Project Manager / Lead Lighting Designer

IESNYC; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO and holidays

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

David Weiner Design seeks a Project Manager / Lead Lighting Designer for hospitality and luxury residential projects in New York. You will lead design development, drawings, and coordination with architects and MEP teams.

The hybrid role places you as the primary client liaison while tracking milestones, budgets, and on-site coordination from concept through CA. 3–6+ years of experience and proficiency in VectorWorks, Revit, AutoCAD, and Dialux are preferred.

Qualifications

• 3–6+ years of professional experience in architectural lighting design, architecture, or interior design.
• Degree in Architectural Lighting Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or allied field.
• Advanced knowledge of VectorWorks, Revit, AutoCAD, and Dialux.
• Familiarity with energy codes and lighting controls is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design narrative and development across concept to CD and CA phases.
• Produce and review lighting drawings, fixture schedules, and details.
• Coordinate with architects, interior designers, and MEP teams.
• Manage client liaison, milestones, schedules, and on-site coordination.

Skills

VectorWorks

Revit

AutoCAD

Dialux

Adobe Creative Suite

Communication

Organization

Education

Degree in Architectural Lighting Design or related field

Tools

VectorWorks

Revit

AutoCAD

Dialux

Adobe InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Project Manager / Lead Lighting Designer (Hospitality & Luxury Residential)

Location: New York City / Hybrid – Remote / On-Site]

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience Level: 3 – 6+ Years

About Us

David Weiner Design is a boutique architectural lighting design studio specializing in high-end hospitality and bespoke luxury residential estates. We view light as a fundamental storytelling medium—one that choreographs atmosphere, celebrates architectural texture, and shapes intimate, memorable experiences after dark.

Our studio works hand-in-hand with leading architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and culinary/hospitality visionaries.

We are looking for a Project Manager / Lead Lighting Designer to join our team. In this dual-focus role, you will champion projects from early conceptual development through documentation, mock-ups, and final focusing, while serving as the primary day-to-day liaison for clients, architects, and consultant teams.

The Role

As a Lead Designer and Project Manager, you will bridge the gap between creative vision and technical execution. You will manage project milestones and deliverables, and collaborate closely with architects, interior designers, and MEP engineers to seamlessly integrate lighting details into the built environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design narrative and conceptual development along with owner and principal designer, David Weiner, across all phases (Concept, SD, DD, CD, and CA).
• Produce and oversee comprehensive drawing sets, including lighting plans, fixture schedules, luminaire cut sheets, and custom mounting/millwork integration details.
• Drive the specification of luminaires, drivers, optics, and architectural control systems, evaluating photometric performance, glare cut-offs, and color consistency (CRI, TM-30).
• Perform and interpret point-by-point photometric calculations (Dialux) to validate aesthetic intent and ensure compliance with relevant energy codes (ASHRAE / IECC / Title 24).

Project Management & Client Delivery

• Serve as the primary client-facing contact for your assigned project portfolio, attending design coordination meetings, OACs, and site walkthroughs.
• Track project scopes, schedules, deliverable milestones, and internal staffing allocations to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Oversee Construction Administration (CA), including submittal reviews, RFIs, VE substitutions, punch lists, on-site mock-ups, and final fixture aiming/commissioning.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: 3–6+ years of dedicated professional experience in architectural lighting design, architecture, or interior design (prior consultancy experience preferred).
• Education: Degree in Architectural Lighting Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Architectural Engineering, Theatrical Design, or an allied field.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Advanced working knowledge of VectorWorks, Revit and AutoCAD for coordinated drawing production.
• Proficiency in photometric calculation software (Dialux preferred).
• Familiarity with visual presentation tools (Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Technical Knowledge:
• Deep understanding of architectural detailing, millwork/cove integration, power distribution, and dimming protocols (0–10V, DALI, DMX, Phase, Lutron systems).
• Strong working familiarity with current energy codes (IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, local municipal codes).
• Soft Skills: Exceptional organizational, communication, and client-management abilities; comfort presenting concepts to executive clients and collaborating with trade contractors on-site.

Preferred Certifications (Bonus)

• IALD Associate or Professional membership, CLD, or LC certification.
• LEED AP / WELL AP.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience: [$75,000 – $90,000 / year]
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Flexible / hybrid working arrangements