Tim McNeil joined the University of California in 2005, where he serves as professor of design, director / chief curator of the UC Davis Design Museum, and director of Exhibits Lab.
His book, “The Exhibition and Experience Design Handbook”, was published in 2023.
One person who nominated McNeil said: “Timothy’s book isn’t merely a recounting of exhibition design’s history. It is a deep dive into the nuanced practices, methods, and techniques, housed within a historical framework, offering readers an unrivalled perspective into the evolution and importance of the domain.
“What makes his handbook truly groundbreaking is its seamless blend of exhaustive research, Timothy’s personal experiences, and a plethora of illustrated case studies and examples. This narrative isn’t just informative—it’s inspirational.”
McNeil is a partner in the award-winning multidisciplinary research practice Muniz/McNeil. The firm creates engaging experiences, which are rooted in accessibility and sustainability principles. Projects include the development and design of the exhibition California at Bat: America’s Pastime in the Golden State at the California Museum, visual language and graphic identity for the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, UC Davis, and exhibition development and design for Home Lands: How Women Made the West at Autry National Center, Los Angeles.
Before joining the University of California, McNeil was a senior designer for the J Paul Getty Trust, where he developed more than 70 exhibition, signage, and interpretive environments for the Getty Center, and a designer at BBC News.
He has been honoured for design excellence by the Society for Environmental Graphic Design, the University and College Designers Association, the American Alliance of Museums and the International Museum Design and Communication Association.
Mc Neil is a recognised expert on environmental sustainability in the heritage sector. He is chair of the California Association of Museums Green Museum Initiative and is a founder of the Green Museums Accord. Under his leadership, The UC Davis Design Museum became a founding adopter of the Green Museums initiative. McNeil earned a place in the National Environmental Hall of Fame for his design work on the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Santa Monica Environmental Action Center.