The best time is right at the start of any potential building or renovation work. This enables the physical structure and the lighting that best sets if off to be seamlessly integrated. For example, incorporating and lighting a false ceiling shape to enliven a long corridor, or skimming light down a textured slate wall to create dramatic impact. Also, these early discussions enable the light fittings to be physically fitted, for example back lighting opaque shower tiles with fibre optic lights looks stunning, but this needs to be built in prior to the walls being plastered and the tiles applied. We are able to work with architects, interior designers and builders at this early stage.

The next best time is before the electrical wiring is decided and done. Designing the lighting and the lighting control systems before the electrical ‘first fit’ gives you much more freedom of choice around lighting impact and effect. For example, by being able to specify which lights you want on which circuit, you can transform the lighting in a room from being intimate to dramatic to task focused, whereas one circuit is unlikely to be provide this range. If first fit has already happened the electrics can usually be changed, but this may involve rework and cosmetic repair that could have been avoided.

Even if you are even further through the decorating process it is still potentially not too late to seek advice, although the scope for improvement will be much more limited, and/or potentially more expensive to implement.