What does a Set Designer do?

Set Designers contribute to the success of a television, theatrical or film production. They ensure performers have suitable, safe spaces to work in and contribute to the audience’s ability to suspend their disbelief. The budgetary-related responsibilities of a Set Designer also enable production companies to control costs effectively.

Set Designer skills and qualifications

Some qualifications you may list in your Set Designer job description include:

• Knowledge of design principles, construction methods and building materials
• Basic familiarity with production design, including costumes, lighting, sound and props
• Creative thinking and research skills to develop historically accurate, innovative set designs
• Communication skills to collaborate with the production team and provide clear instructions to Set Carpenters, the cast and crew members
• Computer skills for using computer-aided design (CAD), graphics imaging, object-oriented development (OOD), project management, spreadsheet and other software
• Time management skills to ensure sets are ready by established deadlines
• Leadership skills to delegate tasks and direct the activities of Assistants, Carpenters and other design team members

Set Designer experience requirements

A Set Designer’s needed experience may depend on the budget and scale of your production. Generally, Set Designers working on major motion pictures, national network television shows and theatrical productions staged at theaters in major cities tend to have several years of related work history.

Relevant work experience may include working as a Set Designer for smaller productions or as an Assistant Set Designer for larger ones. When hiring for an independent film, a local television show or a small community theater, you may wish to prioritize candidates’ portfolios of past work over their length of experience.

Set Designer education and training requirements

Some Set Designer positions may require extensive experience, advanced skills and a strong portfolio, while others may be suitable for candidates with practical abilities and a creative approach. In some cases, a skills-based hiring approach may benefit your recruiting efforts.

While there are no well-established professional certifications for Set Designers, some employers may prioritize candidates who belong to relevant professional associations, such as the Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA) or the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT). These organizations often offer educational opportunities for members.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Set Designer job description doesn’t fully capture the details of your open position, consider these related jobs:

• Art Director
• Film Director
• Producer

Set Designer job description FAQs

Who does a Set Designer report to?

Who a Set Designer reports to varies. For large productions, an Art Director or Production Director may serve as a Set Designer’s direct Supervisor. When working for smaller productions that lack mid-level Director positions, a Set Designer may be the direct report of the Assistant Director or Director.

What’s the difference between a Set Designer and Set Decorator?

Set Designers and Set Decorators create settings for productions, but they have different focuses. Set Designers build the structures, while Set Decorators select furniture, draperies and decorative items. Smaller production companies may have Set Designers perform the duties of a Set Decorator or assign them to the Prop Master.

What qualities make for a good Set Designer?

To successfully carry out the duties in a Set Designer job description, a candidate often benefits from possessing a vivid imagination and the ability to visualize scenes. Having an interest in the arts and a willingness to work with a team are also important.