Welcome to the web site of Lighting Design & Consultancy.Human perceptions of spaces, architecture, objects and people are dependent on the design of the lit environment. How light affects the appearance of form, textures, colours, human responses and project values are the key issues of our practice. |  Artist's visualisation of lighting scheme for Redcar victorian clock tower |
Lighting Design & Consultancy was established as an independent professional lighting practice in1988. Our lighting design and advisory service is totally independent with no commercial ties to any manufacturing, distributing or installing third parties and is entirely funded from professional fees. With extensive experience in the design of architectural lighting, the design of church lighting systems is a key specialism. Creative lighting design based on well established technology and sensitive application, are the hallmarks of our contribution to a wide variety of architectural, artistic and innovative interior and exterior lighting projects.
The founder and principal of the practice is lighting consultant Michael Phillips who has over 20 years experience in the lighting industry as a lighting design engineer, including several years employed by Thorn Lighting Ltd and GTE Sylvania Ltd. All design and consultancy services to clients are dealt with personally by Michael Phillips.
The general management and administration of the practice is dealt with by Jaydine Phillips.
* Michael Phillips is a registered incorporated engineer with the Engineering Council.
* In 1977 he became a corporate member of the Illuminating Engineering Society - now the Lighting Division of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and holds the CIBSE Lighting Diploma.
* He is a corporate member and past Regional Chairman of the Institution of Lighting Engineers (ILE) and currently serving on the North East Regional Committee as Education and Membership Officer.
* He has written several articles for national and international publications on lighting for ecclesiastical and heritage buildings.
Lighting Design and Consultancy is registered as an independent lighting consultant with the Institution of Lighting Engineers and carries Professional Indemnity Insurance.
The continuing professional development policy as recommended by the CIBSE and ILE and their Membership Codes of Professional Conduct, form part of the quality procedures of the practice.
2. Lighting design and consultancy services.
Interior lighting design.
The practice offers a specialised lighting design service for all types of churches, historic buildings, museums, art galleries, tourist centres and high quality residential interiors.
Also experienced in lighting surveys, appraisals and design for industry, commerce, retail, hotels, sports and leisure facilities.
Exterior lighting design.
Expertise in exterior architectural and decorative lighting, includes building architecture, bridges, statues, town scapes, parks and gardens, sports and recreation.
Lighting equipment design.
Where suitable standard luminaires or lighting controls are not available, we are able to design and commission from specialist manufacturers, architectural and decorative lighting fittings and control equipment designed to meet specific functional or aesthetic project requirements. Applications include special lighting effects for visitor attractions, models, dioramas, museum displays, works of art, sculptures and unique retail lighting displays.
Consultancy.
Where independent lighting advice is required to resolve a specific lighting problem or where a lighting project requires a unique or special approach, our knowledge of the lighting industry and technical expertise are available under confidential and exclusive contract arrangements.
3. LDC design philosophy and project experience.
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Ancient and modern church buildings.
The design of lighting for churches requires a particular sensitivity for the building's architecture, furnishings and the liturgical use of the various spaces. Traditional and modern forms of worship require an understanding how the designed visual experience can contribute to the particular style of worship. The practice has a unique experience of a wide variety of church lighting projects for all the main denominations of Christian churches. We are pleased to offer initial advice where possible without charge and welcome enquiries from prospective clients or their architects. Recent projects include: Grade 1 listed buildings of various architectural styles including saxon, classical, gothic, victorian and modern new build.
|  St Aidan's Church, Hartlepool - nave altar, chancel and sanctuary |
 Discrete lighting of works of art |
Museums, art galleries, visitor centres and tourist attractions.
Technically competent design coupled with creativity are the fundamentals for success both aesthetically and economically. An independent approach permits freedom from commercial constraints. Existing equipment can often be upgraded and used to maximise financial resources. Public safety, energy conservation and maintenance economics are also important key issues. Recent projects include: Hartlepool Historic Quay, White Scar Caves, Northumberland National Parks, Yorkshire and Humberside Arts.
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Historic and listed buildings.
Sympathetic lighting design with a detailed specification for the implementation of the works are required to ensure that conservation issues are properly catered for. Appreciation for aesthetic appearance and discretion with the location of lighting equipment, require a combination of artistic awareness and technical expertise. Applying these skills with care and respect for valuable heritage national assets has been a primary function of our practice for many years. Recent projects include: Grade 1 listed buildings including Auckland Castle - Palace of the Bishop of Durham, ancient churches, period residences. |
 St Paul's, Jarrow: sympathetic lighting |
 Purpose design low-energy Victorian style chandelier |
Private residences.
Careful attention to meeting client's specific needs and budgets are essential, where the choice of lighting usually has a major affect on personal living spaces and treasured objects. We take the same extreme care with the lighting of only one painting or the complete lighting installation design and project management for a large private house or estate. Recent projects include: Large country houses, studios, themed rooms, garden lighting, tennis courts, swimming pools, stables, security lighting. Personal references available. |
Hotels and public houses.
Traditional decorative, modern and low-energy lighting design for all hotel facilities including high specification conference lighting and controls. Lighting design for new build and fast track refurbishment of public houses.
Recent projects include: Low energy lighting consultancy for major brewery company, lighting design commissions for independent and international hotel groups.
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Exterior architectural lighting.
Awareness of the importance of the night-time environment is increasing, particularly with the coming millennium celebrations. Town centres, parks and gardens, church buildings, bridges and monuments can all benefit from creative lighting. The use of public spaces and facilities are also increased with the added feeling of security good lighting provides. Recent projects include: Award winning gatehouse/clock tower, cathedral, architectural lighting of bridges, building facades, churches, statues and sculptures.
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 St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh |
Commercial interiors.
High quality lighting adds perceived value to buildings and organisations and their business or commercial activities. Creative design can enhance human experiences and alter reactions and activity performances.
Recent projects include: Office reception areas, conference and boardrooms, retail showrooms and display areas.
Industrial premises and special processes.
Well designed lighting improves efficiency through increased productivity, staff comfort and safety. Demanding or unusual visual tasks require precise lighting techniques to reveal defects or aid production tasks.
Recent projects include: Health and Safety at Work reports, lighting for hazardous areas, chemical works, industrial processes and manufacturing.
For fast efficient lighting advice:-
E-mail: ldc@lightingconsultants.co.uk
Your enquiry will be dealt with promptly and a fixed price inclusive consultancy fee quoted. Subject to your acceptance, our advice will be available to you by return using one of the above media. A fee invoice will then be issued as agreed .
For larger project assignments more formal contract agreements are available with detailed structured fees appropriate to the project.
Drawing files may be sent in AutoCAD .dxf or EasyCAD .fcd or Evolution Exchange .exf formats using E-mail or by post on standard format discs.
5. General advice on appointing a lighting consultant.
Choice of consultant.
Many types of companies describe themselves as "lighting consultants" or offer lighting consultancy advice. Some offer such advice as a means to secure orders for products or installation services directly or indirectly associated with the sale of lighting equipment.
Usually this advice is offered free and without obligation and may be of value, provided the client is able to evaluate the design/advice offered.
Generally, lighting distributors and electrical contractors simply do not carry the necessary qualified staff to undertake professional lighting design and simply pass on clients enquiries to a lighting manufacturer.
This "third party consultancy" places the client in a difficult position in securing a proper evaluation of the equipment offered and often results in inappropriate equipment being installed, this can lead to expensive legal procedures, as clients attempt to redress the situation.
Reputable lighting equipment manufacturers can usually be relied upon to provide technically sound advice and design using their own equipment. They may not however, be able to or willing to make alternative proposals when their competitors offer a better or more appropriate product.
There is usually no easy way of evaluating the quality of such consultancy/design advice, unless the individual designer concerned is able to indicate his/her professional qualifications or you have an independent and competent source of lighting advice.
If you decide on an independent consultant make sure the consultant can provide the type of advice or service you require.
Independent professional lighting consultants do not sell, distribute or install lighting equipment.
They do not receive any inducements, commissions or other remuneration from third parties except for their fees, which are charged to their clients.
Professional lighting consultants usually ensure that prospective clients are fully aware of fee implications before any chargeable work is undertaken. This is in the interests of both prospective client and consultant.
It is quite normal for a client to expect a fee structure and an outline indication of the approach to the assignment to be provided by the consultant prior to any financial commitment.
Professional lighting consultants will usually be a member of a professional lighting institution such as the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Lighting Division and hold the CIBSE Lighting Diploma. They may alternatively be a corporate member of the Institution of Lighting Engineers or a corporate member of the International Association of Lighting Designers.
Designatory letters for a suitably qualified lighting consultant would be likely to include one or more of the following - MILE, IALD, ACIBSE Lighting Diploma. There may be others where particular specialist lighting expertise is offered or where the consultant is working internationally.
Some lighting consultants may also have engineering qualifications such as Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.) or Incorporated Engineer (I.Eng.) which may allow a broader involvement for larger projects. This could include obtaining tenders for the works, awarding of contracts, supervising the works, verifying contractor payments and formal acceptance of the completed installation on your behalf .
Additionally, and of at least of equal importance, the lighting consultant should have experience in the type of lighting projects for which you are seeking consultancy services. A project history and client list with contact details should demonstrate areas of relevant expertise. Consultants will usually furnish you with this more detailed information during or after an initial meeting and prior to any formal appointment.
Make sure the contract of engagement covers all relevant points.
A simple exchange of letters will usually be sufficient to form a contract of engagement. The client's brief should clearly state what is expected from the consultant's assignment. It may be that only a basic report is sufficient.
For larger, more detailed assignments, a structured approach perhaps requiring interim reports, will allow the client to assess the value of the consultant's work as the project proceeds.
It is normal for the consultant to provide some assistance with the brief as his/her specialist knowledge is often required to determine the most appropriate approach.
The consultant should be informed of other parties with whom he will be expected to refer or communicate during the assignment.
Fees and terms of payment should be clearly stated.
We hope this introduction through our web page has been useful to you and look forward to your more specific enquiries.
Lighting Design and Consultancy, Newcombe House, 21, Market Place, Wolsingham, Co. Durham, England, DL13 3AB.
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