The Lighting Studio Lead is accountable for enthusiastically raising the bar for all lighting related initiatives in the firm. This will include a thorough understanding of how the service at AE Design is currently delivered, and then being overly curious, dreaming, taking calculated risks and embracing change through exploration and experimentation regarding what the lighting service can be. This person will ensure the firm stays in front of the competition while providing creative solutions for our clients and their projects. This creative role collaborates with and teaches other people in the core discipline to ensure we continue to excel at a very high level. The Lighting Studio Lead works closely with other AE Design core disciplines, project teams and clients to ensure that the client's lighting expectations are not only met but exceeded. This role will work with Business Development to engage with client organizations that are top prospects as well as improving and expanding relationships with our existing key clients.What you bring to the table:An undergraduate degree in Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, Interior Design; preference for a Masters degree in Lighting Design, Architecture, or a closely related discipline.10+ Years experience in lighting design and/or architectural design. Lighting certification(s) are a bonus, and leadership roles are preferred.Strong experience in strategic leadership and developing creative teams.Excellent communication and time management skills to oversee many individuals and projects simultaneously.High-level understanding of the lighting design industry and best practices across market sectors and project types.Industry relationships with professional organizations, client groups, and manufacturers, and the ability to grow valuable relationships through business development strategy.Hands-on experience with the entire design process including fee and schedule development, code compliance, project management, client communication, design solutions, and construction administration.Ability to foster a collaborative, solutions-minded environment among the design team members through day to day project work and targeted mentorship.A creative, curious, and positive outlookKey ResponsibilitiesStrategic PlanningParticipate in strategic planning with firm leadership, work to implement a plan as it relates to the Lighting StudioDesign DevelopmentOversee lighting studio processes and best practices. Drive continuous improvement related to lighting project work.Oversee the research, selecting, detailing, and creation of high-level lighting design that supports the project goals and objectives in conformance with all applicable regulations and codes and project objectives.Participate in the design effort related to select projects with the intent to support client and firm goals/objectives.Lead the implementation of a formal ongoing lighting design review program/forum.Facilitate meetings to build consensus and effectively solve project design issues.Provide guidance for those reviewing design intent related to construction documents and shop drawings to ensure consistency with client needs and design objectives.Work with design teams to design within project budgets.Participate in the office quality control review process as it relates to the lighting studio.Maintain an average billable utilization rate of 50%.Team DevelopmentAssess skill sets and professional goals for studio members, establish leadership development plans, and participate in performance review process.Oversee the process to recruit, interview, and hire lighting design staff.Continually monitor and establish procedures to improve staff performance in terms of design capability, technical understanding, and production efficiency.Keep a pulse on the workload within the Lighting Studio to balance lighting design staff workload and the need right-size the team size.Collaborate with Operations/Project Managers to assist in assigning lighting design staff to projects.Work with Operations/Project Managers to remove barriers from the lighting design staff to meet project schedules and budgets.Business Development / MarketingParticipate in the Client and Market Share processes, establishing and nurturing client relationships through industry organizations/events with the intention of continued growth of the lighting studio.Proactive participation in business development and marketing initiatives to best represent the studio and the firm.Contribute to project pursuits, proposals, and interviews as needed.What You'll Enjoy When You Join UsCompetitive salary and benefits plan (401k, HSA, and more)An environment that supports continued education, professional development, and personal growth with opportunities to learn outside of the office and through our mentorship program.An open office, enthusiastic and collaborative coworkers, and out of office events ranging from happy hours to ski trips.A dedication to a true work-life balanceThe chance to work on a variety of projects, and learn about power, low-voltage, audio/visual, special systems, commissioning, and the other services we provide.The opportunity to get out of the office for site visits, client visits, seminars, and networking opportunities.A condensed 4.5 day work week - we work full time, but we love our half-day Fridays!A great bonus incentive programOpportunity to help grow with a highly reputable company that does beautiful work.AE Design, headquartered in beautiful Downtown Denver, Colorado, is a growing Architectural Engineering firm focused on lighting, technology and electrical design. We are a baseball toss from Coors Field and right in the middle of it all: eateries, breweries, museums, venues, public transit, and city growth. Our projects range from small design-driven spaces to over $100M large campus facilities throughout the United States and internationally. We're proud of our consistent growth and continue to maintain sustainable momentum, and the lasting relationships we have built with our clients over the years. We are always looking for talented, creative professionals and would enjoy an opportunity to get to know you.