Lighting Design Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

100% Employee-Owned • Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture
This posting is for Summer 2027 Internship opportunities.
IMEG is hiring an Architectural Lighting Intern in Chicago, IL. Over 10-12 weeks, you'll assist in the analysis, design, and implementation oversight of architectural lighting systems for a variety of building types. This paid, mentored internship offers hands-on involvement in real project work alongside experienced architectural lighting designers.
In this role, you'll support design and documentation tasks, help create client presentations, and contribute to project work while collaborating with cross-functional teams and staying mindful of project budgets and client expectations. You'll be part of a team whose work spans hospitality, mixed use, education, and related building environments, with a specialty focus on architectural lighting design and coordination.
At a Glance
Location: Chicago, IL
Discipline: Architectural Lighting
Markets: Hospitality; Mixed Use; Education; MEP
Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP)
Work Schedule: Full-time in office
Program Length: 10-12 week summer program
Sponsorship: Not available
What You'll Do
• Assist with design portions of projects related to discipline systems according to code and IMEG standards
• Research commercially available equipment and support luminaire selections, lighting layouts, illuminance targets, and design documentation
• Help maintain client relations, project design notebooks, and permanent record documentation
• Coordinate design and schedule activities with architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, technology, clerical, and equipment-supplier teams
• Document design decisions, meetings, and client instructions while monitoring project design progress
• Review project documents for accuracy and completeness prior to final check
• Prepare and issue addendum information
• Conduct periodic job site observations and provide other services required by the contract services agreement
• Support project goals and client expectations while working within project monetary budgets
• Create client presentations and document design selections in Revit or less frequently AutoCAD
What You'll Bring
Required
• Completed at least 2 years towards a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Architectural Engineering, or Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design or equivalent required
• Strong interest in architectural lighting design consulting
• Previous exposure to CAD and/or BIM software
• Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups
Preferred
• Prior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferred
About the Team
If you are a visionary designer who balances creative artistry with technical precision, we want you to join our dynamic team in New York City. We operate as a collaborative, national practice composed of studios in NYC, Detroit, Chicago, and Denver. In this role, you will collaborate on high-visibility, award-winning architectural lighting projects from initial concept to successful completion. You will work across a diverse range of vibrant sectors-including corporate workplace, hospitality, gaming, healthcare, multifamily, and sports and recreation. If you are ready to design alongside talented, lighting and multi-disciplinary colleagues and partner with an impressive roster of clients, we want to hear from you.
Why IMEG
We put people at the center of who we are, creating positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet.
• A paid internship with real, hands-on project work, not busywork
• A structured program with an assigned mentor and a cohort of fellow interns
• A clear path to full-time: many interns and co-ops convert to full-time roles at IMEG
• IDEA Program: a firm-wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon-reduction technology
• Real impact from day one: at IMEG, an intern once became our Virtual Reality leader
• Exposure across disciplines and offices at a 100+ office, employee-owned firm
• MEG, our in-house AI platform, helps employees find information and build agents that streamline project workflows and calculations
State of Illinois Salary Range: $22.00/hr-$24.00/hr
The range listed above represents the base pay IMEG reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position in the work location identified above at the time of posting. For positions available in multiple locations, the minimums and maximums may vary based on work location.
Individual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors, including the candidate's experience, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and licensure and certifications.
Other rewards may include annual bonuses and stock ownership options. In addition, IMEG provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). This information is being provided in compliance with local laws. Additional information regarding employee benefits may be found on our company website at www.imegcorp.com.
Bring Your Career to IMEG
Apply today and help create thoughtful lighting environments that support clients, communities, and project success.
IMEG, an employee-owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees' futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.
Want to learn more about IMEG and our other amazing career opportunities? Please visit https://www.imegcorp.com/careers/.
IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran's status, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email careers@imegcorp.com.