Residential Lighting Designer & Project Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Multimedia Solutions

Residential Lighting Designer & Estimator

Department: Environmental
Reports To: Director of Design and Environmental Systems
Direct Reports: None
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Overview

The Lighting Designer & Estimator is responsible for creating exceptional lighting experiences for our luxury residential clients. This role combines creative lighting design, technical system planning, project estimating, and outstanding client communication to deliver thoughtfully designed lighting solutions that enhance architecture, lifestyle, and technology.

Working closely with homeowners, builders, architects, interior designers, and the Multimedia Solutions team, this individual transforms client vision into detailed lighting plans, photometric visualizations, fixture specifications, and accurate proposals. The Lighting Designer & Estimator serves as a trusted advisor throughout the design process while ensuring projects are profitable, buildable, and aligned with company standards.

This role is equal parts designer, consultant, estimator, and communicator—and plays a critical role in creating the premium client experience that defines Multimedia Solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Lighting Design & Visualization

• Design custom architectural lighting systems for high-end residential projects.
• Develop lighting layouts that balance aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency.
• Create lighting concepts using renderings, visualizations, and lighting calculation software.
• Select appropriate fixtures, controls, color temperatures, beam spreads, and mounting details.
• Coordinate lighting plans with reflected ceiling plans, millwork, electrical layouts, and architectural drawings.
• Stay current on lighting technologies, fixture manufacturers, and emerging design trends.

Estimating & Proposal Development

• Develop detailed project estimates for lighting fixtures, controls, wiring, and associated labor.
• Prepare comprehensive client proposals with clear scope, product selections, and pricing.
• Review construction documents to identify opportunities, conflicts, and scope gaps.
• Coordinate with vendors to obtain pricing, lead times, and product availability.
• Maintain estimating accuracy while meeting company profitability goals.
• Assist Sales and Project Management during proposal revisions and value engineering.

Client Consultation & Design Meetings

• Lead lighting design consultations with homeowners, builders, architects, and interior designers.
• Discover client preferences, lifestyle needs, and aesthetic goals.
• Present lighting concepts in a professional, engaging, and consultative manner.
• Educate clients on fixture options, lighting control systems, scene design, and best practices.
• Build trust through proactive communication and exceptional customer service.
• Serve as the primary lighting expert throughout the design phase.

Project Planning & Coordination

• Develop complete documentation for installation teams and project managers.
• Coordinate fixture schedules, load schedules, switching plans, and control requirements.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Field Supervisors to ensure designs are installable.
• Review project progress and provide design support when field conditions require adjustments.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings and design reviews.

Vendor & Product Management

• Build relationships with premium lighting manufacturers and representatives.
• Evaluate new products and technologies that improve project outcomes.
• Maintain fixture libraries, pricing databases, and specification standards.
• Coordinate product substitutions when necessary while maintaining design intent.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain organized project files including lighting plans, specifications, estimates, revisions, and client approvals.
• Track proposal revisions and change requests.
• Document client meetings and design decisions.
• Assist in developing internal lighting design standards and best practices.

Skills & Qualifications

• 3–7+ years of lighting design, electrical design, architectural lighting, or related experience.
• Experience designing luxury residential lighting systems preferred.
• Strong understanding of lighting principles, controls, dimming technologies, and architectural integration.
• Experience with CAD, Revit, Bluebeam, DIALux, AGi32, Visual Lighting, or similar design software preferred.
• Strong estimating and proposal development skills.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, electrical, and reflected ceiling plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and client relationship abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license.

How This Role Lives Our Core Values

Every Multimedia Solutions team member is measured not just on what they do, but on how they do it. Our five core values define the "how."

Different

We solve problems in ways others don't—bringing creativity, fresh thinking, and a standout premium client experience.

In this role: Creates lighting designs that elevate homes beyond expectations while helping clients see possibilities they never imagined.

Dedicated

We own the outcome and follow through. We finish what we start to a standard we're proud of.

In this role: Takes ownership of every design from initial concept through final documentation, ensuring every detail is complete and accurate.

Family

We look out for each other and our clients like family.

In this role: Builds lasting relationships with homeowners, builders, designers, and teammates through trust, honesty, and exceptional service.

All-In

We bring our full effort and commitment.

In this role: Goes beyond simply creating proposals by becoming a trusted design partner for clients and an invaluable resource for the project team.

Humble

Low ego. High standards.

In this role: Welcomes feedback, collaborates openly with architects and designers, continually learns new technologies, and always puts the client's success first.