Who can Provide a Lighting Design?

 
 

WHO CAN PROVIDE LIGHTING DESIGN?

Many people can provide a lighting design for a project. it is worth understanding the different pros and cons of different providers, so that you can then make an informed choice on how to proceed. Below are the main providers:

  • Electrician/Contractor

  • Architect/Interior Designer

  • Independent Lighting Designer (this is MSLD)

  • Lighting Supplier

  • Lighting Manufacturer

We suggest you make this choice as early as possible in the project. If it is left to the construction stage, it can lead to delays in the wiring, and increased costs. Whichever solution you choose, try to do it early in the design process.

ELECTRICIAN/CONTRACTOR

Electricians and builders can provide a lighting scheme for a project, and if you are dealing directly with a builder, without using an electrician, then these might be the only professionals involved in the project. They are familiar with installing the common forms of lighting (pendants, wall lights, downlights) and so it can be good to have it under one person’s control. Their experience of the design element is not normally very high, and so often a design will be quite basic, such as a pendant in the middle of the room, or a grid of recessed downlights. The range of lights they will use will be limited to what is available at a wholesaler. Due to the competitive nature of tendering projects and wholesalers, these fittings are normally of the lowest quality, so it might be worth sourcing your own light fittings (have a look at our article on how to find a good light fitting).

  • Pro - They are doing the install so simplifies the project

  • Pro - Probably included in original quote for project

  • Con - Doesn’t have much design knowledge, so will result in pendants/grids of downlights

  • Con - Only supplies from wholesalers, so fitting quality is poor

ARCHTECT/INTERIOR DESIGNER

If you have an architect/interior designer involved then they may be able to advise on the lighting. They will understand the design of the space, and will want to have a lighting scheme to complement that. Generally the architect would be able to advise a little more on integrated lighting, where as an interior designer might focus on decorative lights. The experience and expertise in lighting can vary wildly and it might be something you want to check before engaging the designer/architect. It is also worth noting that lighting is a very fast moving, technical field, so keeping up with the latest lighting trends, and ensuring everything is specified correctly can be very dependent on the designer used. It is worth checking a specification and how much is being left to the contractor.

  • Pro - They are doing the design and will know all the key features and areas which need light

  • Pro - They care about the end environment and how that will feel for the client

  • Pro - lighting design might be included in their design fee

  • Con - might not have the expertise to advise on the lighting, either the technical aspects or the product knowledge

INDEPENDENT LIGHTING DESIGNER

An independent lighting designer (like MS Lighting Design, we will try not to be bias) will provide independent lighting design service, not tied to any manufacturers or suppliers. This has the advantage of getting the best expertise for lighting, since that is all they do. They will know all the latest products, and all the technical elements to do with dimming, colour temperature, etc. A good lighting designer will work as part of the design team, communicating with the client, interior designer, architect, contractor and others to ensure all the lighting is integrated.

Since the lighting designer is not tied to any manufacturers or suppliers, they will not make commission on any of the fittings in the project. This means you will know the right lighting is being specified, rather than something which has a good profit margin.

The big disadvantage of an independent lighting designer is that there will be a fee to pay. This additional cost might make it inaccessible on low budget projects.

  • Pro - Top expert in lighting

  • Pro - Not tied to any manufacturers/suppliers, so not getting commission on fittings specified

  • Con - There is a fee for the lighting design

LIGHTING SUPPLIER

Some lighting suppliers will provide a lighting design service as well to assist their clients in purchasing their lighting. They will generally have a range of lighting manufacturers they supply from or stock, and the designs will use those products. You will be able to get expert advice on those products, and they will be able to ensure that they are supplied with the correct accessories. The design fee will often be at a reduced rate, or incorporated into the lighting supply, so it can be a more economical solution.

Due to the fact they are supplying there can be a clash in interests. For example, there might be a more suitable or cheaper product that they do not supply, and so will not be specified. They might also want to up-sell products on the project, rather than reducing the overall cost.

  • Pro - Design fee will be lower or included in supply

  • Pro - Has expert product knowledge for the lights they sell

  • Con - Limited to the fittings they have in stock or supply

  • Con - They might recommend a less suitable light because it is in stock or they do not supply the more appropriate fitting

LIGHTING MANUFACTURER

Lighting manufacturers will sometimes offer lighting design services. This would be absorbed into the cost of the products, offering a saving, and they will be responsible for all the lighting on the project, simplifying the supply process. The specification would be limited to only products from that manufacturer though, potentially missing out on more suitable lights.

  • Pro - Design fee will be lower or included in the supply

  • Pro - All fittings supplied by one supplier

  • Con - Limited to one manufacturer’s products