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Architectural Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IA Interior Architects

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

IA Interior Architects translates client goals, brand and culture into powerful environments built ... The Lighting Designer, working under the leadership of a more senior Lighting team member or ...

IA Interior Architects

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

IA Interior Architects translates client goals, brand and culture into powerful environments built ... The Lighting Designer, working under the leadership of a more senior Lighting team member or ...

McFarland Johnson

Lighting Designer

Acton, MA · On-site

We're seeking a motivated and creative Architectural Lighting Designer to join our multidisciplinary design team. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an emerging professional to ...

McFarland-Johnson Inc

Lighting Designer

Acton, MA · On-site

We're seeking a motivated and creative Architectural Lighting Designer to join our multidisciplinary design team. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an emerging professional to ...

ISG

Lighting Designer

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$65K - $130K/yr

Partner with architects, interior designers, and engineers to align lighting strategies with overall project goals * Design innovative lighting concepts that elevate aesthetics, enhance functionality ...

AOA

Concept Lighting Designer

Winter Park, FL · On-site

This is not a traditional theatrical or architectural lighting design position. Success in this ... Designers during project development. • Participate in brainstorming sessions and creative ...

ISG

Lighting Designer

Mankato, MN · On-site

Partner with architects, interior designers, and engineers to align lighting strategies with overall project goals * Design innovative lighting concepts that elevate aesthetics, enhance functionality ...

AE Design

Lighting Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$87K - $99K/yr

Collaborate with clients, consultants, architects, and internal design teams to develop conceptual through detailed lighting designs * Perform photometric calculations and analysis to verify design ...

AE Design

Lighting Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$87K - $99K/yr

Collaborate with clients, consultants, architects, and internal design teams to develop conceptual through detailed lighting designs * Perform photometric calculations and analysis to verify design ...

Legence

Lighting Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

... Designer to join our team ... The ideal candidate will have recent architectural lighting design training, or lighting adjacent ...

Liaison Technology Group

Lighting Designer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

This role is ideal for a designer who enjoys collaborating with architects and project teams, refining details, and growing into expanded responsibility and leadership within lighting and control ...

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All JobsArchitectural Lighting Designer Jobs

Architectural Lighting Designer information

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$40.5K

$74.5K

$111K

How much do architectural lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for architectural lighting designer in the United States is $74,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectArchitectural Lighting DesignerLighting Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in architecture, interior design, or lighting design; certifications like LC or LC+ are commonOften holds a degree in lighting design, interior design, or related fields; certifications like LC or LC+ are also common
Work EnvironmentWorks on building exteriors, interiors, and architectural projects within construction or design firmsWorks on various projects including theatrical, event, or commercial lighting, often in entertainment or production settings
Industry UsageUsed primarily in architecture, construction, and design industries for building projectsUsed in entertainment, events, and specialized lighting projects

Architectural Lighting Designers focus on integrating lighting into building architecture, working closely with architects and interior designers. Lighting Designers often work on entertainment, theatrical, or event lighting, with a broader scope outside traditional architecture. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in work environment and project focus.

What are Architectural Lighting Designers?

Architectural Lighting Designers are professionals who specialize in planning and implementing lighting systems for buildings and outdoor environments. They work with architects, interior designers, and engineers to create lighting solutions that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of spaces. Their expertise covers technical knowledge of lighting technology, energy efficiency, and how lighting affects human experience. They ensure that lighting supports the design intent, safety, and sustainability goals of a project.

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 solid background in lighting design principles, architecture, and visual arts, typically supported by a degree in architecture, interior design, or related fields. Proficiency in lighting simulation software (such as DIALux, AGi32, or Revit), AutoCAD, and knowledge of building codes and sustainability standards is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure that lighting solutions are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, meeting clients’ needs and regulatory requirements.

How does an Architectural Lighting Designer typically collaborate with architects and engineers during a project?

Architectural Lighting Designers work closely with architects and engineers from the early conceptual stages through project completion. They attend coordination meetings to understand the building's design intent, discuss technical requirements, and ensure their lighting solutions align with architectural aesthetics and functional needs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Lighting Designers often provide detailed drawings, specifications, and mock-ups, while responding to feedback from the broader design team to refine their proposals. This collaborative process helps create cohesive, energy-efficient, and visually appealing lighting environments.
More about Architectural Lighting Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Architectural Lighting Designer jobs? Cities with the most Architectural Lighting Designer job openings:
What states have the most Architectural Lighting Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Architectural Lighting Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Architectural Lighting Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Architectural Lighting Designer jobs are:
Architectural Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Architectural Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,539 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Lighting Designer

Lighting Designer

IA Interior Architects

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position: Lighting Designer
 
Please include a portfolio or work samples with your application. Experience and skills in Revit are a plus!
 

IA Interior Architects translates client goals, brand and culture into powerful environments built around people, processes, technologies and business drivers.  Our clients in diverse markets worldwide require high-performance, visually compelling and sustainable environments to move their enterprise forward, support their culture, engage their staff, integrate technology and drive efficiencies.  As architects, designers, workplace strategists and environmental specialists in the largest global architecture firm concentrating exclusively on interiors, we help clients articulate and align their business strategies and core values with the dynamic use of space.

Our team members are collaborative, creative, professional, expert and entrepreneurial.  Joining our team requires skill, daring, leadership, teaming, humor and a love of interiors.  We are presently searching for a Lighting Designer for our San Francisco Studio.  The Lighting Designer, working under the leadership of a more senior Lighting team member or Project Manager, designs and develops architectural lighting from schematic through construction documents. May also be involved in design strategy and concept development depending on level of experience. 

Other responsibilities include:

  • Actively participates in and oversees the design, development and production of Lighting Designs
  • Prepares lighting plans, lighting schedules, specifications, sections, elevations and drawing packages
  • Creates innovative, creative and complete design concepts and may present to clients
  • May mentor the work of Junior and Intermediate Lighting Designers

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Lighting Design, Industrial Design; equivalent experience may be substituted
  • 5+ years of experience or equivalent educational experience: architectural lighting design; custom light fixture design, detailing for lighting and 3D design/visualization

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated competency in all phases of architectural lighting
  • Expert knowledge of working drawings and procedures
  • Knowledge of electrical principles as they relate to artificial lighting
  • Intermediate knowledge of lighting control systems, energy codes, and energy-efficient design principles
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively 

  • Intermediate presentation and graphic communication skills

As well as Advanced skills and/or knowledge in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of lighting products
  • Sketching and rendering skills
  • Revit skills, a plus
  • Lighting calc skills (AGI132, Elumtools or similiar)
  • Adobe Create Suite skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills

Please submit a portfolio or work examples with your application

Salary: $70,000 - $90,000 annually, pending licensing, education, and industry experience.

Employment Type: Full Time Regular

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