Design in Britain
Tim McNeil
Design
Tim McNeil has spent over 30 years as a practicing designer working for major museums, researching exhibition design history and methods, and teaching the next generation of design thinkers in the Department of Design at UC Davis. He has contributed to the design of three major museum buildings: the Getty Center (1997), the Getty Villa (2006) and the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art (2017). Tim presents at national and international conferences, workshops and educational forums on museum, exhibition and design issues. His award-winning design work is held in the collection of the Getty Research Institute and has been featured and cited in multiple publications and media outlets. He wrote the award-winning Exhibition and Experience Design Handbook and his latest book is called “The Transformative Power of Exhibition and Experience Design.”
A Message to Students and Parents
Join me on a journey through Great Britain for an unparalleled insight into a country famous for their design tradition as well as their design innovation.
We will stay in cities that are packed with historical firsts, great museums, stunning landscapes, impressive architecture and forward-thinking design. Starting in the picturesque northern English city of York where I grew up, a place so steeped in history it is the ultimate museum without walls. Next to the vibrant city of Edinburgh where I was born and where industrious meets innovation. Finally, traveling to the global and trend-setting London where I completed my education at the prestigious St Martins College of Art and Design and worked professionally as a designer. Design is in the bones of each of these destinations and integrated in unique ways into life and culture. I’ve visited many parts of the world and if I had one word of advice it would be to travel. Exposure to new cultures, meeting people and being visually inspired is particularly relevant for those students interested in the creative fields. Through field trips, behind-the-scenes museum visits, lectures and studio projects, this program examines the expanded role of the designer as an inventor and protagonist, a communicator of information and a shaper of place.
I have been practicing design professionally and teaching design for over 30 years, and led a version of this program for 15 years. I bring a wealth of experience to bear on a study abroad adventure that is as rewarding academically as it is fun. I guarantee students will return changed people, and if I’ve done my job right, ready for a lifetime of further international exploration.”