Principal – Lighting Design Project Lead

WSP in the Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP’s Creative Lighting Design Studio in the Middle East is seeking a Principal Consultant – Lighting Design to elevate design capability, lead flagship projects, and drive studio growth. You will serve as a senior client-facing leader, shaping engagement, budgets, and design direction across high-profile initiatives.

With 15+ years in architectural/creative lighting, you will mentor the team, craft compelling proposals, and contribute to WSP’s regional market leadership in the Middle East.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Leadership

Client management

Presentation

Team mentoring

Design storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Lighting Design

Tools

DIALux

Relux

AGI32

Job description

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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.