Lighting design tailored to you
No two projects are the same, and neither is our approach. Whether you need guidance from the very beginning or support through to project completion, our flexible services are designed to meet you where you are.
If you’re considering a project and would like design fee information or simply want to understand how we work, we’d love to hear from you.
We also provide on-site consultations for refurbishment projects, offering practical advice and expert guidance to help you understand what’s possible and how we can assist.
Phase #1
Dream Stage
Thoughtfully integrated lighting elevates architecture. Engaging a lighting designer early in the process allows us to shape the atmosphere, functionality, and visual experience of each space, resulting in a more cohesive and enduring design outcome.
During our initial consultation, we will:
- Meet with you at our studio, or via teams to discuss your plans and aspirations for the project
- Review architectural and interior design packages
- Walk you through our services and tailor a scope that best suits your needs
- Explore design inspirations, key motifs, and the personality you want your spaces to express
- Provide a detailed fee proposal and quotation within one week
Phase #2
Concept
At the concept stage, we take the time to understand your project and develop a bespoke lighting design concept that enhances and elevates your home. Through carefully curated visuals and design presentations, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the design intent, helping you confidently envision the finished result.
Deliverables include:
- A bespoke lighting mood board
- High-quality visualisations and renders demonstrating lighting effects within your space
- Comprehensive scaled lighting plans with annotations
- A decorative lighting overview and recommendations
- Detailed cost estimates by lighting layer, allowing flexibility and budget control
Phase #3
Developed Design
We take your design concepts and personal preferences and turn them into practical, buildable lighting solutions. This includes scaled lighting plans, detailed lighting specifications, zoning layouts, and circuiting plans that support both aesthetics and functionality.
- Open architectural lighting specifications that allow you to go to market
- Decorative lighting options
- Revised lighting plans with legend to correlate with specifications
- Lighting grouping and circuiting
- Review of window treatments and daylight management
Phase #4
Detail
We create detailed drawings and coordinate with the project team to ensure the lighting design is fully integrated into the build. By completing and consolidating all project information, we deliver a comprehensive package that gives you everything needed to move into construction smoothly and efficiently.
- Full lighting specifications with part numbers and supplier details
- Revised lighting plans including detail drawings for integration into architecture, landscape and joinery
- Lighting controls and switching methods
- Supplier meetings to coordinate supply and tailor any customisation
- Budget for all architectural and decorative lighting so you can track the lighting cost from one place
Phase #5
Tender
At Dark Arts, we don’t profit from the supply of light fittings. Instead, we design your project and then leverage our industry relationships to help you purchase directly from manufacturers or access discounted rates. The savings achieved often cover the investment in our design services.
We also provide:
- Independent review of alternative products and proposals
- Tender analysis to identify inflated margins and unnecessary installation costs
- Design refinements to align with evolving budgets and construction programmes
- Easy-to-follow scene-setting guides for your completed lighting scheme
Phase #6
Construction
At Dark Arts, effective project coordination and problem-solving are integral to our approach. Construction projects often present unexpected challenges, and our team works closely with contractors, consultants, and suppliers to ensure issues are resolved efficiently, maintaining quality, programme, and design intent throughout the delivery process.
- Answering queries from site and advice
- Meetings with contractors to ensure they fully understand the scope
- Reviewing drawings from fabricators (kitchen designers, joinery etc.)
- Review of mock-ups and decorative lighting installation
- Periodic attendance on site as required
- Tracking as-built drawings and specifications
Phase #7
Handover
This is where the magic happens. Once the artwork is hung and the furniture is in place, Dark Arts returns to fine-tune the lighting, shaping each space with carefully focused fittings and bespoke lighting scenes.
- Review of the completed installation
- Lighting focus to artwork, furniture and architectural features
- Programming and refinement of lighting scenes
- Evening scene-setting sessions to perfect the ambience
The final touch of the project, and often the most rewarding, when everything comes together in its best light.