Principal Lighting Designer

WSP USA; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Principal Consultant - Lighting Design to lead complex lighting projects in the Middle East. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, engage with clients, present design directions, and oversee budgets and resources.

The role requires 15+ years of experience, strong visuals, and proven ability to win work. You will contribute to growth, mentor junior staff, and elevate WSP's lighting presence across iconic projects in the region.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in architectural/creative lighting design.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong visual communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Experience in managing client relationships and delivering to tight timelines.
• High level of design sensitivity, creativity, and strategic thinking.
• Experience with conceptual, technical, and detailed lighting design packages.
• Ability to support business growth, develop proposals, and win work.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex lighting design projects end-to-end, ensuring creative and technical excellence.
• Act as a primary client-facing representative: presentations, stakeholder management, and design direction.
• Demonstrate strong commercial understanding, including budget management, financial tracking, and scope control.
• Oversee project resourcing, team allocation, and workflow planning.
• Lead internal initiatives to support studio growth, innovation, and design standards.
• Line-manage and mentor junior team members (1-2 direct reports).
• Collaborate on and develop high-quality proposals, bids, and design submissions.
• Contribute to strengthening WSP's lighting design presence and thought leadership in the Middle East.

Skills

Lighting design

Client engagement

Team leadership

Presentations

Storytelling

Budget management

Job description

Join WSP's growing Creative Lighting Design Studio in the Middle East as a Principal Consultant - Lighting Design. We are seeking a seasoned lighting professional who can elevate the design capability, lead high-profile projects, and contribute to the continued expansion of one of the region’s most innovative lighting studios.

As a key member of the team, you will drive creative excellence, shape client engagement, and bring strong technical and commercial leadership to some of the region’s most iconic projects.

• Lead complex lighting design projects end-to-end, ensuring creative and technical excellence.

• Act as a primary client-facing representative: presentations, stakeholder management, and design direction.

• Demonstrate strong commercial understanding, including budget management, financial tracking, and scope control.

• Oversee project resourcing, team allocation, and workflow planning.

• Lead internal initiatives to support studio growth, innovation, and design standards.

• Line-manage and mentor junior team members (1-2 direct reports).

• Collaborate on and develop high-quality proposals, bids, and design submissions.

• Contribute to strengthening WSP's lighting design presence and thought leadership in the Middle East.

• 15+ years' experience in architectural/creative lighting design.

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams.

• Strong visual communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.

• Experience in managing client relationships and delivering to tight timelines.

• High level of design sensitivity, creativity, and strategic thinking.

• Experience with conceptual, technical, and detailed lighting design packages.

• Ability to support business growth, develop proposals, and win work.

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.