical Innovations” | UCSF Medical Center | 2019 | 3,200 sq ft historical exhibition

How to Write an Exhibit Designer Resume

Introduction

Landing an exhibit designer job means showing off your creative vision and technical know-how—all on a single page or two. Your resume isn't just a list of past jobs; it's your first portfolio piece. I've reviewed thousands of exhibit designer resumes in my 15+ years as a hiring manager at museums and design firms, and the ones that grab attention blend artistic flair with practical experience. While you might be amazing at transforming spaces into immersive experiences, your resume needs to communicate this before anyone sees your actual portfolio.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and scannable—much like a well-designed exhibit space. Hiring managers at design firms typically spend just 37 seconds on initial resume reviews!

  • Stick to 1-2 pages (1 page for juniors, 2 pages max for veterans with 8+ years)
  • Use a clean, professional font (Helvetica, Futura, or Arial work well)
  • Maintain consistent spacing and alignment (poor layout on a designer's resume is a red flag)
  • Include subtle design elements that showcase your aesthetic without overwhelming the content
  • Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for a Word document)
Don't fall into the "overly designed resume" trap. While you want to show creativity, remember that a resume that's too flashy or hard to read will likely get tossed. Save your best design work for your portfolio—your resume should be professional first, creative second.

Profile/Summary Section

Start with a punchy summary that captures your design philosophy and technical skills. This section should be 3-4 lines max and answer: "What kind of exhibit designer am I?"

For example: "Exhibit designer with 6 years crafting narrative-driven museum spaces, blending interactive technology with traditional display techniques. Experienced in collaborating with curators, fabricators, and AV teams to bring complex stories to life within budget constraints. Known for accessibility-focused designs that increased visitor engagement by 27% at the Westlake Natural History Museum."

Professional Experience

This is where you prove you can do what you claim. Focus on projects, not just responsibilities.

  • List positions in reverse chronological order
  • Include company name, your title, and dates (month/year)
  • For each role, include 3-5 bullet points highlighting specific exhibits, challenges solved, and measurable results
  • Start bullets with strong action verbs: Designed, Conceptualized, Collaborated, Fabricated
  • Mention specific materials, software, and fabrication methods you've worked with

Example bullet: "Designed traveling exhibit 'Ocean Depths' featuring 14 interactive stations that toured 5 science centers, reaching 186,000 visitors while coming in 12% under the $75K budget."

Education and Certifications

List your degrees, but don't overemphasize education if you have solid work experience.

  • Include degree, field of study, school name, and graduation year
  • Add relevant certifications like SEGD membership, CAD certifications, or fabrication training
  • Mention specialized workshops or continuing education in areas like lighting design, accessibility standards, or digital integration

Keywords and ATS Tips

Most exhibit design jobs at larger institutions use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes before human eyes see them.

  • Review job descriptions for key terms and include them naturally in your resume
  • Common exhibit design keywords: spatial design, visitor experience, interpretive graphics, 3D modeling, CAD, SketchUp, fabrication specifications
  • Include both spelled-out terms and acronyms (e.g., "Computer-Aided Design (CAD)")
  • Don't stuff keywords—place them naturally where they make sense

Industry-specific Terms to Include

Show you speak the language of exhibits by including relevant terminology:

  • Fabrication processes you're familiar with (CNC routing, acrylic forming, etc.)
  • Design software you've mastered (Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit)
  • Exhibition types (permanent, traveling, interactive, immersive)
  • Specific materials you've worked with (conservation-grade materials, sustainable options)
  • Compliance knowledge (ADA, LEED, fire safety codes)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Listing software without showing how you've applied it to actual projects
  • Focusing only on the aesthetic aspects while ignoring budget management or client relationships
  • Using industry jargon without demonstrating understanding of practical application
  • Forgetting to mention collaborative skills (exhibit design is rarely a solo endeavor)
  • Not including metrics like visitor numbers, budget sizes, or project timelines

Remember—your resume is just the ticket to get an interview. Your portfolio will do the heavy lifting to showcase your design skills, but without a strong resume, nobody will ask to see that portfolio in the first place!

Soft skills for your Exhibit Designer resume

  • Cross-functional team collaboration, particularly with fabricators and space planners (I’ve managed projects with up to 14 stakeholders)
  • Client storytelling – translating complex concepts into engaging spatial narratives
  • Budget negotiations and creative problem-solving when facing material constraints
  • Adaptability to shifting timelines and last-minute venue changes (something every exhibit designer learns the hard way!)
  • Constructive feedback delivery that maintains creative vision while meeting practical requirements
  • Visual communication skills that bridge gaps between technical and non-technical team members

Hard skills for your Exhibit Designer resume

  • 3D modeling in SketchUp Pro and AutoCAD (6+ years)
  • Adobe Creative Suite proficiency (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Scale model fabrication using foam core, wood, and plastics
  • Vectorworks Spotlight for exhibition lighting design
  • Budgeting and cost estimation for mid-sized exhibits ($50K-$250K)
  • Material specification for museum-grade exhibit fixtures
  • ADA compliance knowledge for public exhibition spaces
  • Rhinoceros 3D for complex curved surface modeling
  • Project management using Asana and MS Project