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Exhibition designer

Alternative titles for this job include

Exhibition designers work with organisations and individuals to turn their ideas into engaging displays.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • spatial design (exhibitions)
  • interior design
  • three-dimensional (3D) design
  • interior architecture
  • theatre design

You may also find exhibition design options as part of some events management, and museums and galleries courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a foundation diploma in art and design
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Scenic Construction Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship with an events design or scenery building company.

You could also apply to do a Collections Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if working on specialist exhibitions in museums or galleries.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to get into this type of work as a junior design assistant. To do this, you are likely to need a qualification in art and design, like a diploma or an A level.

Experience in using computer-aided design (CAD) software packages would also be helpful.

Volunteering

You could volunteer to help set up exhibitions, for example with local arts festivals, galleries or libraries.

This would help you get practical skills, as well as an insight into the project management that goes on behind the scenes.

More Information

Career tips

You'll need to put together a portfolio of your work to highlight your design skills to show at interview. Some work experience would also give you an advantage when applying for training and jobs.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Society of Designers, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in exhibition design from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • knowledge of the fine arts
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • knowledge of construction methods
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an exhibition designer, you could:

  • discuss requirements with clients
  • present your ideas as sketches, scale plans, computer-generated visuals and models
  • produce final blueprints after discussions with clients
  • handle orders for supplies
  • work with technical specialists like lighting staff
  • work with technicians to build and fit displays and installations
  • project manage the set-up process from start to finish

Working environment

You could work at events, at a conference centre or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move to a more senior position, like team leader or senior designer.

You could also become freelance, set up your own exhibition design company, or move into related fields like set design in theatre, TV and film.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an exhibition designer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

A Level 3d Design with Architecture

  • Provider: UTC READING
  • Start date: 05 September 2026
  • Location: Reading

Architecture and 3D Design Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Provider: CITY COLLEGE NORWICH
  • Start date: 02 September 2026
  • Location: Norwich
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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