Lighting Designer

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future. 

The Los Angeles  office of SmithGroup is looking for a Lighting Designer to join our team. 

Working with us, you will:

• Provide lighting and daylighting services to all SmithGroup offices and external clients nationally and internationally.


• Lead the lighting design for projects, assuring that technical, schedule and budget targets are met in accordance with client expectations and applicable professional standards.


• Coach assigned lighting design staff.


• Meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors and others to address engineering/design issues and to develop effective working relationships.


• Assess current design tools and software to determine efficiency and delivery of design solutions.


• Consult with manufacturers, evaluate materials, and select lighting systems.


• Refine and further develop design concepts given by others.


• Create and develop design concepts for more complex projects.


• Oversee design work of others to ensure an integrated and cohesive design.


• Present design solutions to client representative and/or design review committees.


• Supervise the development of renderings for client presentations.


• Manage one or more projects including job production, quality, and fee management.


• Organize and lead team meetings involving consultants and/or owners.


• Establish and maintain project staffing requirements consistent with contractual obligations.


• Participate in the preparation of proposals after being given the vision and strategy for the marketing effort.


• Assist in business development activities and maintain relationships with past clients.


• Conduct project reviews and goal setting with assigned staff.


• Lead design award submissions.


• Lead and manage recruiting activities at university career fairs including booth representation, interviews, and presentations.

An ideal candidate has:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering with a concentration in Lighting Design or equivalent.


• Minimum of 4+ years of Lighting Design experience.


• A commitment to design excellence with a high degree of creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit.


• Proficiency in current design software (CAD, 3ds Max, Grasshopper, Revit, Adobe, etc.) as well as Microsoft Office.


• Ability to produce and coordinate the lighting and controls portion of construction documents for permitting and bidding on small projects.


• Working knowledge of the design and construction process, project administration and administration procedures.


• Working knowledge of other disciplines’ concepts and the ability to understand and communicate with professionals of other disciplines.


• Good communication and interpersonal skills with team members, consultants, and clients.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $98,000 to $127,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply! 

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].