Senior Exhibition Designer at Sotheby’s

New York, New York, United States

Sotheby’s Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Art, Luxury, AuctionsIndustries

Requirements

  • Broad experience in exhibition design and production, ideally across museums, design studios, spatial design, trade shows, or retail pop-ups
  • Strong understanding of exhibition processes (inferred from ideal competencies and role expectations)
  • Ability to work on-site 4–5 days per week in New York for location-specific projects and in-person collaboration

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate closely with the in-house Exhibition team in New York and other senior leads to create building activations that bring to life Sotheby’s major sale series campaigns for fine art and luxury categories, as well as key standalone sale events, including single-owner auctions and brand partnerships
  • Develop full exhibition design concepts, including 2D and 3D design work, conceptual ideas, technical drawings, renderings, elevations, and detailed plans
  • Provide creative direction and oversee design tasks delegated to other team members, ensuring alignment with project vision and standards
  • Assist in the completion of comprehensive design packs to support smooth project delivery
  • Organise and lead design kick-off meetings with specialists and other departments to align on scope, requirements, and deliverables
  • See multiple projects through from initial brief to final installation, collaborating with department leads, art directors, and marketing partners
  • Present designs and ideas to a wide range of stakeholders, including senior management, and define creative direction in collaboration with specialists
  • Work jointly with Sotheby’s Operations team, in-house colleagues and external vendors to estimate projects ensuring adherence to budgets and manage contracts with relevant suppliers in collaboration with the exhibition design manager
  • Approve technical specifications, construction methodologies, and oversee installation planning to ensure feasibility, quality, and timely delivery
  • Maintain regular collaboration with the London Exhibition Design studio to implement evolving layouts and visual displays across auction, retail, and Buy Now locations
  • Extend Sotheby’s premium aesthetic across all client-facing spaces and elements, including lobby, reception, wayfinding, signage (print and digital), and other enhancements that impactfully communicate key building activities
  • Oversee the design of Sotheby’s salesrooms for select auctions, including room layout, elevations, build-outs, furniture, artwork placement, and finishing details such as vinyls and florals
  • Ensure adherence to exhibition process and design guidelines, maintaining a meticulous archive and record of work through project management

Skills

Exhibition Design
2D Design
3D Design
Technical Drawings
Renderings
Elevations
Creative Direction

Sotheby’s

Auction house for fine art

About Sotheby’s

Sotheby's is a global auction house that specializes in selling fine art, luxury items, and collectibles through live and online auctions, as well as private sales. The company provides online estimates to help sellers determine the value of their items, which is a key differentiator from competitors. Sotheby's holds auctions in major cities worldwide, attracting a diverse audience and ensuring a competitive market for high-end items. The goal is to connect buyers and sellers in the luxury market while offering a personalized and discreet experience.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters
1744Year Founded
$4MTotal Funding
POST_IPO_EQUITYCompany Stage
Real Estate, Consumer GoodsIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
401(k) Company Match
Professional Development Budget

Risks

NFT market volatility poses financial risks for Sotheby's digital collectibles sales.
Recent staff layoffs indicate potential financial instability or auction performance downturn.
The $100 million Breuer building acquisition could strain financial resources if unprofitable.

Differentiation

Sotheby's offers both live and online auctions, catering to diverse client preferences.
The company provides private sales for clients seeking privacy and exclusivity in transactions.
Sotheby's expertise in valuing rare items attracts high-end collectors and investors.

Upsides

Sotheby's collaboration with The Luxury Group offers unique luxury auction experiences.
The acquisition of the Breuer building enhances Sotheby's brand and auction venue prestige.
Sotheby's acceptance of cryptocurrency payments attracts crypto-wealthy buyers.

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