Interior Design Yearbook professional edition

mediaone ®

2017

INTERIORDESIGN

2017

Y E A R B O O K

Edited by Jade Tilley Foreword by Susie Rumbold, President, BIID

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The lighting industry nowis far more competitive,which is an advantage for

end users, architecture anddesign, and for the lighting designindustry as a platform foropportunity. We are reallystarting to come of age;residential developers, retailers,those managing hospitality are nolonger accepting lightingsolutions as bolt-ons and whilethis might mean additionalbudget, there is a realunderstanding of how light cantransform a space. Historically, there has been askills gap at the top of theindustry but due to this nascentindustry becoming moremainstream the gap is being filledby extremely creative, design-ledand even science and tech-led

An award-winning lighting designer, with over 18 years’ experience, Paul established Nulty+ in 2011to explore and push the boundaries in lighting design. He has worked on a variety of prestigious andaward winning projects across many sectors, including commercial, residential, retail and hospitalityand combines a creative edge with an eye for detail and an understanding of how lighting impactsatmosphere, mood and ultimately behaviour. A theatrical lighting background gives him a uniqueappreciation of the relationship between space and light. Here, Paul talks about the coming of agefor the lighting industry.

Trend: LightingBy Paul NultyFounder, Nulty+

Above: Residential interior lighting

PAUL NULTY

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LIGHTING

people who feel that lightingdesign is an increasing area ofopportunity. It’s an exciting timeto experiment and forgepartnerships with otherindustries.In terms of luminaries we’re notreally seeing anything new.There has been a trend over thepast two or three years for LEDRetrofit bulbs matching those ofincandescent quality, giving theold-style bulbs a similar qualityto current light technology.Visually, influenced by the trendfor minimalism and theatmosphere of Victorianindustrial, the incandescent lamphas become a staple, Hipsterhang-outs inspired by theManhattan bare brick, loft andwarehouse scene are still tappinginto the popular lighting look. It is through technology that theindustry is experiencing the mostchange. Technology is embracingthe ‘internet of things’ and ourdaily tasks have been transformedinto light controlledcommunications between us andwhat we own, such as turning onheating while not at home andreceiving communication fromthe fridge that we’ve run out ofbutter. Light is also embracingthis technology and can be usedfor security, guidance andpersonalisation by individuallyaddressing and controllingluminaires how we want.The tech sector is now looking tothe lighting industry to helprealise new techniques that willchange the way we live. Whilethis is fundamentally exciting forthe industry, lighting designersare still committed to educatingthe wider architectural anddesign industry on the power oflight and its effect on space,surfaces and materials andultimately mood and behaviour.The correct term for what we doshould be light and dark

designers because we understandthe impact of light and shadowon textures around us. Light andmateriality go hand in glove andby collaborating with interiordesigners and architects we candemonstrate how certain spaces,surfaces and materials areperceived in various degrees oflight and dark. One of the most significantchanges within the commercialoffice sector is the developmentof flexible working. Much oftoday’s office space is open planwith collaborative working spacespositioned next to desks anddesks running alongside breakoutareas for relaxing. Light has cometo replace the partition wall withshifts in tonality differentiatingone space from another. An increase in agile working hascreated a new type of hospitality,including members clubs andcafés that now need toaccommodate daytime workers aswell as night-time revellers withinone space across 24 hours. To dothis successfully the materials,walls and wider design of theinterior needs to respond to theatmosphere. It is clever lightingthat can enliven a space for a

specific period of time beforetransforming that same space intoone of intimacy without a needto change any of the furnishings. We all know lighting needs to below energy, affordable and meetsustainability regulations. Thedifference today is it’s no longersimply about sustainability butabout ensuring light is humancentric, and this means exploringthe impact of lighting on peopleand remedying any negativeeffects. The key word iswellbeing, especially in thecommercial office sector, and oneof the most effective ways tostabilise mood and behaviour isthrough the right lighting.As designers we need to reviseour approach towards lightingand embrace new technologiesthat can remedy theshortcomings of some light andlamps sources. It will require ahigher degree of thought,creativity and detailing but this iswhy we are lighting designers. The challenge to use,revolutionise, and improve onwhat we have already achieved iswhat we do best. The result isthat we will continue to shapemood and atmosphere across

Above: Hemsley + Hemsley, Selfridges.Image courtesy of James French

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every sector, tuning events intopositive experiences and in a waythat is sustainable and affordable.A vital aspect of that innovationis to always be looking at the waypeople use light and dark andhow they respond to it.My advice for designers andlighting designers collaboratingtogether involves a balance ofunderstanding and appreciationfor both sides of the profession.To say don’t be precious soundsdismissive of the incredible talentand hard work that designershave and undertake; it is notsurprising they should feelprotective of their work and notwant the ‘lighting designer’ tostart tweaking. But the aim of alllighting designers is to ensure thespecific details designers want tobring to life are done so at everyminute of the day. As the sunrises and falls and night timedescends, shadow and light willtransform a space; it is our role toensure that the ideal is retainedthroughout.It is the role of architecture anddesign (and that includes lightingdesign) to reinforce positiveemotions across the brands andsectors of our clients andultimately support their bottomline. This openness to collaboratefrom the outset and have a two-way discussion means we canmake all the tools we haveavailable work harder for us.I would also advise them to getexcited; lighting design will neverbe a competition to interiordesign, we are partners that layera space with mood. By working incollaboration with interiordesigners from early on in thedesign process, clients are gettinga more holistic interior designconcept.Light’s impact on behaviour ismore recognised than ever, andthis is being understood across allthe sectors and will continue to

be prevalent in 2017. Retailers are aware they need tooffer their customers somethingdifferent if they are to competewith online shopping and nowseek to deliver a brandexperience to get shoppers backto the high street. This is exactlywhere retailers have theadvantage; the opportunity tocreate an emotional connectionbetween customer and product.Today’s customers don’t want afunctional space that soullesslydisplays merchandise, they wantto experience the brand and feelconnected; the result is thatlighting is now regarded as aneffective branding tool. Hospitality is still designing withextravagance in mind with anincreasing number of super-designed bars where more moneyis spent on light fittings and theoverall lighting design of spaces.Hospitality owners and interiordesigners are aware that lightingis one of the most influentialfeatures in this type of design,that it creates atmosphere anddictates behaviour and ultimately

increases dwell time ofcustomers. Within commercial office, wherewellbeing is at the forefront ofemployee retention, architecturallighting is used to createpermeability and a sense of spaceto make the workplace a betterand ultimately happier place tobe. Today’s employers are all tooaware that a ‘softer’ moreaesthetic surrounding increasesstaff retention and well-being andultimately benefits their bottomline in enhanced employeeproductivity.I have always maintained thatevery end user has the power tobe a lighting designer andimprove their own spaces throughthe clever use of illumination. Asthe size of our homes shrink, thisskill is even more valuable.Today’s home design tends to beminimalist and lighting shouldmimic this to make the designcompatible and to increase thesense of space.

www.nultylighting.co.uk

Above: Berghaus HQ. Image courtesy of James French

PAUL NULTY

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