At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative lighting solutions for diverse projects and collaborate with top industry professionals.
- Company: Join Hoare Lea, a human-centric engineering consultancy focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical cover, and up to 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options and dedicated mentorship for your professional growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience in exciting, progressive projects.
- Qualifications: 2.1 degree in a creative field; CAD and design tool skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About Us
Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield. We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.
We are as committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. So, in joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You'll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and up to 30 days of annual leave.
Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.
Why Work For Us?
- You’ll collaborate with the industry’s best, working with a wide range of built-environment specialists.
- You’ll be part of progressive and exciting projects, able to experience innovative schemes across all sectors.
- You’ll advance your career, your way, thanks to our structured Career Paths framework.
- In addition, we will provide you with structure support to achieve Chartered Engineering status if you so wish.
The Role
As a graduate designer, your day-to-day tasks will vary, as we’ll expose you to all aspects of our work so you can discover what suits you. You could be:
- Working on live projects from day one.
- In a variety of sectors from healthcare to hotels.
- Producing conceptual information, drawings, and defining lighting and controls specifications.
- Using the latest computer modelling software CAD and Revit.
- Undertaking site surveys and assist activities such as light measurements, testing, snagging, commissioning, etc.
- Researching ground-breaking technologies.
- Continuous CPD and learning opportunities.
Communicating will span all of these, as we regularly liaise with project teams, meet clients or end users, and attend collaborative meetings. You will receive a dedicated mentor and supervisor and you will receive the best training to support you through your development with us.
What We Are Looking For
- An expected or achieved 2.1 degree or equivalent qualification ideally in a creative space e.g. Interior Design, Product Design, Interior Architecture, etc.
- A masters or other relevant post graduate qualification is an advantage.
- Previous placement or work experience in a similar industry is an advantage.
- An understanding of drawing and modelling (3D) tools e.g. CAD, Rhino 3D.
- A good and developing use of creative design tools such as Photoshop, In Design, Illustrator, or similar.
- Ability to work in a team environment and independently.
- Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills.
- A friendly, ambitious and confident individual with a flexible and resilient approach.
Our Benefits
To reward your hard work and commitment we offer both core and flexible benefits, a competitive salary and industry leading training and development to support you throughout your career.
Please note: We do not offer visa sponsorship for this graduate role. Only candidates already authorised to work in the UK - e.g. British/Irish citizens, EU Settled/Pre-Settled, ILR holders - will be considered.
Adjustments and accommodations
If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to ensure you can participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence, or anything else) please let us know. We are committed to enabling a healthy work-life balance for all employees. So, we welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements to suit their particular needs and lifestyle, including part-time, term-time-only, and remote working.
Data privacy
We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates.
2026 Graduate Lighting Designer - Bristol, London, or Oxford - (TS1.46) employer: Hoare Lea
Hoare Lea is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a flexible and hybrid working environment tailored to support a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in the built environment, employees benefit from comprehensive medical cover, stock options, and a collaborative culture that fosters leadership and technical excellence. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering impactful engineering solutions while advancing your career in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate Lighting Designer - Bristol, London, or Oxford - (TS1.46)
✨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 Hoare Lea 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 2026 Graduate Lighting Designer - Bristol, London, or Oxford - (TS1.46)
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 Hoare Lea!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Hoare Lea. 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 Hoare Lea
✨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 Hoare Lea.
