Senior 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 Washington, DC  office of SmithGroup is looking for a Senior Lighting Designer to join our team. 

Working with us, you will:

• Establish and guide the vision of lighting design on projects.


• Lead the lighting design efforts through all stages of a project, including leadership with the client, contractors, and internal team.


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


• Lead and perform analysis, design and documentation or large and/or complex building lighting systems including concept, cost model, specification, narratives and presentations.


• Conduct quality control review of projects.


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


• Guide construction site visit as required for observations to draft punch list reports.


• Evaluates project performance and manages projects of all sizes (including negotiating project scope and fees, job production and quality, fee management and collection)


• Act as Principal-in-Charge assuming primary responsibility for client leadership, communication, and satisfaction.


• Oversee multiple teams on projects establishing and managing project performance.


• Evaluate and oversee staffing projections.


• Participate in marketing efforts through proposal development and interview participation. (including proposal writing and fee negotiation)


• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with current, new, and past clients.


• Represent SmithGroup at national events and outside associations


• Actively represent knowledge sharing and display open and timely exchange of significant ideas and information.


• Mentor, train and provide oversight to the work performed by the project team.


• Participate in performance coaching, recruitment, and interviewing process.

An ideal candidate has:

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


• IALD Professional Membership and Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) Certification required.


• 10+ years of lighting design experience with demonstrated leadership and mentorship skills.


• Active involvement in professional organizations and continuing education.


• Strong client, team, and business development abilities.


• High level of creativity and commitment to design excellence.


• Proficiency in lighting design and documentation tools (CAD, 3ds Max, Grasshopper, Revit, Adobe, Microsoft Office).


• Solid understanding of construction documents, project administration, and interdisciplinary coordination.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

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 $129,000 to $152,000 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].