To become an architectural lighting designer, you can attend art and design school or complete a university architecture program, then earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in lighting design. An internship and professional designations can also help in this field.
If you are a creative person who is also interested in physics, optics and how lighting affects the mood of a building, then you might want to consider a career in architectural lighting design. To get a job in this field, you can take two different paths. Some of those interested in this discipline attend art and design school. Others will complete a university architecture program. In either case, you’ll have to earn a bachelor’s degree before earning a master’s degree in lighting design.
Architectural lighting design requires an advanced degree from a personally accredited institution. As such, you will have to receive your bachelor’s degree before applying to graduate programs. You must specialize in a subject that will prepare you for a rigorous program in lighting design. For those enrolled in a university architecture program, majoring in architecture or engineering would be the most direct way to gain knowledge in that discipline. If you are more interested in the artistic and aesthetic side or architectural lighting design, major in studio art, design studies or art history as an undergraduate.
Getting an internship before starting a graduate program will help you gain the skills needed in an architectural lighting design job. Your degree institution should be able to help you find a suitable internship program with a notable architectural firm. Take this internship seriously as it could lead to possible employment.
Obtaining a master’s degree in architectural lighting design is a necessary step in becoming a professional in this field. You can receive your Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in architectural lighting design from a prestigious art school. There is also the option of obtaining a more technical master’s in this discipline from a school known for its science, engineering or architecture programs. Either option will teach important concepts such as the ergonomic role of lighting, energy efficiency, and how to combat seasonal affective disorders through effective indoor and outdoor lighting.
This field also offers several professional designations for those who are highly trained in lighting design. Membership in the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) is open to experienced professionals in architectural lighting design, and is something you should aspire to as a professional in this field. You can also earn a Certified Lighting (LC) designation to indicate that you have acquired the knowledge and training necessary to work as a designer.
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