Architectural Lighting Designers: how's the market?

December 2, 2008 10:08 AM

How's the market for Architectural Lighting Designers? I am considering a year long MS in architectural lighting design, and I am an entertainment lighting designer.

As you all know, the economy sucks ass right now, and a lot of the ass sucking seems to be in my field. I'm an entertainment lighting designer, I've got years of experience, I'm up-to-date on most of the latest technology, but the work is not there.

I am considering using this bad period to retrain but stay in the field of light and optics, and change my concentration to architectural lighting design - possibly with a green emphasis, but not for sure.

There is a program I'm looking at in Sweden that is free, one year long, and results in an MS in architectural lighting design. Architectural LD's, how's the field? Is this a good idea, or should I look at something else?

posted by jimmyhutch to Science & Nature (3 answers total)

While I don't have extensive experience w/ lighting designers, I think you could do well to make contact with someone in one of the larger Architectural firms and see if there is a kind person there who will be willing to give you a quick overview. Large or specialized projects are the ones that will need these services - for you, firms that design theaters would be a plus. Unfortunately, I don't have contacts in any of those large firms.

The other option is to consider contacting a lighting manufacturer's agent and see what they have to say. They have a feel for what's going on in the industry. To find them, go to the website of a lighting manufacturer and find the name of your local sales rep. If you're lucky, they will take time out to talk to you. If not, call the next person.
posted by mightshould at 10:05 AM on December 3, 2008

My old company seems to be doing well, and they're hiring. Quite a demanding profile, but mefimail me if you'd like the URL - involves architectural lighting.
posted by yoHighness at 11:14 AM on December 3, 2008

everything construction-related is slower now... I work in healthcare design and we're doing OK, but still much slower than a year ago. That said, I don't think you should base your decision on the market today. You have relevant experience, the program is free, green knowledge is always good (it'll be a prerequisite before too long) and a little school never hurt anybody, so go for it.

Also - most lighting design is done by consulting lighting vendors' in-house designers (working with architects and interior designers), rather than lighting designers at design firms. It's just that very few design firms are big enough to keep someone with such a specialized skill set. Find out what products get specc'ed locally, find out the local vendor for those products, and go talk to them about your prospects. They'll have better advice.
posted by Chris4d at 4:52 PM on December 9, 2008