Choosing the Right Light Begins with a Simple Question

I've noticed that most of our projects begin with a simple question. "What do you think would be the best lighting choice for this room, project, space etc..?" Or, "Can you take this shape and make it taller, smaller, thinner, wider?" Our answer? "Yes, we can." But better than that we ask more questions back. We take time to visit the space or look at architectural plans to really understand the use of the space and what type of lighting will best be needed. Will the lighting need to have structural integrity? Is the lighting ornamental or only functional? Mood lighting or task? With each answer to our question we come closer to a solution for our client and in the end an ideal lighting fixture that not only fits the space proportionally but adds style as well. We met with architect Jack Franzen recently for a project at Southport Congregational Church, host and recipient of the popular fundraiser, "A Room with A View" where the weekend-long design event features, a gala party, luncheons, noted interior designers author signings and over 30 home decor vendors showcasing their creations. Our task was to create lighting fixtures for the Church's Fellowship Hall, a stunning rectangular room with grand windows fitted with antique glass. In our first meeting with Jack and the Church committee the meeting began with, "We're looking for a pendant light about this big, what do you think?" We agreed that a pendant would be ideal but not just one. To complement the windows and traditional styling of the room, we knew that our pendant lantern designs would work beautifully here. From our permanent design collection we adapted the lantern shape to a proportion of 48" high and 24 x 24. To give the room a well-lit glow we suggested eight of these lanterns to make two sets of four that would hang proportionally over the rectangular space. Finally we chose an antique patina that gave the fixtures an elegant look. We were able to craft the lighting pieces in time for their upcoming fundraiser, next week and the Church committee and Jack couldn't be happier. The room is complete and clearly our answer was the right one for their question.