Why You Need a Lighting Designer
(and Why Whatsthis Studios
is Your Best Bet!)
Designing a space is about more than walls and floors. It’s about how everything feels the moment someone steps inside. Lighting is the invisible architect that shapes mood, guides the eye, and makes any space shine. Here’s why working with a lighting consultant can be a game-changer—and how Whatsthis Studios brings that magic into every project.
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Light Meets Purpose:
More than Illumination
Lighting isn’t just about seeing—it’s about experiencing. Each space has a unique energy, whether it’s a home, a retail store, or a restaurant, and lighting defines how that energy resonates. Lighting consultants understand how to make a space feel warm, intimate, dramatic, uniform, calm or exciting by adjusting color temperature, intensity, focal points and placement.
Whatsthis Studios dives into the purpose of each project, blending artistry with technical expertise to bring out the best in every space. From Using advanced softawares like Dialux, Relux and Agi32 to determine Lux levels to specifying fixtures with required CRI (Color Rendering Index) and TM30 standards, we ensure colors appear true to life, emphasizing textures and materials without overpowering the scene. Think of lighting as the brushstroke that paints the mood—our team makes sure each stroke feels right.
Precision in Placement:
The Right Light, Right Where You Need It
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The beauty of lighting is in the details—sometimes, it’s about a gentle wash of light on a wall; other times, it’s about the perfect pool of brightness over a table. Lighting placement is an art that requires precision, from calculating beam angles and spacing to knowing the impact of each fixture on the surrounding architecture.
Whatsthis Studios specializes in placement that balances ambiance with functionality. Using photometric analysis and our understanding of various beam spreads, intensities, angle of incidence, we ensure each light serves a purpose, whether it’s highlighting architectural details or setting a relaxed mood in a lounge. For us, it’s not just about placing a light; it’s about placing the right light for every space and purpose.
3
Technical Challenges, Creative Solutions
Every project has its quirks: perhaps it’s a ceiling filled with ducts or the need to balance natural and artificial light without glare. A lighting consultant can anticipate these challenges, bringing creative solutions to technical problems and ensuring seamless integration with other design elements.
At Whatsthis Studios, we excel in overcoming obstacles. From accommodating duct-heavy ceilings to designing responsive lighting that adapts to a massive LED façade in real-time, we love a challenge. By working closely with the Architects/ Interior Designers, Site supervisors, other consultants on board & contractors we resolve any challenges that come our way
Adding Architectural Value:
Lighting as Design
In the hands of a consultant, lighting becomes an architectural element in its own right. It’s not about sticking lights in a room; it’s about enhancing the structure, drawing attention to key details, and complementing the architectural language. Thoughtfully designed lighting brings depth and dimension, transforming spaces from functional to extraordinary.
Whatsthis Studios treats lighting as a key design material. Working closely with architects, we find ways to integrate light into the structure itself, using indirect and architectural lighting techniques that make spaces feel cohesive and immersive. By playing with contrast and shadow, we create a layered experience that draws the eye and engages the senses, all while maintaining the integrity of the architecture.
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Beauty with Efficiency:
Maximizing Mood & Minimizing Cost
A well-lit space shouldn’t drain the grid. The best lighting is about harmony: bringing warmth and drama to a space while minimizing energy consumption. Consultants select fixtures, dimming systems, and lighting layouts that not only complement the aesthetics but also support long-term efficiency.
At Whatsthis Studios, we integrate advanced control systems like DALI and Bluetooth mesh technology to ensure every fixture is as energy-conscious as it is beautiful. Whether it’s low-energy LED solutions or IoT-based systems that adjust lighting in response to occupancy or daylight, we help our clients achieve energy savings without compromising on design.
Tailored to Your Budget:
The Right Light for Every Price Point
Great lighting design doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. While some solutions may require investment, a lighting consultant knows how to make the most of any budget. From selecting affordable fixture brands that don’t compromise on quality to designing in a way that maximizes natural light, we create lighting plans that respect your budget.
At Whatsthis Studios, we’re committed to finding solutions that fit your budget without sacrificing vision. Our expertise allows us to specify the right products, whether it’s high-efficiency LED strips for accent lighting or flexible track lighting that adjusts with your space. Every project can have an elevated design, no matter the budget.