THE MAIN ACTORS IN THE LIGHTING INDUSTRY

As a Creative Lighting Designer, I would like to clarify some definitions of the various actors in the lighting industry, which owners, architects, landscape, and interior designers should know for dealing with their projects. This comes also from my experience working in Asia where there are still misunderstandings about the designer’s mission and some blur self-positioning of certain actors in this industry. But finally, the best option to get valuable lighting comes from the gathering of all these actors working together collaboratively.

Creative lighting designers

For a creative lighting designer, the starting point is the project design, a complex creative process considering all aspects of light: Space, physical, psychic, physiologic, engineering, and regulations.
The second step is technical development, including light calculations, implementation layouts, integration details, and the choice of light fixtures within the budget.
The third step is assistance in the choice of the proper supplier – contractors and the installation follow-up until the completion.

So, Creative Lighting Designers do not supply products but offer customized design services that they operate in close collaboration with other designer consultants.

Lighting manufacturers / Lighting distributors

The starting points are the products and their possible applications. For creative lighting designers, a close collaboration with manufacturers and their distributors can be a key for some specific projects where bespoke luminaires need to be developed, and, in general, to keep a permanent update on the new products and get the best choice for our clients.

Manufacturers and distributors generally give lighting solution services. These are strictly technical studies to implement exclusively their products, also advice on the best design option and quantity is not the point. Here is where it makes a big difference with lighting design.

MEP engineers, Fitter and Electrical contractors

Creative lighting designers collaborate closely with engineers and consultants when it comes to electrical diagrams and control systems. Engineers also know how to calculate light distribution but only in 2D for general lighting in basic areas.

Then the contractors have the final responsibility of the shop drawings and coordination on site, still under the supervision of the Creative Lighting Designer till the last setup.