A set designer coordinates with other design artists to develop drawings and models of sets before a play or movie is produced. This includes prop people, who supply the props and build the set, and artists, who help render the initial designs. After the drawings and scale models are done, the set designer presents them to the director for suggestions and final approval.
The set designer is in charge of gathering all the props necessary for a production. This can involve working with special effects artists or even scouring local stores to find items that help bring a set to life. Special effects artists work to meet specifications set by the set designer and director and help the set designer coordinate the stage design when necessary. Many set designers purchase odds and ends for their personal collection and reuse them for subsequent movies or plays.
A set designer reads the script for a production to understand what props will be needed and where they should be positioned. Typically, after reading a script, the set designer will get a director's input to ensure that the director's vision is brought to life.
The set designer is also responsible for coming up with a budget for the set design after communicating with the director. The set designer oversees the construction of sets and the placement of props. When the sets have been designed, the set designer inspects everything to make sure props won't get in the way of the production.