The Integral Part that a Lighting Designer Plays in a Project

Architectural Lighting has become a key design element in successful residential and commercial designs. Light has always played an integral part, but a designer that is specially equipped to take on this scope has not always been. Through the past 10 years that I have spent in the Lighting Design Profession I have seen a more profound push to incorporate Lighting Designers into the team early on. Below are a few notes to consider when deciding whether or not a Lighting Designer should get involved: 

who:

Ask questions. Always always interview design consultants to make sure they are the right fit for you, and your particular project. GO with your gut. It is important that they are knowledgeable, passionate, and willing to problem-solve. You want someone that is going to assist in the sticky conversation, and be your voice during construction to make sure that your goals and overall intent is carried through. It is easy to come up ideas, but not always easy to make sure those are carried out in a cost-effective and timely manner. Most independent Lighting designers do NOT sell product. They are an unbiased resource – a unique resource that can help with the selection process, and leverage their resources to help keep costs low and sneure proper procurement procedures, as well  as review of the install of the lighting by a certified electrician and AV lighting controls consultant. 

What:

Lighting Designers (typically) want what is best for the project. We do! The only “skin in the game” we are concerned with is that the design process and construction process end in a beautiful, and functional result. Now this isn’t always easy, but as a client, having a lighting designer on your team, will lead to a better result. Good lighting designers help select appropriate fixtures, and ensure that your space is well-blanaced, and functions for your needs. Great lighting designers do all of that, AND add value as an integrated part of the design and construction coordination process. This is KEY! Ensuring that the project stays on budget, being available for troubleshooting unforeseen challenges that may come up during construction is so important. Asking the right questions, at the right time in the process is vital – and since lighting effects all of the other disciplines involved: architecture, interiors, electrical, and the build team asking the right questions early on and working through details is invaluable. 

When:

As soon as you can. There are a lot of decisions that impact the overall design of a project. Many of which that are decided and figured out early on: things like ceiling height, architectural featres, feasibility of design, budget exercises, user control (lighting controls) and impacts to the timeline are all items that hinge upon design disciplines making decisions early on in the process with all design parties involved: owner, architect, interior designer, and electrical team. The sooner the better, and research research research! 

SRD is a team of subject matter experts. We are here for you! We each have unique backgrounds that make us agile members of the team: Architecture, Engineering, and Interiors – give us a call or reach out today.