MSLD Team
Marcus Steffen
Founder
Designer, author and university lecturer, Marcus Steffen is Founder of MS Lighting Design, based in London. Marcus studied Mechatronics at Kings College London before becoming a lighting designer, and now has over fifteen years' experience in the residential lighting design field, as well as undertaking various hospitality and commercial projects. In this time Marcus has dealt with a huge variety of projects ranging from tiny extensions to large mansions, many of which have won awards.
Marcus lectures at the Inchbald School of Design and Chelsea College of Art in London, teaching classes on lighting design to interior designers. He is also the author of ‘Residential Lighting Design’, a book which introduces the tools of the lighting designer and explains how to produce a lighting design for a home.
Why did you become a lighting designer?
I fell into lighting design by accident. I actually studied engineering (mechatronics specifically) at university, and needed a job afterwards. I had the opportunity to help a lighting company move the design process into CAD, and then fell in love with light. It can change your entire environment with the touch of a button, it is almost like having magical powers.
What do you like the most about lighting design?
There are two amazing moments when working on a lighting design. The first is meeting a client for the first time, and opening their eyes to the possibilities of what lighting can do. Seeing that realisation dawn on their face about the potential for their project, and the excitement, is wonderful. The second is when we are doing the final commissioning of the lighting, after the clients have moved in. I get to see the realisation of the project and how happy it makes the clients, while we have a glass of wine and discuss what has been created.
Do you have a favourite light fitting?
There are a couple of fittings I adore. The 265 by Paolo Rizzatto is a wonderful, versatile fitting for placing light where you want it. I also love a humble recessed uplight. Not specific one, but in general a recessed uplight just adds a little bit of drama to a space, which I love.
Tiziana Regalado
Lighting Designer
Tiziana obtained her Part 1 BA(Hons) Architecture degree from the University of Greenwich before working at MSLD. During her time in university, her projects contained playful elements of light to covey drama and transform a space. She has been surrounded by art and design her whole life and has a passion in creating a well designed space for the clients through light.
Why did you become a lighting designer?
I have always wanted to focus on something niche in the construction/design industry and when I fell onto lighting design, it didn’t take long for me to love it. Although it may seem like lighting is just a small part of the design, the impact it can create in the space is huge. I want to be part of that and working towards expanding my knowledge in lighting has been my drive.
What do you like the most about lighting design?
The transformation from the CAD plans to the fittings in situation is the most satisfying part of lighting design. It plays such a big part on creating the right feel to the space and I love that we get to work closely with the clients to design their dream space with only the lighting to play around with.
Do you have a favourite light fitting?
The Perch by Umut Yamac has to be in my top 5. It was the first decorative fitting I saw in person that was I was drawn to. It was then that I saw the potential of lighting and how it can take on different forms and create interest in a space. It’s my favourite fitting to show others that lighting doesn’t just mean downlights but it can also be art and sculpture.