Senior Lighting Designer

CD+M Lighting Design Group is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Lighting Designer to join their team in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This role requires strong design capabilities, technical knowledge, team leadership, and excellent client relationship skills. The ideal candidate is creative, a compelling storyteller, and embraces AI tools to elevate design quality and studio efficiency.

Established in 1986, CD+M Lighting Design Group is a multinational lighting and controls design firm recognized worldwide for its aesthetically pleasing, maintenance and environmentally conscious, and sophisticated lighting consulting services. With offices in Atlanta, Dubai, and Los Angeles, CD+M boasts a diverse team of designers who have participated in the design and construction of over 500 venues.

Join CD+M to merge cutting-edge lighting expertise with energy-efficient techniques and construction experience to create highly creative, easy-to-maintain, and sustainable designs. Apply now to be part of an award-winning global consultancy.

Company Overview

Established in 1986, CD+M Lighting Design Group is a multinational lighting and controls design firm providing professional services across a full spectrum of architectural lighting design applications. Recognized worldwide for excellence, CD+M offers lighting consulting services that are aesthetically pleasing, maintenance and environmentally conscious, and sophisticated in application and technique.

With offices in Atlanta, Dubai, and Los Angeles, and numerous professional agreements globally, CD+M boasts a diverse team of designers who have contributed to over 500 venues in the past 30 years. Their expertise merges cutting-edge lighting knowledge, energy-efficient techniques, and construction experience to deliver creative, maintainable, and sustainable designs.

Quick Details

• Salary Range: Not Specified
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience: 5 Year+
• Qualifications: bachelors-degree

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to architectural lighting design projects from concept to construction documentation.
• Lead, manage, and motivate design teams, allocating work and setting priorities to meet program and quality standards.
• Develop creative, original lighting concepts that respond to architectural intent.
• Use storytelling to shape compelling design narratives, mood boards, and presentations.
• Actively use and champion AI tools to improve creativity, quality, and efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate sound technical knowledge of lighting principles, luminaire selection, calculations, control systems, and international standards.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary design teams for seamless integration.
• Review design deliverables for technical accuracy and compliance.
• Present lighting design proposals confidently during client meetings.
• Coach and develop team members, building a positive and supportive team environment.
• Take ownership of assigned projects and proactively resolve design challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Lighting Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience in architectural lighting design, preferably within an international design consultancy.
• Proven experience leading and managing design teams, including experienced and senior designers.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative conceptual thinking, design storytelling, project delivery, and high-quality presentations.
• Proven ability to prepare well-structured concept design reports, design narratives, and client presentations.
• Sound understanding of lighting calculations, photometric principles, lighting controls (DALI, DMX, etc.), and international lighting standards.
• Proficiency in lighting design and presentation software (DIALux, AGi32, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Hands-on proficiency with AI tools and enthusiasm for integrating them into design practice.
• Professional membership or certification with recognized lighting organizations (IES, CIBSE/SLL, ILP) is a strong advantage.
• Experience on hospitality, mixed-use, commercial, residential, public realm, or large-scale architectural projects is desirable.

Benefits

• Clear Career Progression: A defined growth path toward leadership roles with regular performance reviews and feedback.
• Leadership & Mentorship Opportunities: Direct collaboration with senior leadership and the chance to lead project teams.
• Diverse, High-Profile Projects: Exposure to hospitality, mixed-use, commercial, residential, and public realm projects across international markets.
• Creative Freedom & Innovation: Space to explore ideas and experiment with emerging lighting technologies and AI tools.
• Collaborative & Respectful Culture: A supportive, inclusive studio built on trust, humility, and open communication.
• Recognition & Reward: Competitive compensation and benefits, with recognition of individual contribution and project success.
• Work-Life Balance & Well-Being: A culture that respects personal time and encourages balance.