Following January's look at architecture's relationship with furniture and product design, we're taking another look at alternative career paths an architecture education can provide. This week, we highlight a selection of exciting job opportunities listed on Archinect Jobs involving wood floor/millwork and architectural lighting at MADERA and L'Observatoire International.

When designing any building or structure, several factors come into play, however, an often-overlooked element when designing a space is the power of lighting. While we aren't negating the importance and value of natural lighting, indoor lighting setups play essential factors when illuminating an area and creating an overall mood and tone. For the New York-based L'Observatoire, the firm's passion and expertise started in 1993 with French lighting designer Hervé Descottes. 

Since its inception, the firm has helped illuminate interiors and exteriors of notable projects around the world. From Frank Gehry's LUMA Arles, OMA's Audrey Irmas Pavilion, and Steven Holl's Institute for Contemporary Art in Virginia.

According to the firm, their goal as lighting designers is to "harmonize the role natural and artificial lighting play in revealing the drama and nuance of the built environment. This awareness emerges in the way our design team consciously plays with the relationship of light and shadow, resulting in spaces that are made both more active and accessible through the use of light." Currently, their team is seeking a Senior Lighting Designer with at least 5 years of experience working in lighting design.

In addition to an understanding of lighting design across architectural, interior, and landscape design projects the ideal candidate should have a strong proficiency in AutoCAD/Revit, skills in 3D modeling software, and the ability to lead and direct staff in projects. 

For those passionate about wood design and fabrication, the Brooklyn-based firm MADERA focuses on developing high-quality wood flooring and surface paneling. According to the firm, their design ethos is rooted in Scandinavian design to "inspire and engage a modern audience" through the medium of wood. Founded in 2012, the team at Madera has collaborated with firms such as SAW// Spiegel Aihara Workshop and their Void House, Woods + Dangaran's Moore House, and Bates Masi+Architects' Office. 

In addition to their specialty in wood flooring, the firm collaborates with architects and designers to develop "full millwork packages to match and enhance our wide plank floors [...] From stairs to cabinet fronts our goal is to push natural wood elements to the fore of the design." Currently, the firm is looking for a Junior Designer to join their team. 

According to MADERA, their ideal candidate will be working in one of their showrooms. Job duties include collaborating with their production partners, the Junior Design position will "be a source of knowledge for the architects, designers, contractors, and homeowners whose visions we work to bring to life." Keen on hiring a candidate who can provide input and feedback MADERA explains, "your input will be key as we develop new products, including flooring, paneling, millwork, and furniture. You will also participate in the execution of all our graphic design, branding, and marketing materials which we produce in-house under the supervision of the Design Director." With a minimum of 1-3 years of design experience, candidates should have experience in architecture, interior design, and graphic design. 

*As part of Archinect's job highlights series, we showcase employment opportunities for individuals with architecture backgrounds who are exploring other ways to apply their skills beyond a traditional architecture firm. 

To read inspiring stories of architects that have found success in other industries, check out Archinect's Working Out of the Box series.

Stay up to date with our latest coverage of exciting opportunities on the Archinect Job Board following the tag Interesting Jobs.