Who We Are
Simon Milthorp is a London and Paris based exhibition design practice working with museums and cultural institutions across Europe and internationally.
The studio develops exhibitions through a close alignment of narrative, space and visitor experience, collaborating with curators, directors and project teams from early concept through to delivery.
The studio’s approach begins with understanding the central idea of a project and how it should be experienced in space. This involves working closely with curatorial teams to clarify narrative priorities, identify key moments and establish a clear spatial logic for the exhibition.
Defining the narrative framework and visitor journey
Establishing spatial rhythm and sequencing
Developing a coherent visual and material language
Integrating graphic and three-dimensional elements
Maintaining design clarity through to installation
Each moment ensures that exhibitions are not only visually resolved, but intellectually and experientially coherent.
Narrative and Interpretation Planning
Working closely with content development teams and museum curators to help interpret narratives so that they can be realised and conveyed into an experience enjoyable to the public.
Environmental & Interior Design
Starting with a simple approach and a pen and paper, ideas can quickly be proposed, challenged and checked. Some of the best ideas come from a simple sketch developed with a group of people. The sketch can then follow the design process to become reality.
Museum Artefact Display & Showcase Design
Working closely with museum and artefact display, from a museums own collection to loan acquisitions, working with curators to position objects in relation to the overall narrative, checking dimensions of objects, ensuring conservation and security requirements are achieved.
Digital Interactive & User Experience
Working closely with AV software designers and hardware contractors to run through the user experience, this ensures that the public can intuitively use and work the software, whilst the content message is clearly conveyed.
3D Design and Computer Modelling
Once an idea and layout is proposed, 3D modelling and renders are developed to help visualise the scheme and present to clients and key stakeholders.
Design Project Management
As the design develops, Simon can help with your project management requirements, overseeing the design process to ensure that the details are met and the client achieves results to the highest specification and standard.
Simon Milthorp London and Paris.
As a small, senior-led practice, the studio remains directly involved at every stage of a project. Allowing for close collaboration with clients and consultant which creates consistency between concept and delivery.
Depending on the scale and requirements of each project, the studio collaborates with a network of specialists, including graphic designers, architects, content developers and technical consultants.
Working between London and Paris, the studio brings experience of operating across different institutional, cultural and linguistic contexts.
This includes projects for national and regional museums, as well as collaborations with multidisciplinary teams across the UK and Europe.
The studio is particularly interested in projects where narrative, space and audience experience are closely connected, and where early-stage thinking can meaningfully shape the outcome.
Partners & Clients
