Lighting Design Lead in London

Lighting Design Lead in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Neko Health

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of global lighting design standards for Neko Health's innovative spaces.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company redefining preventative healthcare with cutting-edge technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative team environment focused on creativity and innovation.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of health environments and make a real difference in people's lives.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in architectural lighting design and a degree in a related field.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

MissionNeko is redefining what prevention means, from treating illness when it arrives, to sustaining health before it's ever at risk. Our mission: make data-driven, preventative care accessible to more people, before symptoms appear. In a single, non-invasive visit under an hour, proprietary technology and direct clinical care combine to deliver personalised, actionable insights. It's a team that thinks in 10x, not 10%. Every role here plays a part in building a world where prevention is the norm, and where your work genuinely helps people live longer, healthier lives.

Role Purpose

The Lighting Design Lead will own the development and stewardship of Neko Health’s global lighting design standards — shaping how lighting supports the member experience, clinical function, and architectural identity across every Neko location worldwide. Working within the Architecture Creative Leads team, this role sits at the intersection of lighting design, spatial experience, and product development.

Your primary focus is establishing a scalable, globally consistent lighting strategy that defines how every Neko space feels the moment someone walks in. You will develop lighting standards for the Location Design Playbook, drive lighting innovation for next-generation scanning environments and clinic typologies and provide concept-level creative guidance to regional design teams delivering projects globally. This role reports to the Architecture Creative Studio Lead and partners closely with the Architecture Design Studio Leads for the US and Europe, the Industrial Design Lead, and cross-functional teams in Arts and Graphics, Hardware, Medical Excellence, and Operations.

What You’ll Deliver in the First 6–12 Months

  • A comprehensive global lighting design standard is documented in the Location Design Playbook, covering all key clinic zones (scan rooms, consultation areas, waiting areas, circulation, and back-of-house) ready for regional teams to implement consistently.
  • Concept-level lighting guidance on at least two active regional projects, ensuring alignment with Neko’s design direction and experience principles while respecting local conditions.
  • Become a brand guardian for the lighting strategy, supporting Architecture Design Leads in the review and feedback of consultant documentation.
  • Established strong relationships with key cross-functional partners (i.e. Hardware, Software, Medical Excellence, Operations, and external lighting consultants) so that lighting decisions are informed, collaborative, and technically sound.

Minimum Requirements

  • Degree in Lighting Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in architectural lighting design, with a portfolio demonstrating layered, human-centred lighting across a range of project types.
  • Demonstrated experience developing lighting standards, guidelines, or playbooks for a multi-site, global or scaling organisation.
  • Deep understanding of lighting technology i.e. LED systems, controls and integration with building management systems.
  • Experience collaborating with architects, interior designers, and engineering teams to integrate lighting seamlessly into spatial design.
  • Proficiency in lighting design software (e.g., DIALux, Relux, AGi32) and familiarity with rendering tools for visualizing lighting concepts.
  • Strong understanding of relevant lighting standards and codes (e.g., EN 12464, WELL Building Standard lighting criteria, healthcare-specific requirements).
  • Excellent communication skills — able to articulate lighting intent to both creative and technical audiences, and comfortable presenting to leadership.
  • Comfort operating in a fast-growing, scaling environment where standards are still being built and processes are evolving.
  • Alignment with Neko’s studio culture: enablers not heroes, creative problem solvers, craft-driven.

Preferred

  • Familiarity with lighting for branded retail, hospitality, or experiential environments at scale.
  • Experience in developing interactive lighting solutions.
  • Experience specifying and procuring lighting products for multi-site rollout, including vendor management and cost optimization.
  • Knowledge of sustainability considerations in lighting — energy efficiency, lifecycle costs, and circular design principles.

About titles at Neko

We use a simplified internal title framework that prioritises clarity over hierarchy, so internal titles may differ from market‑facing role titles. Scope, impact and level of the role are fully aligned and will be clearly discussed throughout the process.

Hiring Process

Candidates progress from application and structured screening through thoughtfully designed interviews culminating in a formal offer and final pre-employment checks before joining the team.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement

Neko Health is committed to inclusive hiring and member-first care. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to request reasonable adjustments to support your application.

Lighting Design Lead in London employer: Neko Health

Neko Health is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and employee development, making it a rewarding place to work in London. With a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful healthcare initiatives. Join us to be part of a team that values your input and offers unique opportunities to make a real impact in the community.

Neko Health

Contact Details:

Neko Health Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lighting Design Lead 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 Neko Health 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 Lighting Design Lead in London

Lighting Design
Architectural Lighting Design
Development of Lighting Standards
Human-Centred Lighting
Lighting Technology (LED systems, controls)
Collaboration with Architects and Interior Designers
Proficiency in Lighting Design Software (DIALux, Relux, AGi32)

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 Neko Health!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Neko Health. 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 Neko Health

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 Neko Health.