Convergence Design is a museum development, interpretive planning, and exhibition design consultancy based in Melbourne. Our projects are founded on an abiding respect for the significance of cultural heritage and artefacts.

Professional Affiliations / Qualifications

Convergence is led by Jenni Klempfner and Russell Magee.  Jenni and Russell lead a talented pool of staff and collaborators whose expertise covers the spectrum of museological services. Together we offer a breadth of experience in all aspects of museum development, interpretive planning and exhibition design, gained through working on the development of some of Australia’s most significant museums and galleries.

The director’s Professional Affiliations and Qualifications are as follows:

Jenni Klempfner BTRP (Hons),BArch (Hons), Member AMAGA, ICOM

Jenni has worked in the cultural, museum and interpretive sphere since 1996. Over this time she has gained significant insights into the complexities of museological representation and planning and design of museum and gallery facilities, heritage places and exhibitions. Jenni’s early career in architecture and planning saw her gain significant experience in architectural design, master planning and heritage projects, working for both Heritage Victoria and in architectural and town planning firms specialising in heritage issues. She has specialist capacity in project management (on which she has lectured at Melbourne University).

From 1996-2000 Jenni was a key member of the Museum Victoria Division of Collection Services and Major Projects where she was responsible for client liaison, briefing, development and management of the Melbourne Immigration Museum and Hellenic Antiquities Museum, the briefing, procurement and fitout of the Melbourne Planetarium and the initial restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Buildings.

From 2002-2004 Jenni lectured in Exhibition Design at Swinburne University of Technology prior to rejoining the staff of Museum Victoria in the position of Exhibition Producer. She was the project leader and manager for the development and refurbishment of the Melbourne Gallery at Melbourne Museum, Nitty Gritty Super City at Scienceworks (both completed in 2008) and the coordination of the Design 2000 exhibition. From 2008-2010 Jenni had overall responsibility for delivery of the Museo Italiano a new museum for the Italian community of Melbourne. Since joining Convergence in 2011 Jenni has combined her long term interest in film and other digital technologies to foster new ways of engaging visitors through the integration of digital media with traditional interpretation. In 2018 Jenni became Convergence’s managing director and leads all interpretation projects.

Russell Magee OAM, Dip ART (RMIT)

Russell has over thirty years’ experience in exhibition design and development and is expert at understanding detailed briefs involving all aspects of interpretation – exhibition planning, materials conservation, built form, infrastructure, interactives, multimedia and graphics.

Russell’s experience includes his role as Senior Designer at the National Gallery of Victoria and Deputy Director Public Programs NGV. Subsequently Russell worked for the Museum of Victoria where he was responsible for much of the design for the Museum’s redevelopment projects notably as senior designer in charge of developing Scienceworks. He was a senior member of the Project Development Team for the Melbourne Museum Project. As the Manager of Exhibition Development – Design he was responsible for overseeing the architectural and services briefing and exhibition design of all major exhibition spaces in the $125m Melbourne Museum development.  He established Convergence Design in 1997.

Russell was honoured in the 2013 Museums Association Of Australia (Vic) Award for Excellence for his contribution to the profession. His service to the museums and galleries sector was further recognised in the 2020 Australia Day Honours when he received a medal of the Order of Australia.