how we work

We are often asked ‘can you do us a design if we send you through a set of plans.’ The answer is that a set of plans is vital but it’s only part of the equation: to really make the most of the lighting design we need to fully understand the architecture, the interior design, and how you are going to use the space.

The overall look and feel that you are trying to achieve has a tremendous impact on the lighting design: we would approach a modern minimalist project very differently from one where a client wanted to retain an old cottage feel.

The more detail we know about what’s going in to the house the better, for example knowing where the bath is going to go is useful but knowing that it’s going to be a modern freestanding Phillipe Stark bath might mean that uplighting it with ground recessed LEDs would look stunning. We also need to understand your practical requirements, such ensuring we provide good shadow free light where people might shave or put make up on, or if there are likely to be young children in the house using only ‘cool to the touch’ fittings anywhere where they might be reached.

Often this is an iterative process: clients come to see us very early in the build process as they find it useful for us to input in to their thought process at this stage. Then either we, the client or another interior designer develop things like interior layouts and key interior details, and we then re-meet to discuss the lighting in this context.

In addition to our lighting design and smart home technology service lines we also offer an excellent in house interior design service. This gives clients both beautiful interiors and also ensures seamless integration of the lighting and smart home technology into the overall aesthetics. However if you already have an interior designer on board or would enjoy doing it yourself then we are equally happy to work that way too.

After having really understood the architecture, interiors and your lifestyle requirements we:
- do an initial lighting design and fittings/control system cost schedule
- discuss and agree these with you
- then do a more detailed technical specification for the electrician/builder/project manager
- brief the electrician/builder/project manager
- provide either phone or onsite support and checking as is required during the build. The amount of this varies hugely depending on how much change there is during a project (for example in old house renovations architectural plans can be quite fluid for a long time), and how complex the project is.
- Check and ‘fine tune’ the installation at the end, for example, making sure that fittings are angled to light the particular feature/painting that they were designed to light
- Commission and programme the lighting control system, and train you on how to use it

The first step is to really understand what our clients want to do. Sounds obvious but with technology changing rapidly there are new possibilities all the time. Only when we really understand your objectives will we move on to discussing the technology options. Being independent of any manufacturer means that we will design a solution that meets your needs rather than altering your requirements to suit the product range.

Once we have mapped out a solution we will give you a design, estimate and project plan. With this agreed we will move onto a detailed technical specification, and work with your architect, interior designer and tradesmen as appropriate.

After installation we provide follow up service and final configuration to ensure you’re delighted with the end solution.

‘If only I had asked your advice sooner’ (the most frequent comment from our clients)

The best time to consider both Smart Home technology and lighting is right at the start of any potential building or renovation work. On the lighting side, 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.

It is also helpful to give consideration to Smart Home needs at this stage, eg; allocating a discrete yet accessible area for audio or video equipment or understanding how control systems are going to work.  We are able to work with architects, electricians and builders at this early stage.

The next best time is before the electrical wiring is decided and done. Whilst Smart Home wireless technology is becoming faster and increasingly reliable and we love it for a number of applications, it is often still preferable to plan for a “structured” cabling approach. Designing the lighting before the electrical ‘first fit’ gives you much more freedom of choice around lighting impact and effect.

Even if you are even further through the decorating process it is still not too late to seek advice. There are a number of approaches that work in a retro-fit environment though the scope for a total transformation might be more limited.

Whether you are interested in Smart Homes and/or lighting design, it's never too early for an chat: contact us for a initial discussion and we will see how we can help.