WHAT LIGHTING DESIGNERS DO

Almost every building space requires light, but not all buildings have lighting that was designed for purpose. A lighting designer develops a lighting layout for a space or an event, designed with application or to create an ambiance. 

The concept that ‘the best lighting designs are the ones that go unnoticed’ is both an industry standard and a moderate truth for lighting design. Even though light is integrated into every aspect of our lives, the field of lighting design is objectively niche. And the industry is further divided into specializations then sub-specializations, making the typical job description vary. In essence, the principles of light are the same across all divisions but the applications and fixture knowledge will change depending on the job.

All lighting designers, regardless of the specialization or application, will first develop a plan in coordination with the space. Key factors include:

• Location
• Space programming or function
• Setup, set or furniture arrangement
• Aesthetic concept or theme
• Desired mood

In most cases the plan is added to a concept package, which includes diagrams, renders and sketches. A full concept package strives to be a supplement to existing concept guidelines from the architects and interior designers. Lighting designers tend to rely on graphics or sketches because the individual perception of light varies (as does contrast response) depending on time of day. Photorealistic renders may give the wrong impression, as light is a medium in continuous flux.

Once the concept is agreed upon and updated, and plans from both the architect and interior designer have been coordinated, then the lighting designer will add their layout to close the schematic design or start the design development phase. This process continues through the design phase, where there will generally be a few revisions before the construction documents are set. Because small changes to the architecture, hvac or finishes can have a big effect on the lighting for the entire space, touchbases to consult with lighting designers are often preferred until coordinated milestones between the architect and interior designers are reached. It’s often advantageous to have a schematic lighting layout in mind while planning the plenum space.

During and after construction, lighting designers will arrive onsite for an inspection and for focusing. For residential and merchandising projects, this is an important step to executing the vision’s full intent.