The importance of a lighting plan… before you go to tender

… and why not to let your architect do it! 

Okay, disclaimer, some architects will be brilliant at lighting plans, but the chances are (and many that i know, will admit this themselves) it’s not their area of expertise.

Architects vary wildly in their skill sets, some have incredible knowledge of materials, of building regulations, and drainage details. But when it comes to the positioning of spot lights, 1000mm centres will be as creative as it gets.

Appointing an interior designer in the early stages of your project will allow all of the smaller details of your project to be considered, some of which may not be picked up on by your architect.

Example Lighting Plan

An interior designer will consider lighting at all levels, the table lamps (these can be put on a circuit of their own to be switched at the wall), LED in cupboard lighting (on PIR sensor), wall lights, and ceiling lights, either flush mount or recessed spots.

Having all of this information as early as possible ensures the contractor doesn’t waste your money on ‘cheap’ fittings that will need replacing, and you don’t end up chasing the wall to put in wall lights later down the line. Perhaps needing to also replace the switch plate to accomodate more circuits.