Commercial Lighting Process

We bring together the initial ideas and develop a clear lighting strategy for the project, exploring different approaches for review with you, your client and the wider design team.

• Mood boards exploring layers of light, character and atmosphere
• Visualisations, renders and/or sketches to communicate the concept
• Alternative lighting approaches and options for review
• Initial lighting calculations to confirm feasibility and performance
• Preliminary budgeting to keep the design aligned with project expectations

Thinking about lighting in three dimensions allows you and your client to quickly understand how spaces will feel and behave under different lighting scenes, throughout the day and into the evening.

We refine the chosen concept, translating the design intent into a coordinated lighting scheme. Luminaire selections, locations, lighting effects and controls are developed alongside the architecture, interiors and landscape, allowing the design team to review and sign off the scheme before detailed documentation begins.

• Scaled lighting plans in DWG or BIM with detailed notation
• Developed architectural and decorative lighting specifications
• Lighting grouping, zoning and circuiting
• Review of window treatments and daylight management
• Coordination with the architectural and interior design
• Supplier and design team meetings

We resolve the approved lighting scheme in detail, coordinating luminaires, locations, controls and interfaces with the architectural, interior, electrical and landscape documentation. The aim is to remove ambiguity before construction, ensuring the lighting intent can be accurately priced, installed and commissioned.

• Detailed drawings for integrated lighting
• Full architectural specifications including part numbers and supplier details
• Review of all decorative lighting
• Lighting calculations and council submittals
• Final budget to ensure project is within allowances
• Lighting controls specification and schedule

• NZ building code 3604, NZ Standards 1158, 4282 and 60598, as well as any local by-laws are being met.

We stay involved throughout procurement and construction to protect the lighting design and help ensure the specified quality, performance and design intent are maintained.

Being fully independent, we can objectively assess alternative fittings, pricing and lead times without compromising the original lighting design intent.

• Final lighting and installation specifications
• Independent review of substitutions and alternatives
• Review of tender returns
• Technical support during procurement and construction
• Scene-setting and lighting control schedules
• Coordination with suppliers, contractors and the design team

Dark Arts never adds a margin to light fittings. Our priority is simply to achieve the best lighting outcome within the project budget.

Issues inevitably arise during construction that require quick thinking and practical problem-solving. Ongoing lighting design oversight helps avoid mistakes that can compromise the design or lead to costly alterations and delays.

Good lighting relies on the detail of its installation. Our involvement during construction helps protect the design intent while resolving the practical challenges that inevitably arise on site.

During construction, our involvement can include:

• Responding to site queries and providing practical solutions as issues arise
• Meeting with contractors to ensure the design intent, scope and installation requirements are clearly understood
• Reviewing fabrication and shop drawings from kitchen designers, joiners and other trades where lighting is integrated
• Reviewing mock-ups, integrated lighting details and decorative lighting installations
• Tracking changes and updating as-built drawings and specifications to provide an accurate record of the completed lighting installation