Associate Creative Director – Lighting Design

About us:

We are a global real estate developer with a presence in over 150 offices worldwide and a strong, established footprint across the Middle East. We deliver world-class residential and commercial developments, driven by innovation, technical excellence, and a passion for creating inspiring spaces. We are seeking a highly skilled Associate Creative Director, Lighting Design to join our team in Dubai, UAE, and lead the lighting design function across key projects in the region.

Role Summary:

The Associate Creative Director, Lighting Design will lead the full lighting design process across multiple high-profile projects, from concept to completion. The role requires deep technical expertise, strong creative capability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners. The ideal candidate brings a holistic design mindset, exceptional communication skills, and hands-on experience with project delivery and site management.

Key Responsibilities:

Lighting Design Expertise:

• Demonstrates a complete understanding of end-to-end lighting design processes, with a track record of delivering high-quality lighting solutions across all project stages.
• Oversees consultants and support teams to ensure seamless design coordination and project execution.
• Communicates design ideas effectively—both visually and verbally—producing unique, high-quality lighting concepts tailored to client needs.
• Approaches design holistically with a whole-building perspective, rather than a systems-only approach.
• Produces high-quality hand sketches and is proficient in InDesign, Photoshop, Dialux/Relux, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, with working knowledge of Revit and BIM.
• Provides markups and guides the production of deliverables from concept through tender stages, including presentations, luminaire specifications, control schedules, calculations, BOQs, layouts, and detailed drawings.
• Develops visually compelling reports and presentation documents that communicate complex technical details in clear, accessible language.
• Prepares specifications aligned with relevant project technical requirements.
• Conducts site inspections, defect reviews, and ensures implementation aligns with design intent.
• Oversees commissioning, including directing and aiming adjustable fittings and setting lighting levels to meet design criteria.

Project Management:

• Works independently while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders at all project stages.
• Collaborates with architects, interior designers, landscape designers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated solutions.
• Engages with technical and commercial specialists when required, ensuring comprehensive project support.
• Supervises contractor implementation with a hands-on and technically informed approach.
• Coordinates workshops with suppliers to stay updated on emerging technologies and innovative product trends.
• Leverages team strengths effectively and understands when to consult specialist expertise.
• Conducts on-site technical reviews to support inspections and project quality assurance.

Team Collaboration & Leadership:

• Contributes to the overall growth and capability development of the lighting design team.
• Brings strong technical knowledge of industry lighting codes and standards.
• Ensures all health and safety requirements and company policies are consistently applied.
• Attends conferences, exhibitions, and technical workshops, sharing insights and learnings with the team.
• Engages with manufacturers and fabricators to deepen understanding of installation processes and disseminate knowledge across the team.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in Architectural Lighting Design or equivalent is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in lighting design consultancy at a senior or managerial-level role.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, including remotely from core team members when required.