I am an architectural lighting designer. The most common reaction I get when someone hears my job title is first a look of understanding when they hear the word “architectural” followed by clear confusion at the rest of the words “lighting designer”. While my role in the construction world is little known, it is an important piece to realizing a successfully built project.
What is lighting design and why do you need a lighting designer? Lighting design is the art of enhancing an architectural space through the use of light and control. When used properly, lighting has the ability to not only serve the user’s needs but also to create an emotional reaction to the environment.
A lighting designer takes the important pieces of the project including the scope and specific tasks for each space and creates a detailed plan that enhances the built environment. This includes a plan for the placement of the lighting, specific fixtures to be used as well as coordinating any special architectural details that will bring a special element to the spaces.
The importance of having a specialized lighting professional on a project is to have someone who is dedicated to solving the problems inherent to lighting a space. The most successful projects happen when a collaborative team comes together with a skilled architect at the helm. These days, lighting technology is constantly evolving and growing in terms of capability and sources. One of the pieces that a dedicated lighting designer brings to the table is the ability to stay on top of these changes and to understand how they impact the design.
I am Shanna Snow, an Architectural Lighting Designer, and the owner of Shanna Snow Design. Follow along to see how I use my passion for light and love of architecture to build a brighter tomorrow.
