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Christopher Thompson, Principal - Founder“At Studio Lux, we push the design envelope and find an aesthetic that works in conjunction with the overarching design principles, marrying the practicality of the construction with the client’s vision,” says Christopher Thompson, Principal – Founder, Studio Lux, LLC.
Municipalities and jurisdictions often control how much light can be introduced in a space by implementing strict codes that limit the maximum watts per square foot. Meanwhile, clients require sufficient illumination, distinctive design, and budget-sensitive options.
“A lighting design that meets the needs of clients but is also in compliance with the codes is paramount,” says Thompson.
Studio Lux addresses this challenge by designing high-efficacy fixtures, producing maximum light with minimum resource consumption. An in-depth understanding of existing and upcoming products gained by frequent visits to trade shows allows the company to quickly identify appropriate fixtures for the job at hand based on customer specifications and budget.
In residential projects, Studio Lux is often tasked with the design of illumination systems for high-value artwork. Working with clients who have deep knowledge of lighting principles, it pays attention not only to the amount of light provided but also to the color and quality. Clients trust Studio Lux to identify the best artificial lighting system that enhances or mimics natural light, changing according to circadian rhythms observed in nature. A thorough education process is completed at the end of the installation to ensure clients have granular control over their sophisticated system.
The project was a success from an aesthetic standpoint and satisfied every historic preservation criterion while also helping the foundation reduce their electrical consumption.
Engagements typically involve one to two years of ongoing collaboration with the client. Acting as lighting consultants, the team uses its vast and deep skillsets to attend to every detail, including design aesthetic and calendar constraints. An extensive pre-design process helps identify and strategize for potential obstacles before construction begins. During construction, its representatives constantly communicate with the team to ensure that the installation of fixtures is appropriately integrated with the larger process.
Fusing technical proficiency with the artistry of design, Studio Lux designs custom solutions for architectural lighting challenges.
One such challenge arose when the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation decided to update the lighting on their Taliesin West campus in Scottsdale, Arizona. The property’s status as a national historic landmark presented distinct challenges, requiring the company to work around various constraints while under constant outside attention. Studio Lux was tasked with introducing efficient LED lighting without sacrificing the looks and effects of incandescent light bulbs. Working pro bono, the team developed a fixture vocabulary, replacing every lamp throughout the campus.
At Studio Lux, we push the design envelope and find an aesthetic that works in conjunction with the overarching design principles, marrying the practicality of the construction with the client’s vision
With ongoing projects in Seattle and Santa Monica, Studio Lux continues to deliver remarkable results to clients with its eye for detail. The dark sky initiative, which encourages the use of full-cutoff fixtures that cast little or no light upward in public areas, is applicable to most of these projects. The company is working around restrictions to ensure compliance without losing sight of the customer’s needs. Backed by its impeccable track record in architectural lighting design, it is prepared to take on the challenges of any project, delivering first-rate results to its valued clients.
