Set and exhibit designers

Prepare budgets for necessary sets or exhibits

AI can generate detailed budgets from design specifications, historical cost data, and vendor quotes with high accuracy. Budget preparation is largely a structured data task involving cost estimation, resource allocation, and spreadsheet generation—areas where AI already performs at or above median human capability with light review.

BLS evidence: Designers 'prepare budgets for all necessary sets or exhibits' and must ensure 'the finished version can be constructed on time and within budget.'

Prepare drawings and renderings using CAD programs or hand drafting

AI-powered CAD tools and generative design systems can now produce technical drawings and photorealistic renderings from design specifications with minimal human input. Tools like AI-assisted 3D modeling and automated rendering engines handle most execution, requiring human review primarily for accuracy and design intent verification.

BLS evidence: Designers 'prepare drawings by hand or using computer aided design (CAD) programs of proposed sets or exhibits.'

Design sets or exhibits that can be transported and adapted to different venues

Parametric design tools and AI can generate modular, adaptable designs optimized for different venue constraints when given specifications. AI excels at solving spatial optimization problems and creating flexible systems, though human designers still validate practical assembly and aesthetic coherence across configurations.

BLS evidence: Designers 'may work on traveling shows and displays' where 'sets must be easily erected and dismantled for transport to new venues and must be flexible to accommodate performing or exhibit spaces of different sizes.'

Design sets or exhibit spaces that communicate a story or message

Current generative AI can produce spatial design concepts, mood boards, and layout options that communicate narrative themes when given detailed prompts. The creative synthesis and storytelling aspects are increasingly automatable, but final design decisions balancing aesthetics, feasibility, and message require substantial human oversight and refinement.

BLS evidence: Designers 'design sets or exhibit spaces to tell a story based on factors such as narrative, budget, and location' and 'create spaces that communicate a message to an audience.'

Evaluate scripts or objects to be exhibited to determine design requirements

AI can analyze scripts and exhibition objects to extract themes, spatial requirements, and design constraints, generating preliminary design briefs. However, nuanced interpretation of artistic intent, cultural context, and stakeholder expectations still benefits significantly from human judgment, placing this in the assisted-work range.

BLS evidence: Set and exhibit designers 'evaluate scripts or objects to be exhibited' and 'analyze scripts or other research documents to determine how these spaces can best support a story or theme.'

Coordinate creation of sets or exhibits including objects, graphics, and multimedia

AI can assist with project management, vendor coordination, and tracking deliverables across multiple workstreams. However, coordinating physical fabrication, managing craftspeople, troubleshooting on-site issues, and ensuring quality across diverse media types requires hands-on human management with AI serving primarily as a planning and tracking assistant.

BLS evidence: Designers 'coordinate with the design team and others to create sets or exhibits that include objects, graphics, and media' and 'integrate multimedia effects, such as video and sound.'

Collaborate with directors, curators, and design teams on intended audience and design features

Real-time collaborative negotiation with creative stakeholders requires reading social cues, managing interpersonal dynamics, and making judgment calls about competing artistic visions in face-to-face or video settings. AI can summarize discussions and suggest compromises, but the core collaborative work remains human-driven.

BLS evidence: Designers 'collaborate with directors, curators, and others about intended audience in order to determine specific design features' and 'coordinate with the design team and others.'

Oversee installation of sets or exhibits at performance or display venues

Physical installation oversight requires on-site presence, real-time problem-solving in unpredictable environments, coordination of labor crews, and hands-on adjustments to physical structures. This involves fine motor assessment, spatial judgment in three dimensions, and safety management that current AI+robotics cannot replicate.

BLS evidence: Designers 'may work evenings or weekends, such as when overseeing the installation of a set or exhibit.'