Senior Lighting Designer (Architectural)
Banks Landl Lighting Design, San Francisco, CA, United States
Overview
We are looking for a
Senior Architectural Lighting Designer
who is passionate about creating cutting-edge lighting designs and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The Senior Designer (SD) will play a crucial role in overseeing lighting design projects, leading teams, and ensuring projects are executed seamlessly, on time, and within budget. You will be responsible for taking design solutions from concept to final execution, ensuring they align with the firm’s creative direction, branding, and industry standards.
As an SD, you will be the primary point of contact for clients, managing all aspects of lighting design, project coordination, and client communication. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of designers, junior designers, and interns, overseeing all project phases from initial concept development through construction. The role demands a combination of creative vision, technical expertise, and strong leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Design Direction: Serve as the day-to-day lead designer and project manager, working directly with firm leadership to develop creative design concepts and ensure they align with the project’s goals and overall firm direction.
Complete Project Oversight: Manage and execute all phases of lighting design, from initial concept through to final implementation. Ensure quality control for all project deliverables, including presentations, drawings (sketches, CAD, Revit), specifications, fixture selections, budgets, calculations, mockups, and control diagrams.
Team Leadership & Mentorship: Direct and manage a team of designers, junior designers, and interns. Assess project staffing needs and ensure efficient utilization of team resources to meet project schedules and budgets. Foster a collaborative team environment, providing mentorship and coaching to support staff.
Client Communication & Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining clear, confident communication to ensure their design needs and expectations are met and exceeded. Regularly attend client meetings, occasionally involving travel, and provide presentations to “sell” lighting concepts to clients and design teams.
Construction Management: Oversee the onsite construction process, ensuring lighting designs are properly installed and aligned with the project specifications. Provide field reports, supervise final aiming of lighting fixtures, and manage control programming during installation.
Quality Control & Documentation: Ensure all project documentation meets the firm’s standards for design, quality, and functionality. Implement design and documentation quality control procedures throughout all project phases.
Budget & Fee Management: Develop and manage project budgets, tracking expenditures and ensuring financial efficiency. Participate in the invoicing process, maintaining regular communication with clients regarding project financials.
Business Development & Client Relations: Play a key role in business development by identifying new client opportunities, maintaining and expanding current client relationships, and supporting leadership in generating new business leads. Participate in networking and outreach efforts to foster relationships and create new revenue opportunities.
Proposal & Pitch Writing: When applicable, lead the proposal writing process for new projects, creating written pitches based on scope, schedule, and fee structures. Tailor proposals to client needs, showcasing the firm’s design capabilities and expertise.
Sustainability & LEED Certification: Oversee and coordinate LEED Certification for projects (if applicable), ensuring sustainable design practices and compliance with environmental standards.
Advanced Technical Skills & 3D Modeling: Utilize advanced design software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, AGI 32, and other 3D modeling/rendering software, to develop detailed lighting designs and visualizations. Conduct daylight analysis and ensure compliance with CA Title 24 code (both commercial and residential versions).
Lighting Design Solutions: Provide lighting design solutions that meet client briefs, adhere to budgets, and align with relevant standards. Incorporate sustainable lighting solutions and innovative technologies that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of spaces.
Additional Responsibilities
Actively promote the firm’s brand and develop strategies for pursuing new projects, expanding client relationships, and fostering business growth.
Assist in managing project schedules and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required Qualifications:
5+ years of experience as an Architectural Lighting Designer, with a minimum of at least 2 year(s) in project management.
An accredited professional degree within the design industry (Architecture, Lighting Design, Theater/Entertainment, Interior Design) or work equivalent.
Expertise in AGI32 or other lighting calculation software for accurate design and simulations.
Strong client management skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and lead meetings.
Expert knowledge of CA Title 24 compliance and industry standards.
Experience with advanced lighting control systems and smart lighting technologies.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong English proficiency.
Proven time management skills with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work independently with minimal direction while maintaining high standards of quality.
Preferred Qualifications:
LEED accreditation or similar sustainability certification.
Membership in the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) or other relevant professional organizations.
Experience with 3D rendering software such as 3D Studio Max, Maya, or similar tools for visualizing designs.
Skilled in hand rendering with Procreate or Photoshop to quickly conceptualize design ideas.
Experience with Sketchup modeling for quick spatial analysis and visualization.
Skills & Attributes
Leadership: Highly motivated, inspirational, and able to lead a team of designers to success. Demonstrates excellent decision‑making skills and maintains composure under pressure, ensuring team cohesion even in challenging situations.
Organized & Detail‑Oriented: Strong project management skills, with the ability to keep projects on track, ensuring all deliverables are met on time, and managing multiple tasks without compromising quality.
Creative & Technical Expertise: Balances creativity with technical proficiency in lighting design, ensuring both aesthetic and functional success. Continuously seeks innovative solutions to improve lighting design processes.
Client‑Centric: Passionate about building and maintaining strong client relationships, with a focus on delivering high‑quality, tailored lighting solutions. Skilled at understanding and anticipating client needs, and navigating complex client dynamics to foster trust and satisfaction.
Sustainability Focused: Ability to integrate sustainable and energy‑efficient design practices into every project, with knowledge of relevant industry standards and certifications. Dedicated to advancing environmentally responsible lighting solutions.
Collaboration & Adaptability: Able to work seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving project demands. Values input from others and actively seeks collaboration to elevate the final product.
Problem‑Solving: Demonstrates resourcefulness and resilience when overcoming challenges, always seeking creative and practical solutions in both the design and construction phases of a project.
Professional Growth Opportunities At BLLD, we are committed to fostering the professional growth and development of our team members. As a Senior Architectural Lighting Designer, you will have opportunities to:
Lead Major Projects: Take on larger‑scale projects and expand your leadership role within the firm, further establishing yourself as a thought leader in the industry.
Mentorship & Career Development: Gain valuable mentorship from leadership while also mentoring junior designers, helping them grow in their careers. You’ll have the chance to develop leadership skills that can eventually position you for roles such as an Associate, Design Director or Principal Designer.
Specialization & Innovation: There will be opportunities to specialize in areas of lighting design that excite you, whether it’s sustainable design, advanced lighting technologies, or emerging architectural trends. You’ll have the freedom to drive innovation within your team and the firm at large.
Networking & Recognition: Participate in industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to build your professional network and stay ahead of industry trends. You will have the chance to contribute to the firm’s reputation through publications, awards, and high‑profile client presentations.
Career Path Flexibility: As the firm grows, you’ll have the opportunity to carve your own career path, whether that’s in design leadership, project management, or even business development. We encourage internal growth and promote from within whenever possible.
As a Senior Architectural Lighting Designer, you will be at the forefront of delivering groundbreaking lighting solutions that shape how people experience architectural spaces. Your leadership, expertise, and ability to blend creativity with technical knowledge will make you a key contributor to our firm’s continued success.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Architectural Lighting Designer
who is passionate about creating cutting-edge lighting designs and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The Senior Designer (SD) will play a crucial role in overseeing lighting design projects, leading teams, and ensuring projects are executed seamlessly, on time, and within budget. You will be responsible for taking design solutions from concept to final execution, ensuring they align with the firm’s creative direction, branding, and industry standards.
As an SD, you will be the primary point of contact for clients, managing all aspects of lighting design, project coordination, and client communication. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of designers, junior designers, and interns, overseeing all project phases from initial concept development through construction. The role demands a combination of creative vision, technical expertise, and strong leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Design Direction: Serve as the day-to-day lead designer and project manager, working directly with firm leadership to develop creative design concepts and ensure they align with the project’s goals and overall firm direction.
Complete Project Oversight: Manage and execute all phases of lighting design, from initial concept through to final implementation. Ensure quality control for all project deliverables, including presentations, drawings (sketches, CAD, Revit), specifications, fixture selections, budgets, calculations, mockups, and control diagrams.
Team Leadership & Mentorship: Direct and manage a team of designers, junior designers, and interns. Assess project staffing needs and ensure efficient utilization of team resources to meet project schedules and budgets. Foster a collaborative team environment, providing mentorship and coaching to support staff.
Client Communication & Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining clear, confident communication to ensure their design needs and expectations are met and exceeded. Regularly attend client meetings, occasionally involving travel, and provide presentations to “sell” lighting concepts to clients and design teams.
Construction Management: Oversee the onsite construction process, ensuring lighting designs are properly installed and aligned with the project specifications. Provide field reports, supervise final aiming of lighting fixtures, and manage control programming during installation.
Quality Control & Documentation: Ensure all project documentation meets the firm’s standards for design, quality, and functionality. Implement design and documentation quality control procedures throughout all project phases.
Budget & Fee Management: Develop and manage project budgets, tracking expenditures and ensuring financial efficiency. Participate in the invoicing process, maintaining regular communication with clients regarding project financials.
Business Development & Client Relations: Play a key role in business development by identifying new client opportunities, maintaining and expanding current client relationships, and supporting leadership in generating new business leads. Participate in networking and outreach efforts to foster relationships and create new revenue opportunities.
Proposal & Pitch Writing: When applicable, lead the proposal writing process for new projects, creating written pitches based on scope, schedule, and fee structures. Tailor proposals to client needs, showcasing the firm’s design capabilities and expertise.
Sustainability & LEED Certification: Oversee and coordinate LEED Certification for projects (if applicable), ensuring sustainable design practices and compliance with environmental standards.
Advanced Technical Skills & 3D Modeling: Utilize advanced design software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, AGI 32, and other 3D modeling/rendering software, to develop detailed lighting designs and visualizations. Conduct daylight analysis and ensure compliance with CA Title 24 code (both commercial and residential versions).
Lighting Design Solutions: Provide lighting design solutions that meet client briefs, adhere to budgets, and align with relevant standards. Incorporate sustainable lighting solutions and innovative technologies that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of spaces.
Additional Responsibilities
Actively promote the firm’s brand and develop strategies for pursuing new projects, expanding client relationships, and fostering business growth.
Assist in managing project schedules and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Qualifications & Requirements
Required Qualifications:
5+ years of experience as an Architectural Lighting Designer, with a minimum of at least 2 year(s) in project management.
An accredited professional degree within the design industry (Architecture, Lighting Design, Theater/Entertainment, Interior Design) or work equivalent.
Expertise in AGI32 or other lighting calculation software for accurate design and simulations.
Strong client management skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and lead meetings.
Expert knowledge of CA Title 24 compliance and industry standards.
Experience with advanced lighting control systems and smart lighting technologies.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with strong English proficiency.
Proven time management skills with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work independently with minimal direction while maintaining high standards of quality.
Preferred Qualifications:
LEED accreditation or similar sustainability certification.
Membership in the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) or other relevant professional organizations.
Experience with 3D rendering software such as 3D Studio Max, Maya, or similar tools for visualizing designs.
Skilled in hand rendering with Procreate or Photoshop to quickly conceptualize design ideas.
Experience with Sketchup modeling for quick spatial analysis and visualization.
Skills & Attributes
Leadership: Highly motivated, inspirational, and able to lead a team of designers to success. Demonstrates excellent decision‑making skills and maintains composure under pressure, ensuring team cohesion even in challenging situations.
Organized & Detail‑Oriented: Strong project management skills, with the ability to keep projects on track, ensuring all deliverables are met on time, and managing multiple tasks without compromising quality.
Creative & Technical Expertise: Balances creativity with technical proficiency in lighting design, ensuring both aesthetic and functional success. Continuously seeks innovative solutions to improve lighting design processes.
Client‑Centric: Passionate about building and maintaining strong client relationships, with a focus on delivering high‑quality, tailored lighting solutions. Skilled at understanding and anticipating client needs, and navigating complex client dynamics to foster trust and satisfaction.
Sustainability Focused: Ability to integrate sustainable and energy‑efficient design practices into every project, with knowledge of relevant industry standards and certifications. Dedicated to advancing environmentally responsible lighting solutions.
Collaboration & Adaptability: Able to work seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams and adapt to evolving project demands. Values input from others and actively seeks collaboration to elevate the final product.
Problem‑Solving: Demonstrates resourcefulness and resilience when overcoming challenges, always seeking creative and practical solutions in both the design and construction phases of a project.
Professional Growth Opportunities At BLLD, we are committed to fostering the professional growth and development of our team members. As a Senior Architectural Lighting Designer, you will have opportunities to:
Lead Major Projects: Take on larger‑scale projects and expand your leadership role within the firm, further establishing yourself as a thought leader in the industry.
Mentorship & Career Development: Gain valuable mentorship from leadership while also mentoring junior designers, helping them grow in their careers. You’ll have the chance to develop leadership skills that can eventually position you for roles such as an Associate, Design Director or Principal Designer.
Specialization & Innovation: There will be opportunities to specialize in areas of lighting design that excite you, whether it’s sustainable design, advanced lighting technologies, or emerging architectural trends. You’ll have the freedom to drive innovation within your team and the firm at large.
Networking & Recognition: Participate in industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to build your professional network and stay ahead of industry trends. You will have the chance to contribute to the firm’s reputation through publications, awards, and high‑profile client presentations.
Career Path Flexibility: As the firm grows, you’ll have the opportunity to carve your own career path, whether that’s in design leadership, project management, or even business development. We encourage internal growth and promote from within whenever possible.
As a Senior Architectural Lighting Designer, you will be at the forefront of delivering groundbreaking lighting solutions that shape how people experience architectural spaces. Your leadership, expertise, and ability to blend creativity with technical knowledge will make you a key contributor to our firm’s continued success.
#J-18808-Ljbffr