Lighting Design Lead

We are a world-class global practice of engineers, designers and advisers. We create transformative outcomes for clients and communities through integrated thinking and a truly interdisciplinary, interconnected community of passionate experts. We pride ourselves on a culture that values creativity, inclusivity, and continuous learning.

As our Lighting Design Lead at Buro Happold, you will assume a pivotal role in crafting the visual environment of our projects. Beyond technical proficiency, we prioritize a keen emphasis on conceptual brilliance. We are actively seeking an individual with the ability to win work, provide leadership, inspire and guide our team, foster collaboration, and contribute significantly to the overall success of our lighting design projects through innovative and visionary thinking. Moreover, we are looking for a candidate who will passionately advocate for our lighting team, both internally and externally. This includes cultivating the growth of our U.S. based lighting team, winning new projects, leading clients toward ground-breaking outcomes, providing design leadership throughout projects, and establishing industry thought leadership across diverse cultural, higher-education, and commercial initiatives.

You will work on inspiring and challenging projects in collaboration with many of the world’s leading architects and clients. Some of these projects have been awarded the Lumen Awards and many more were nominees. Examples:

• Grace Farms
• Dubai Expo 2020
• Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
  
  
  

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.

From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Attraction and Management:

• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships, understanding their unique needs and delivering lighting solutions that exceed expectations
• Act as a key liaison between clients and our lighting design team, ensuring effective communication and alignment with project goals
  
  
  

Team Leadership and Support:

• Provide mentorship, inspiration, and guidance to junior team members, fostering their professional growth and development
• Create a collaborative and inclusive team culture where everyone's voice is valued and contributions are recognized
• Uphold a non-hierarchical approach, recognizing that each team member plays an equally important role in our collective success
  
  
  

Knowledge Sharing and Expertise:

• Enjoy sharing your knowledge and expertise with the team, contributing to a culture of continuous learning
• Act as a resource for the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices, keeping the team informed and inspired.
  
  
  

Adaptability and Open-Mindedness:

• Hold natural curiosity towards design and innovation
• Embrace new methods and technologies, demonstrating a willingness to explore innovative approaches to lighting design
• Foster a dynamic and adaptable team environment, encouraging openness to change and evolution
  
  
  

Collaborative Approach:

• Work collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams within Buro Happold, recognizing the interconnectedness of various design elements
• Champion a collaborative ethos within the lighting team, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to creative and effective solutions
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• 12+ years of relevant professional experience: Demonstrated expertise in the lighting design industry or equivalent, showcasing a proven track record of delivering world-class, creative, and technically sound designs across diverse sectors, encompassing both artificial lighting and daylight design
• Educational background: A degree in Lighting or a related field such as architecture, design, or engineering
• Passion for lighting and creative design: A deep-seated enthusiasm for lighting design and a substantial background in project management within the lighting design profession
• Creativity and technical proficiency: Must possess a creative mindset coupled with expert technical knowledge of lighting and luminaires
• Client relationships: Established track record of maintaining and fostering client relationships
• Project delivery experience: Proven experience in successfully delivering projects from concept to completion, considering both design and financial aspects
• Commitment to personal development: Demonstrated commitment to personal growth and a strong dedication to enhancing the teaching and development of the entire team
  
  
  

What we offer:

• Salary range of $140,000 to $195,000. This will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience
• Generous benefits package
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous PTO (4-5 weeks depending on position) in addition to 10 paid holidays
• 401k with company match
• Hybrid working & summer hours
• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
• Global network of experts
• Learning and development opportunities
• Be a part of our, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, BH Women's Network, and/or our Black at BH ERG
  
  
  

Ready for something a little less ordinary?

Apply now to start your career journey with us.



A place for everyone

Buro Happold values individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of the way you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.

We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing difference allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.