Set Designer job description.
A set designer creates the physical environments and backdrops used in film, television, theatre, or live event productions. Working from a director's or production designer's vision, they draft plans, select materials, and coordinate with construction crews to build functional, visually accurate sets. The role requires strong drafting and spatial design skills, budget awareness, and the ability to solve practical construction challenges. Set designers typically work under tight deadlines across multiple concurrent projects.
The Set Designer job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Set Designer Reports to: Production Designer or Art Director
A set designer creates the physical environments and backdrops used in film, television, theatre, or live event productions. Working from a director's or production designer's vision, they draft plans, select materials, and coordinate with construction crews to build functional, visually accurate sets. The role requires strong drafting and spatial design skills, budget awareness, and the ability to solve practical construction challenges. Set designers typically work under tight deadlines across multiple concurrent projects.
- Translate a production designer's or director's concept into detailed set drawings and plans
- Select materials, finishes, and furnishings appropriate to the production's visual style
- Create scale drawings, models, or CAD renderings of set layouts
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
2 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Production Designer or Art Director
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Translate a production designer's or director's concept into detailed set drawings and plans
- Select materials, finishes, and furnishings appropriate to the production's visual style
- Create scale drawings, models, or CAD renderings of set layouts
- Coordinate with construction crews, painters, and prop teams to build and dress sets
- Estimate material costs and manage the set design budget
- Ensure sets meet safety, structural, and technical requirements for filming or performance
- Adjust designs on short notice to accommodate schedule or location changes
- Collaborate with lighting and camera departments to confirm set functionality
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Degree or training in theatre design, architecture, or a related field
- Proficiency with drafting or CAD software
- Experience building or supervising construction of sets or scenic elements
- Strong spatial awareness and attention to visual detail
- Experience working within a production designer's art department
- Familiarity with construction materials and basic engineering principles
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Set Designer job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Set Designer job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Production Designer or Art Director) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What software do set designers typically use?
- Most set designers use CAD or drafting software such as AutoCAD or Vectorworks alongside traditional sketching to plan and communicate set layouts.
- Who does a set designer report to?
- Set designers typically report to the production designer or art director, who oversees the overall visual concept for the production.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Art Director
An Art Director leads the visual direction of creative projects, from concept through final execution.
Production Assistant
A Production Assistant supports film, video, or media production teams with logistical and administrative tasks on set and in the office.
Costume Designer
A costume designer creates and sources clothing and accessories for film, theater, television, or dance productions.
This Set Designer job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.