Set Decorator

The Set Decorator is the head of department for Set Decorating — responsible for dressing every interior + exterior with the furnishings, props, and visual elements that bring the world to life. Works under the Production Designer but runs a substantial team independently.

What the role does

• Translates the Production Designer's vision into dressed sets — furniture, lighting fixtures, fabric, period detail, character belongings
• Sources or commissions set dressing — through suppliers, rental houses, custom builds
• Leads the buying team — Assistant Set Decorator, Production Buyer, Assistant Production Buyer, Petty Cash Buyer, Trainee Buyer
• Manages the Set Decorating budget
• Coordinates with Production Designer on look + with Art Director on set integration

Position

Reports to Production Designer. Supervises the buying team.

Career progression

SI Competency Framework Level 5 — HoD. Path: Trainee Buyer → Petty Cash Buyer → Assistant Production Buyer → Production Buyer → Assistant Set Decorator → Set Decorator.

Working pattern + guild

Freelance, prep + shoot. SGI Art Direction recognition.