Tim McNeil

Tim McNeil is a Professor of Design at the University of California Davis and Director of the UC Davis Design Museum. He holds an M.F.A. in Exhibition Design from the University of the Arts, London, and a B.A. in Graphic Design from Middlesex University, London. McNeil specializes in exhibition design, environmental sustainability, and museum practices, emphasizing the intersection of design with curatorial processes and audience engagement. His research includes pioneering work on green exhibition design, notably the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Santa Monica Environmental Action Center (2003), recognized as the first 'green' exhibition in a LEED platinum building. He chairs the California Association of Museums’ Green Museum Initiative and co-founded the Green Museums Accord. McNeil teaches courses such as Exhibition Design, Environmental Graphic Design, and Narrative Environments, and has advised projects like the Huntington Library’s augmented learning environments. His 2023 book, The Exhibition and Experience Design Handbook, explores design principles for creating immersive experiences. Awards include the SEGD Global Design Award (2024) and National Environmental Hall of Fame induction.

Education:

• M.F.A. Exhibition Design, University of the Arts, London
• B.A. Graphic Design, Middlesex University, London

Research Focus: Sustainability in museums, participatory design, and the role of exhibitions in environmental advocacy. Recent projects include the 'Village Homes: A Radical Plan' exhibition (2026) and the 'Deborah Butterfield: P.S. These are not horses' exhibition at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum.

Awards & Recognition:

• SEGD Merit Award (2024)
• National Environmental Hall of Fame (2023)
• Top 50 Museum Influencer (2023)
• Inductee, Green Museums Accord Founder

Teaching & Projects: Courses include DES185 (Exhibition Design), DES186 (Environmental Graphic Design), and DES187 (Narrative Environments). Student-led projects include bike scavenger hunts and Davis City Hall signage concepts.