Architectural Lighting Design
Students begin with a shared foundation in Graphic, Interior and Lighting Design principles before choosing a concentration in Lighting Design.
Program Overview
As one of the few programs in the country dedicated to Architectural Lighting Design,
you’ll explore the intersection of art, science and technology in creating dynamic,
human-centered environments.
Our specialized courses and projects ensure you’ll gain a strong foundation in lighting design principles while also developing complementary skills that enhance your professional versatility. You’ll learn how to manipulate natural and artificial light to affect visual merchandise displays, theatre sets and a range of physical environments.
With strong connections to the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth design community — one of the largest in the world — you’ll gain a professional degree that prepares you to lead in one of the most innovative fields. Program highlights include:
- Collaboration with fashion merchandising students to create real-world brand designs and window displays, simulating client–designer interactions
- Hands-on experiences through the Center for Lighting Education alongside industry professionals
- A required internship that enhances career readiness
For a full look at what makes our program unique, view our Program Overview.
Students are expected to have a personal laptop that meets the department’s computer policy to ensure success in studio and design courses.
Design Foundations & Qualifying Examination
To declare a BS in Design Studies with a concentration in Architectural Lighting Design students must pass a Qualifying Examination after completing all six Design Foundations courses.
Career Prep & Alumni
Our sought after students have successfully completed internships and alumni have go onto have successful careers in architectural lighting design, interior design, lighting fixture and controls manufacturing, and lighting fixture and control representation. Recent Alumni have joined leading design, engineering, and sales firms including:
- Architectural Lighting Alliance (Dallas, Texas)
- Arup (Dallas, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco)
- Circa Lighting (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- CM Kling + Associates (Washington DC)
- Corgan (Dallas, Texas)
- DLR Group (Dallas, Texas)
- Essential Light Design Studio (Dallas, Texas & New York City, New York)
- Electrolight (Sydney, Australia)
- Fisher Marantz Stone (New York City, New York)
- Granville McAnear Lighting Design (Dallas, Texas)
- George Sexton Associates (Washington DC)
- Hossely Lighting & Controls (Dallas, Texas)
- KPK Lighting Design (Houston, Texas)
- Lang Lighting Design (Dallas, Texas)
- Luma Lighting Design (Seattle, Washington)
- Tillotson Design Associates (New York City, New York)
- Stantec (Seattle, Washington)
Explore Our Facilities & Campus Tours
Discover the spaces where students research and develop solutions for real-world design challenges or schedule a visit to the TCU campus to experience where creativity comes to life.
Career Paths
- Architectural Lighting Designer
- Building Information Modeling Manager
- Daylighting/Passive Designer
- Lighting Manufacturer Representative (Local/Regional/National)
- Lighting Control Systems Designer
- Luminaire Designer