At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative lighting designs that enhance safety and sustainability in communities.
- Company: Join a global team dedicated to redefining night-time environments.
- Benefits: Be part of a close-knit community with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and contribute to industry best practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how cities and landscapes are illuminated responsibly.
- Qualifications: Experience in lighting design and a passion for environmental sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Lighting Designer / Lighting Specialist to join our growing team of UK and global experts shaping the future of light at night. This role is ideal for someone who combines creative vision with technical excellence and is passionate about designing lighting solutions that balance safety, sustainability, and the natural environment.
About the Role
You will lead the design and delivery of innovative lighting strategies that respect the harmony between light and dark—creating vibrant, safe, and human‑centred environments while protecting wildlife, ecosystems, and the night sky. This is an opportunity to influence major projects, contribute to international best practice, and help redefine how cities, communities, and natural landscapes are illuminated. The WSP lighting team is at the forefront of the global conversation on night‑sky preservation. Our recently published Light at Night article sets out a bold, unified vision to embed responsible, environmentally conscious lighting into every stage of our design work. Joining our team means helping to shape and advance this strategy—driving meaningful change in how communities experience light after dark and how we protect the natural world.
Typical Week
- Technical delivery of environmental strategy reports working with other WSP teams such as environmental, ecology, planning and/or architectural & creative lighting colleagues;
- Developing your own and supporting junior staff expertise development in environmental lighting skill sets;
- Reviewing client requirements, and developing technical bid proposals;
- Assisting the Project Manager in carrying out project bids, reviews and delivering outcome reports;
- Delivering technical lighting reports, strategy reports and environmental impact assessment reports;
- Lighting designs using Lighting Reality, Dialux (or other) design software when needed;
- Undertaking site surveys (aligned with Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) PLG04).
What We Will Be Looking For
- Understanding and technical aspects of obtrusive lighting, dark skies, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and associated professional guidance documents;
- Membership of an appropriate Professional Institution, or working towards professional registration (ILP, CIBSE, SLL, IALD);
- Registration with the Engineering Council (EngTech, IEng or CEng);
- Proficient in the use of AGI32, Dialux (or other) design software;
- Able to demonstrate competency and experience within a lighting design project;
- Able to coach and mentor junior members of the design team;
- Able to work independently, and as part of a team;
- Can prioritise and be flexible.
Benefits
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can. Apply today.
Senior Lighting Designer / Lighting Specialist in Birmingham employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Senior Lighting Designer, you will not only have the opportunity to lead impactful projects but also benefit from continuous professional development and mentorship within a supportive team. Our commitment to sustainability and community engagement ensures that your work contributes to meaningful change, making WSP a truly rewarding place to advance your career in lighting design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lighting Designer / Lighting Specialist in Birmingham
✨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 Wsp In The Uk & Ireland 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 / Lighting Specialist in Birmingham
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 Wsp In The Uk & Ireland!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Wsp In The Uk & Ireland. 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 Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
✨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 Wsp In The Uk & Ireland.
