At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting lighting design projects and mentor a creative team.
- Company: Join 18 Degrees, a leading lighting design consultancy in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape beautiful, sustainable spaces and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in lighting design and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
18 Degrees is hiring a senior lighting designer to join its team in London. 18 Degrees is a specialist lighting design consultancy based in London. For more than a decade we have built a strong track record with landlords, occupiers, retail brands and multinational clients, creating commercial spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible. Through our sister venture 18 Circular, we are also leading the case for lighting reuse in the UK, showing that great lighting does not have to mean new lighting.
We are looking for a senior lighting designer to lead projects from first brief through to handover, and to play a central role in developing the designers around you. You will join a small team, reporting to our Associate and working directly with our founder. In our size practice, you will have real responsibility, your ideas will shape how we work and your contribution will make a difference. We would ideally like you to start in January 2027, or as soon as your notice period allows. This is a studio based role, as working alongside and developing our team is central to it. Occasional home working is available by arrangement, and we are happy to discuss working hours at interview.
What you will do:
- Lead workplace, retail, landlord areas and refurbishment projects, managing client relationships, budgets and resourcing.
- Set the design direction on your projects and develop lighting and controls designs.
- Review and approve your team’s drawings, specifications and reports, giving clear feedback that helps them develop.
- Present design ideas to clients and work closely with the wider design team.
- Carry out site visits, snagging and commissioning.
- Contribute to fee proposals, business development and building our network.
- Mentor, inspire and develop the junior members of our team.
What we are looking for:
- A portfolio of completed UK projects you have led, gained at a well established lighting design practice.
- Experience across a range of project types, including complex or high profile schemes.
- Good working knowledge of UK lighting standards, emergency lighting and control systems such as DALI or Casambi.
- Experience delivering BIM projects in Revit.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to manage project budgets.
- Team leadership experience, including guiding and developing less experienced designers.
- Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Dialux (or equivalent) and Adobe Creative Suite.
- The right to work in the UK (we are unable to offer visa sponsorship).
Nice to have:
- BIM management experience.
- An interest in sustainable and circular approaches to lighting.
What we offer:
- Salary: £45,000 to £55,000 depending on experience.
- Genuine scope to grow your responsibilities and develop your role.
- The chance to work on lighting reuse projects with our sister venture 18 Circular.
- Private health insurance, including dental.
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
- CPD support, including paid SLL, IALD or ILP membership.
- A collaborative, supportive team where learning is part of the job.
- Easy transport links to Stratford, and great coffee when you get here.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you need any adjustments to the application or interview process, please let us know. We are not accepting applications through agencies.
Senior lighting designer in London employer: 18 Degrees
At 18 Degrees, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our team members to excel in their craft. As a Senior Lighting Designer, you will not only lead exciting projects but also have the opportunity to mentor emerging talent, all while enjoying the flexibility of occasional home working and adaptable hours. Located in the vibrant city of London, we offer a unique environment where creativity thrives and professional growth is actively supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior lighting designer in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from 18 Degrees who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior lighting designer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at 18 Degrees!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to 18 Degrees. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at 18 Degrees
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at 18 Degrees.
