So What is a Lighting Designer?
Many people ask me what do I do being a Lighting Designer.
Well, it is true that a Lighting Designer would typically be an Architect or an Engineer that specialize in the design of the light sources and lighting options in a designated space. The lighting Designer would calculate the needs of light, the necessity of functional and decorative lighting sources, and would then draw a plan of all the lighting spots required.
But, being myself, it is not what I do. I simply design the light fixtures themselves. So why do people call me a "Lighting Designer"?
Maybe it is because they do not know what does that phrase mean, and maybe it is because this phrase sounds sophisticated, and maybe it is because I am a Lighting Designer but from a different angle…who knows?
What do I do when I get to my studio, then? I design…light fixtures. Sometimes it is for Iris Design Studio, and sometimes it is for other companies. And I research. And research. And research: for new and better suppliers, for new materials, for new ideas. I suppose I am more of a researcher than a designer, since the drawings of a new product are only a small fraction of my time. It is finding the best and most interesting ideas what makes it difficult.
A lighting fixture is like a piece of jewelry for the home, so in that sense, I might be a jewelry designer as well. Finding the right piece in terms of light supply and in terms of attractiveness is similar to finding an engagement ring or an anniversary necklace. It is an emotional process, and one relies on the advice of the experts, since there are many details involved.
So, my job is to design the perfect home necklace or an extravagant restaurant's engagement ring, or the most beautiful hotel's bracelet. I think that is the best definition for a Lighting Designer.
Well, it is true that a Lighting Designer would typically be an Architect or an Engineer that specialize in the design of the light sources and lighting options in a designated space. The lighting Designer would calculate the needs of light, the necessity of functional and decorative lighting sources, and would then draw a plan of all the lighting spots required.
But, being myself, it is not what I do. I simply design the light fixtures themselves. So why do people call me a "Lighting Designer"?
Maybe it is because they do not know what does that phrase mean, and maybe it is because this phrase sounds sophisticated, and maybe it is because I am a Lighting Designer but from a different angle…who knows?
What do I do when I get to my studio, then? I design…light fixtures. Sometimes it is for Iris Design Studio, and sometimes it is for other companies. And I research. And research. And research: for new and better suppliers, for new materials, for new ideas. I suppose I am more of a researcher than a designer, since the drawings of a new product are only a small fraction of my time. It is finding the best and most interesting ideas what makes it difficult.
A lighting fixture is like a piece of jewelry for the home, so in that sense, I might be a jewelry designer as well. Finding the right piece in terms of light supply and in terms of attractiveness is similar to finding an engagement ring or an anniversary necklace. It is an emotional process, and one relies on the advice of the experts, since there are many details involved.
So, my job is to design the perfect home necklace or an extravagant restaurant's engagement ring, or the most beautiful hotel's bracelet. I think that is the best definition for a Lighting Designer.
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