Helen Diemer, Principal and President of The Lighting Practice, and Sara Lappano, Principal with SmithGroupJJR, combined their shared knowledge and experience in the architectural lighting design industry presenting at IALD Enlighten Americas 2015: International Year of Light Conference in Baltimore, MD.

Together they collaborated on ‘Designing a Perfect Hire’ where they outlined the key elements employers need to keep in mind when seeking a new hire.  Highlights of their presentation are featured in mondo*arc’s April 2016 issue.

Are you a professional currently looking for a new position? Keep in mind, Helen and Sara’s tips can be useful to you as well.  One element they both agree upon is that the new hire must fit into the culture of the office, not only demonstrate the necessary skills and experience required for the position. As an interviewee, acknowledge this; if you do not get hired, know that there is the right position and office out there for you.

DESIGNING THE PERFECT HIRE

mondo*arc #90 2016 | IALD Column

Helen Diemer of The Lighting Practice and Sara Lappano of design and architectural practice SmithGroupJJR, discuss some of the key areas you should be looking at when taking on a new employee – ensuring you get it right, first time.

Helen Diemer, FIALD is based in Philadelphia and runs The Lighting Practice with 20 technical staff and three admin. The firm has been in business for 25 years and Diemer has over 30 years of experience working as an architectural lighting designer.

Sara Lappano, practices in Washington DC with the SmithGroupJJR, a 160-year-old combination design and architectural practice with more than 950 employees.

Through their shared knowledge, they collaborated on ‘Designing the Perfect Hire’ – featuring tips and advice on finding that perfect employee, given in Baltimore at the 2016 IALD Enlighten Americas conference.

When Paul Beale wrote in last issue’s column about how to craft a CV, the emphasis was very much on how to impress and employer. But what if you are the employer? You know that finding the right staff is critical to a firm’s viability and long-term success – and that it’s important to invest time looking for the right fit for your business. But do you know what you are looking for, or where to start your search?

Click to read the full article: Designing A Perfect Hire