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Architectural Lighting Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$89K - $95K/yr

Organize design activities for specific scopes of an architectural lighting project including complex 3Dcalculations or documentation using light design computational software and production programs ...

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Organize design activities for specific scopes of an architectural lighting project including complex 3Dcalculations or documentation using light design computational software and production programs ...

CAD Drafter

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$70K - $75K/yr

Visual Comfort & Co. is the premier resource for decorative and architectural lighting, ceiling ... The CAD Drafter will support our Lighting & Technology Design team. This role will work closely ...

CAD Drafter

Denver, CO · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Visual Comfort & Co. is the premier resource for decorative and architectural lighting, ceiling ... The CAD Drafter will support our Lighting & Technology Design team. This role will work closely ...

Lighting Designer

El Cajon, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Work with engineering teams, architects, and contractors to ensure design accuracy and constructability * Tools & Software: Utilize AutoCAD, Revit, AGI32, Visual Lighting Design tools, Design Master ...

Lighting Designer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Translate design intent into detailed lighting and lighting control documentation * Select fixtures, controls, and materials that align with architectural vision, performance goals, and budget

Lighting Designer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Translate design intent into detailed lighting and lighting control documentation * Select fixtures, controls, and materials that align with architectural vision, performance goals, and budget

... architects, lighting vendors, and contractors * Support development of pricing estimates, design prints, and material lists following successful sales Lighting Design & Engineering * Create ...

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 2 to 4 years' experience

Showing results 41-60

Architectural Lighting Design information

See salary details

$49K

$72.8K

$94K

How much do architectural lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for architectural lighting design in the United States is $72,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Architectural Lighting Design vs Lighting Designer?

AspectArchitectural Lighting DesignLighting Designer
CredentialsDegree in architecture, interior design, or lighting design; certifications like LC or CLDLighting-specific certifications; often holds LC or CLD
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with architects, interior designers on building projectsFocuses on lighting solutions for various spaces, including theaters, events, or architectural projects
Industry UsageUsed in architectural firms, design studios, construction projectsFound in design firms, entertainment, retail, and architectural projects

Architectural Lighting Design involves integrating lighting into building architecture, working closely with architects and interior designers. Lighting Designers focus on creating lighting solutions for specific spaces or events, often with a broader scope beyond architecture. Both roles require specialized knowledge, but Architectural Lighting Design emphasizes building integration, while Lighting Design centers on space ambiance and functionality.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in architectural lighting design, and how can they be addressed?

Architectural lighting designers often encounter challenges such as balancing aesthetic goals with energy efficiency and budget constraints, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and keeping up with evolving technologies. Successful designers address these challenges by maintaining clear communication with architects, engineers, and clients, staying informed about the latest lighting innovations and codes, and using advanced software for visualization and planning. Proactively managing expectations and collaborating early in the design process can also help ensure that both functional and creative objectives are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an architectural lighting designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Architectural Lighting Designer, you need a deep understanding of lighting principles, architectural concepts, and electrical systems, often supported by a degree in lighting design, architecture, or a related field. Proficiency with lighting simulation software (such as DIALux or AGi32), CAD programs, and knowledge of relevant lighting codes and standards are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and project management skills help designers collaborate effectively with clients, architects, and engineers. These abilities ensure that lighting solutions are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, enhancing architectural projects and meeting client needs.

What is architectural lighting design?

Architectural lighting design is the art and science of using light to enhance the appearance, functionality, and mood of a building or space. It involves selecting and placing lighting fixtures to complement the architecture, highlight features, ensure safety, and create the desired ambiance. Lighting designers work closely with architects, interior designers, and engineers to develop lighting solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient. Their work covers various settings, including residential, commercial, and public spaces.
More about Architectural Lighting Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Architectural Lighting Design jobs? Cities with the most Architectural Lighting Design job openings:
What states have the most Architectural Lighting Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Architectural Lighting Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Architectural Lighting Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Architectural Lighting Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Architectural Lighting Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,767 per year, or $35 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Join a Team Where Engineering Excellence Drives Opportunity

Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI) is a leading, multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm and collaborative community of over 900 employees who plan, design, and deliver high-performance, innovative, and holistic engineering solutions.

Recognized as a top engineering firm nationally, AEI is dedicated to enhancing the built environment through remarkable design and award-winning projects.

Pivotal Lighting Design is the lighting design studio within AEI.  Pivotal provides architectural lighting design services specializing in AEI’s core markets as well as project pursuits in areas such as exterior environments, civic, and corporate among others.  Learn more at https://pivotallightingdesign.com/

We have a great opportunity for you to join Pivotal in a Lighting Designer II role in our Nashville, TN office. 

Why We Need You:

In this role, you will be working with senior lighting designers, supporting the design and documentation process from concepts through construction.  Job tasks will include development of presentation boards, luminaire schedules, and cut sheet catalogs, illumination and LPD calculations in AGi32 or similar software, research of lighting and lighting controls products, documentation of lighting layouts in Revit, construction submittal reviews, and project site visits.

Expertise of our most successful Lighting Designer: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Theatrical Lighting Design, or Architectural Engineering with 3-8 years of experience in the lighting industry.
  • Fundamental knowledge of the design process, light sources and luminaire components, lighting controls, computer-generated lighting calculations, and photometry.
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office products AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite (esp. InDesign and Photoshop), and Bluebeam Revu.
  • Proficiency with AGi32, Lightstanza, or similar lighting calculation and rendering software.
  • Certification by the NCQLP, or a similar credential, or the ability to obtain certification within one year
  • Additional experience with concept realization software is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to express conceptual ideas in a visual format.
  • Familiarity with energy code compliance methodology and documentation tools.

Effective skills to help you flourish:

  • Experience in combining personal judgment with a wide variety of data and information to perform and evaluate system calculations and design options.
  • Solid interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Communicates well with individuals at all levels in the organization and project partners.
  • Ability to anticipate design work, and to delegate and balance work for others.
  • Curiosity to continue the learning process by attending in-house seminars and continuing education opportunities outside the office.
  • Strong spoken and written communications skills.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills.
  • Motivation focused on client outcomes.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Effective working individually and within team environments, both in-person and virtual.
  • Participation in a lighting industry professional organization (e.g. IES, IALD, WILD, etc.)

 

When you work here, you can expect:

  • A flexible, collaborative environment where your well-being matters—because your best work happens when you’re supported.
  • Real opportunities to grow—through mentorship, professional development programs, and exposure to high-impact projects across disciplines.
  • To collaborate with inspiring teammates who challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and pave the way for future leaders.
  • A benefits package that offers health, dental, vision, and retirement, a performance-based year-end bonus, and thoughtful perks tailored to your needs—whether that's a flexible work environment, wellness resources, or community-focused initiatives, we’ll continue to invest in.

If this dynamic environment and the chance to contribute to transformative projects resonate with your ambitions, we would love to connect with you. Join us and make an impact!

Apply online at https://aeieng.com/about/careers/

If you know someone who would thrive in this role, please share this posting with them directly via email or through your LinkedIn network.

AEI is proud to be an EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled.

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