Lighting Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lighting Design Consultant

Company: NV5

Location: Houston, Texas, United States

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Lighting Design & Consulting

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for supporting the planning and design of high-performance lighting solutions across diverse facility types, including performance, education, civic, hospitality, and entertainment venues.

• The position demands a collaborative, technically curious, and client-focused approach to delivering best-in-class lighting designs through advanced analysis and clear communication.

• Key responsibilities include preparing comprehensive reports and specifications, developing detailed drawings, validating designs with illuminance modeling software, and conducting on-site measurements and inspections.

• Success in this role hinges on meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to consistently produce accurate, high-quality work within a dynamic consulting environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description mentions 'OTHER' for employment type, given the context of a consulting firm and the responsibilities, this role is best categorized under Lighting Design & Consulting, with a strong emphasis on the technical and project management aspects common in engineering and technology consulting. The "work-from-home position" explicitly stated confirms the remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to project design teams, applying a creative, collaborative, and evidence-based methodology to all lighting design initiatives.

• Engage in client interviews to gather requirements and draft comprehensive Lighting Basis of Design documents that align with project goals and user needs.

• Develop high-quality, detailed deliverables including lighting design reports, technical drawings, construction details, accurate illuminance models, cost analyses, and comprehensive specification documents.

• Utilize advanced computer modeling software to analyze and optimize lighting solutions, ensuring performance, energy efficiency, and aesthetic objectives are met.

• Conduct thorough reviews and provide timely approval for submittals and shop drawings to ensure compliance with design intent and project specifications.

• Perform on-site lighting measurements and controls testing to validate system performance and identify any discrepancies or areas for improvement.

• Conduct on-site inspections to meticulously review the implementation of the project’s Lighting Design solutions, ensuring adherence to the approved plans.

• Support business development efforts by coordinating with firm Principals and marketing staff, which may include participating in sales meetings, short-list interviews, and proposal development.

• Attend crucial project meetings, site visits, virtual conferences, and perform on-site observations and testing as required to ensure project success.

• Ensure all project work is completed punctually, within budget constraints, and consistently adheres to NV5’s stringent quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description lists "Perform additional duties as assigned," which is standard. I've focused the primary responsibilities on the core technical and client-facing aspects of a Lighting Design Consultant role within a firm like NV5, emphasizing the end-to-end project lifecycle involvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive consulting experience specifically in lighting design is required.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in a broad spectrum of lighting design disciplines, encompassing interior architectural lighting, stage lighting, lighting for video production, and exterior/site lighting design.

• Exceptional attention to detail, critical for ensuring accuracy in complex design documents and calculations.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, essential for effective client interaction, team collaboration, and technical report writing.

• Demonstrated professional values including integrity, responsibility, and accountability, aligning with NV5's core principles.

• Proven ability to work effectively both independently as a sole contributor and collaboratively within a team environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for daily operational tasks and client communications.

• Experience with essential lighting design software, including AGi32 for illuminance modeling, AutoCAD for drafting, and BlueBeam for document management.

• Familiarity with Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Lighting Library Reference Standards for design best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Lighting Certification (LC) from the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP).

• Certified Lighting Controls Professional (CLCP) certification.

• Experience with ElumTools for advanced illuminance modeling and analysis.

• Experience with Revit / Building Information Modeling (BIM) for integrated project design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description lists "A healthy appetite for technical exploration and professional development" as a qualification. I've reframed this into a more actionable requirement for "Demonstrated values of integrity, responsibility, and accountability" and emphasized the required software proficiencies as these are critical for a consultant role. The distinction between required and preferred certifications and software is made clear based on industry standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse lighting design projects demonstrating a range of applications (e.g., commercial interiors, public spaces, entertainment venues).

• For each project, clearly articulate the design challenges, proposed solutions, and the specific role played in developing the lighting design.

• Provide visual evidence of your design work, including concept sketches, renderings, photometric layouts, and final installation photos where available.

• Quantify the impact of your lighting designs where possible, referencing energy savings, functional improvements, or aesthetic enhancements.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing a comprehensive Lighting Basis of Design report, outlining the project's lighting philosophy, goals, and technical requirements.

• Provide samples of detailed lighting design drawings and construction details that illustrate your ability to translate concepts into executable plans.

• Include examples of illuminance modeling reports generated using software like AGi32 or ElumTools, highlighting your analytical capabilities and design validation methods.

• Showcase experience with reviewing and approving submittals and shop drawings, ensuring compliance with project specifications and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred based on the responsibilities and qualifications for a consultant role. A portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills in lighting design, software proficiency, and project execution. The requirements focus on showcasing the application of technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities within real-world projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance plans to support employee health and well-being.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, personal time, and sick leave, promoting work-life balance.

• A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company matching contributions.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week. Flexibility is offered for remote work, with the expectation of meeting project deadlines and client needs, which may occasionally require working outside of standard hours for on-site testing or project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw description does not provide salary information. The estimated salary range is derived from research on similar roles in the Houston, TX area, considering the specified experience level (6+ years) and the specialized nature of lighting design consulting. The benefits listed are directly from the "ai_benefits" field in the provided JSON.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: NV5 operates within the broad sectors of Compliance, Technology, and Engineering Consulting, with its Technology and Acoustics group specializing in integrated design services for the built environment. This includes audiovisual systems, IT, security, lighting, healthcare technologies, and acoustics, indicating a multidisciplinary and technically driven environment.

Company Size: NV5 is a significant player in its field, suggesting a well-established structure with opportunities for both individual contribution and large-scale project involvement. The size implies robust internal processes, a comprehensive benefits package, and a wider network of resources and expertise.

Founded: Founded in 2006, NV5 is a relatively young yet rapidly growing company, indicating a dynamic and forward-thinking culture. This timeframe suggests an environment that values innovation, adaptability, and career progression for its employees.

Team Structure:

• The Lighting Design practice is described as a "close-knit team of highly qualified lighting designers," suggesting a collaborative and supportive internal unit.

• This team is part of the larger Technology and Acoustics group, implying opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration with specialists in IT, security, and acoustics.

Methodology:

• The team emphasizes a "creative, collaborative, evidence-based approach to lighting design," highlighting the integration of artistic vision with technical data and analysis.

• Advanced analysis tools, including illuminance modeling software, are central to their design validation process, pointing towards a data-driven methodology.

• Clear, responsive client communication is a cornerstone, underscoring the importance of stakeholder management and transparent project progress.

Company Website: www.nv5.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and team structure are inferred from the "Overview" and "Responsibilities" sections of the job description, focusing on keywords like "innovative," "high-performance designs," "specialized planning and design services," "collaborative," and "technically curious." The founding date provides context for the company's growth trajectory.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Lighting Design Consultant role is positioned at an experienced professional level, likely equivalent to a Senior Designer or early-stage Project Manager within a specialized consulting practice. It requires independent execution of complex tasks, client interaction, and a contribution to business development, indicating a step beyond entry-level or junior roles.

Reporting Structure: The role involves reporting to and collaborating with firm Principals, suggesting a direct line of communication with leadership. This close interaction provides visibility and opportunities to influence project direction and business strategy. The candidate will also work closely with other members of the lighting design team and potentially cross-functional teams within the Technology and Acoustics group.

Operations Impact: The Lighting Design Consultant directly impacts project success by delivering high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions that meet client objectives and performance standards. Their work influences the user experience, energy efficiency, and overall success of architectural projects, contributing significantly to NV5's reputation and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization and Leadership: Advance into a Lead Lighting Designer or Project Manager role, taking greater ownership of projects, client relationships, and team mentorship.

• Technical Mastery: Deepen expertise in specific lighting design niches (e.g., entertainment, healthcare) or advanced simulation techniques, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Business Development: Grow skills in client acquisition, proposal writing, and sales presentations, potentially leading to a business development-focused role or partnership track.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Expand knowledge into related fields within the Technology and Acoustics group, offering integrated design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis is based on the stated experience level (6+ years), responsibilities (client interviews, project contribution, business development support), and company context. The growth opportunities are projected based on typical career paths in professional consulting services.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is designated as a "work-from-home position," offering full remote flexibility. Candidates are encouraged to apply from major cities, suggesting a distributed team model rather than a centralized office requirement.

Office Location(s): While the primary listed location is Houston, Texas, the remote nature of the role means that candidates are welcome from various major cities across the United States, allowing for a geographically diverse talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The remote setup necessitates a self-disciplined approach to managing workflow and maintaining productivity.

• Access to necessary design software and communication tools will be critical for seamless integration with the team and project deliverables.

• Opportunities for virtual collaboration through video conferencing and shared digital platforms will be key for team interaction and project discussions.

• While remote, the role involves occasional on-site visits for project inspections and testing, requiring flexibility in travel.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. However, the consulting environment and remote nature imply a degree of flexibility is required to meet project deadlines, client availability, and occasional off-hours testing needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" section is heavily informed by the explicit mention of "work-from-home position" and the implication of a distributed team model. The context of a consulting firm also suggests a professional, deadline-driven environment that balances flexibility with accountability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience, skills, and project types.

• Technical Interview: A discussion focused on your lighting design philosophy, technical expertise, software proficiency (AGi32, AutoCAD, BlueBeam), and experience with lighting codes. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design process, technical decisions, challenges overcome, and the impact of your work.

• Cultural Fit & Business Development Discussion: An interview to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, integrity, and understanding of client needs. You may also be asked about your experience or interest in business development activities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Principal or senior leadership, to confirm suitability and discuss overall role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your expertise across different lighting design disciplines (architectural, stage, exterior) and software proficiencies.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the client's brief, the design challenges, your specific contributions and process, the technical solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or benefits achieved.

• Highlight Technical Rigor: Showcase your use of illuminance modeling (AGi32), detailed drawings, and specification documents. Explain your rationale behind design choices and how you ensured compliance with codes and standards.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If possible, include examples or discuss how you collaborated with architects, engineers, and clients to achieve successful project outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, provide data on energy savings, improved functionality, or aesthetic enhancements resulting from your lighting designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you approach a new lighting design project from concept to completion.

• Prepare examples of how you have used lighting design software to solve complex problems or optimize designs.

• Anticipate questions about your understanding of current lighting trends, energy codes, and sustainable design practices.

• Think about how you would handle client feedback or design revisions, particularly when they conflict with your initial recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred based on standard practices for consulting roles in design and engineering. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical application of skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to articulate design decisions and project outcomes effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AGi32: Essential for performing illuminance modeling, daylight analysis, and rendering simulations to predict lighting performance and validate designs. Proficiency is expected.

• AutoCAD: The industry standard for creating detailed 2D construction drawings, plans, and details. Familiarity is required for documentation.

• BlueBeam: A critical tool for PDF markup, collaboration, and document management, frequently used in the AEC industry for reviewing drawings and submittals.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook): Fundamental for report writing, data analysis, client communication, and general office productivity.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analytics role, the ability to interpret and present data from illuminance modeling software (AGi32) is key.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems may be beneficial for business development activities, though not explicitly required for the core design function.

Desirable Tools:

• Revit / BIM: Experience with Building Information Modeling software is desirable, as it integrates lighting design into a broader 3D project model, facilitating better coordination and clash detection.

• ElumTools: An alternative or complementary illuminance modeling software that integrates with Revit, offering advanced simulation capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly pulls from the "Qualifications" section of the raw job description, listing the specified software and tools. The "Desirable Tools" are also explicitly mentioned. The categorization into Primary and Desirable reflects their stated importance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity, Responsibility, and Accountability: These are explicitly listed as demonstrated values, forming the bedrock of how work is conducted and client relationships are managed.

• Technical Curiosity & Exploration: The role requires a "healthy appetite for technical exploration and professional development," indicating a culture that encourages continuous learning and innovation in lighting design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The description emphasizes contributing to a "creative, collaborative" team and working "equally well as an individual contributor or team member."

• Client Focus & Quality Delivery: A commitment to "delivering best-in-class solutions," ensuring work is "on-time, on-budget, and consistently within NV5’s high standards of quality," and satisfying "needs of end users."

• Efficiency & Professionalism: Maintaining a "professional and positive attitude in a fast paced and occasionally high-pressure environment" points to a culture that values resilience and effective performance under pressure.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design: Collaboration is key with architectural team members, clients, and potentially other specialists within the Technology and Acoustics group.

• Evidence-Based Approach: Design decisions are grounded in technical analysis and data, suggesting a collaborative process that values objective insights.

• Responsive Communication: The team focuses on "clear, responsive client communication," highlighting an open and proactive approach to stakeholder engagement.

• Shared Professionalism: The expectation to work well both independently and as part of a team fosters a culture of mutual support and shared responsibility for project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crafted by extracting and synthesizing the cultural and value-based statements found throughout the job description, particularly in the "Overview" and "Qualifications" sections. The focus is on how these values translate into actionable behaviors within a consulting team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating artistic lighting concepts into practical, code-compliant, and budget-conscious designs requires continuous problem-solving.

• Managing Multiple Concurrent Projects: Juggling the demands of various projects, each with unique timelines, client expectations, and technical requirements, demands strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Staying Current with Technology and Codes: The rapid evolution of lighting technology, controls, and energy codes requires ongoing learning and adaptation to maintain expertise.

• Client Communication and Expectation Management: Navigating diverse client needs and preferences, and ensuring clear communication throughout the design process, can present interpersonal challenges.

• Remote Work Productivity: Maintaining high levels of focus, collaboration, and productivity while working remotely requires significant self-discipline and effective use of communication tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Simulation Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in complex illuminance modeling and analysis using tools like AGi32 or ElumTools.

• Specialized Lighting Design Areas: Developing expertise in niche areas such as theatrical lighting, healthcare facility lighting, or sustainable design practices.

• Business Development Skills: Gaining experience in client engagement, proposal writing, and sales presentations, contributing to career advancement within the consulting field.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Learning about audiovisual systems, IT infrastructure, or acoustics to offer more holistic design solutions.

• Professional Certifications: Pursuing and obtaining valuable certifications such as Lighting Certification (LC) or Certified Lighting Controls Professional (CLCP).

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is inferred by analyzing the core responsibilities, required skills, and the nature of a consulting role in a growing firm. Challenges are framed around the inherent difficulties of the position, while growth opportunities are projected based on typical career progression in the AEC/consulting industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex lighting design challenge you faced on a previous project and how you used illuminance modeling software (like AGi32) to find a solution. What were the key outcomes?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical application, and results.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with architects and other design professionals who may have different priorities or aesthetic visions for a project?" (Focus on communication, compromise, and integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to NV5 and specifically to our Technology and Acoustics group?" (Research NV5's mission, projects, and values.)

• "How do you maintain a professional and positive attitude in a fast-paced, high-pressure consulting environment, especially when working remotely?" (Demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and professionalism.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project type or complexity. Begin with a brief overview of your experience and then dive into 2-3 key projects.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, design decisions, and the technical rationale behind them. Use "I" statements for your individual work and "we" for team efforts.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Highlight your proficiency with AGi32, AutoCAD, and BlueBeam through examples of drawings, models, and reports. Be prepared to explain specific calculations or simulations.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, present metrics related to energy savings, improved user experience, or cost-effectiveness.

• Engage and Discuss: Treat the presentation as a conversation. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, challenges, and the project's overall success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is developed by considering the core responsibilities, required qualifications, and the nature of a consulting role. The questions are designed to probe technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and cultural fit, all within the context of lighting design consulting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lighting Design Consultant position:

• Submit your comprehensive application through the provided link on the NV5 careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your proficiency with AGi32, AutoCAD, and BlueBeam, as well as your experience with diverse lighting design applications (interior, exterior, stage). Highlight projects where you developed detailed reports and illuminance models.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 6+ years of lighting design consulting experience, highlighting specific achievements, project types, and technical skills. Incorporate keywords such as "lighting design," "illuminance modeling," "AGi32," "AutoCAD," "BlueBeam," and "lighting codes."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical decisions, and problem-solving approaches using specific project examples. Prepare to discuss your understanding of lighting codes and your experience with remote collaboration tools.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with NV5's mission, recent projects, and the scope of their Technology and Acoustics group. Understand their emphasis on "Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives" and how your skills align with their values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.