“...Responsible for the worlds that characters on the stage and screen inhabit: from the rooms, buildings, and outdoor spaces they move through to the pieces of furniture that fill them, and even aspects of presentation like the set’s angle.” -- Berklee
Set Designers must possess a keen eye for visual design and style. When starting their work, they must first begin with a deep dive into the script, where they analyze not just the physical settings described, but also the emotional undertones and themes woven throughout that require particular visual emphasis and set the stage for their design approach. Afterward, they will talk heavily with the core design team (director, props manager, and lighting designer). These are very vital meetings that allow the set designer to align their vision with the director's artistic goals.
The next main step is to design and create a space that portrays the setting and mood which the actors can efficiently utilize. They must also remember to think about the layout for large ensemble scenes and dance numbers. When in the designing phase, set designers may make many versions of their design through sketches, digital renderings, or even scale models. They will consider lots of different factors including color palettes, textures, and architectural styles.
Once they are done designing, they now get the chance to create a small model (maquette) of the set. This is incredibly useful for the director to start blocking for the show. The lighting designer will also use this model to find where the shadow spots are and design their lighting plot.
After all of this, the set designer will remain involved in the building process, often making on-site adjustments to accommodate unforeseen challenges.