Our Creative Lighting Designers are currently in the early stages of design on a really diverse portfolio of projects. From a sprawling country residence, to a contemporary London penthouse, as well as residences in Doha, the South of France and a Superyacht. With such a range of creative design happening, we asked a few of our Lighting Designers  ‘How do you begin the creative process?’

“My creative process involves two very important things. First, it’s the human factor. Hearing the brief first-hand is important as I like to observe the gestures and tonal variation of the person delivering it. The amount of time they spend in each space is also crucial as this helps me get a sense of which part of the design they are most passionate about, allowing me to build a hierarchy of the spaces. 

The next is tracing paper. I learnt this from my mentors when I started working in Architectural Lighting Design and till this day, nothing beats pen and paper. I use this to test ideas on top of plans, sections or 3d visuals, often scribbling notes on the side to ensure any architectural details have been picked up or should purposely be left out. When doing this collaboratively within a team, it means we learn more from each other as we bounce around ideas, but it means we can pull on our collective creativity to build the best ideas for each project.” 

“It’s exciting to approach a new design brief. Opening the page of an initial concept from an architect or interior designer is like entering a garden of freshly planted ideas. The sense is freeing, uplifting. I like to absorb the brief, the images, the words; take the time to sit back and enjoy the narrative that is growing around me and begin to imagine how light will grow into this too. I take a lot of inspiration from nature, and the world around me. Shapes, textures, themes; things I’ve seen or places I’ve visited. I like to concentrate on what it will feel like when the space is full of life. 

There is always optimism and enthusiasm for the opportunity to create something new. The brief provides the structure, the enclosure of the plot, inside which we cultivate our lighting design.” 

“The briefing of a new project is always an exciting moment; understanding the interior designers view or client’s expectations and how my creativity will fit and adapt in the project.  Understanding how I need to design to create different atmospheres and environments throughout the day, represent an interesting challenge. I like to build concepts around what those changes might be and present the spaces at their very best.

I love art and expression, and for me, my creative process starts by revealing the beauty of the materiality of the project; artworks, shapes, architectural details. As one of the most creative points in the design process, with the first brief and then concept, we can explore various solutions to make sure we present the spaces at their best, and how I can best present them through light. I like to sketch out ideas and look closely at the materials and finishes that are inspiring the project.” 

It’s important to forge a strong relationship between the architecture, interiors and lighting, and so pairing the right Creative Designer with each project is key. That design relationship is personal and individual. That’s why we love the fact that our team has a real mix of creative styles and approaches; each suited to different projects and design styles.

Lighting Design Manager Paul Richardson oversees our team of designers and the diverse portfolio of projects we are delivering.

“The creativity within our team paired with a wealth of experience and record for delivering outstanding lighting schemes, is something we’re incredibly proud to offer our clients. We follow our key guiding principles for lighting, but we don’t have one set style or approach. Our role is to support the creativity of the wider design team – the architecture, the interiors, so that they can be fully captured and showcased through beautiful and well considered lighting.”

To find out more about our Lighting Design services, please get in touch