Ralph Applebaum Associates

Ralph Appelbaum Associates is seeking a full-time, US-Based Senior Physical Designer in our New York Studio. This position is remote, but could be hybrid for local candidates.

Working closely and collaboratively with the Physical Design Director, the Senior Physical Designer is involved at all stages of projects and helps produce a fully integrated exhibition within an architectural shell from conceptual design through design development and construction documentation. At the heart of RAA’s design philosophy is the desire to seamlessly integrate the visitor experience and the architectural environment. The physical design staff also work directly with the visual designers, Content staff, consultants (lighting, audio/visual, media, etc.), and clients to develop exhibition concepts, designs and layout. Candidates should have strong conceptual ability and a range of skills as detailed below.

In some cases, RAA may be looking for a candidate for our Social Projects Initiative. RAA’s Social Projects initiative serves institutions focused on highlighting profound questions of justice, equity, inclusivity, and power. 

Today, the renewed urgency for cultural institutions to be inclusive in their exhibition development and programming has pushed many to reevaluate their mission, resources, staffing, and storytelling to transform how they engage with audiences at all levels. Similarly, new institutions are challenged to boldly assert their commitment to supporting justice, equity, community dialogue, and public education.

To better serve this type of institution, RAA launched its Social Projects initiative in 2020. The Social Projects team consists of a dynamic group of multidisciplinary professionals deeply committed to the transformative potential of cultural institutions dedicated to racial justice and other social issues. We are honored to work with cultural institutions that prioritize diverse perspectives, community engagement, and social responsibility in their institutional goals.

Our philosophy is to support powerful storytelling that encourages audiences to critically engage with complex issues, experiences, and cultures. We support collaborations between clients, community leaders, scholarly advisors, artists, performers, and various other museum stakeholders. Our goal is to assist museums as they explore difficult questions about our collective past and present and envision a more just and equitable future.

• Develops gallery schemes for single large or series of smaller projects under direction of Lead Designer and Design Director
• Manages and coordinates external consultants
• Produces drawing sets and schedules, and specifications
• Acts as a client liaison in coordination with other senior project staff
• Oversees the day-to-day development of projects
• Oversees final production of drawing sets and deliverables
• Monitors and enforces 3D workflows, processes, and drawing protocols
• Reports project progress to Project Managers

• Advanced degree in Exhibit Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Urban Planning, Landscape Design, or related fields
• 5-7 years of experience in exhibition design or related discipline
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Client-facing presentation skills
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and time-management skills
• Proactive approach to task management
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in Vectorworks and/or Revit
• Proficiency in a 3D modeling program, such as Rhino or Sketchup
• BIM 360 experience is a plus
• Rendering or other visualization experience is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) is a plus
• Interest in history and culture together with engagement in current design strategies
• Highest standards of personal and professional integrity
• Interest in and experience with the promotion and realization of sustainable design strategies
• Commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement through the work of RAA Social Projects

RAA offers a competitive benefits package to our full-time staff, including: medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; 401k enrollment; generous paid time off. Additional benefits are offered at no cost to employees, including short- and long-term disability and life insurance. Flexible benefits are also available for employees to make tax-advantaged contributions toward medical expenses, transportation and parking costs, and childcare.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot personally respond to each applicant. Qualified candidates will be contacted via email regarding our interview process. To apply for this role, please send a cover letter, CV, and portfolio to humanresources@raai.com.

RAA is an equal opportunity practice that is committed to furthering diversity and inclusion in our studio. RAA does not discriminate in employment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of: race; color; creed; religion; gender; gender identity or expression; sex; sexual orientation; national origin or ancestry; citizenship status; health or genetic information; age; marital status; mental or physical disability; pregnancy; political affiliation; arrest record; past, present, or future service in the uniformed services; or any other legally protected status. Our policy of non-discrimination applies to all personnel practices, including, but not limited to, recruitment, project assignments, professional development, compensation, or any other employment practice. We strongly encourage women, people of color, and candidates from other underrepresented communities to apply.