You are exploring the website of a professional lighting designer, and at some point the question will pop into your head, “Do I need to hire a professional lighting designer?” It is also likely that question will be followed by even more questions – all in your quest to either confirm or deny your need to seek professional help.
Here, we will explore some of those questions to help you better understand the role a lighting designer can play in your life and your spaces.
What size does my project need to be?
The size of your project should never be the deciding factor for hiring a professional. Professional lighting designers are driven by the desire to provide better lighting for everyone and whether you are considering lighting for a single piece of artwork, a room in your home, an entire estate, or a commercial high rise – a lighting designer can provide great advice.
How much money do I need for good lighting?
It doesn’t matter what the balance of your bank account is – it is difficult work to earn any amount of money. A professional lighting designer will recognize that and will work with you to realize your lighting dreams on your budget. A professional lighting designer does not “buy and sell” lighting products – they work only for you. That means that your lighting professional will not be pushing you to buy the most expensive lights for your space. In fact, when you have a fixed budget for lighting, you will need a lighting professional to help you get the best quality light for that amount of money.
I already have a big team, do I really need to add another professional?
When you are managing a project – be it a multi-building renovation at a resort, the construction of a municipal park, or building your first dream home – it is natural that you would start by trying to do something yourself and avoid the hiring of yet another professional to an already crowded team.
But, realistically, how many things can you efficiently do yourself?
A professional lighting designer, does only lighting design. The professional is up to date on today’s lighting options and decisions – and can speed decision making and smooth the bumps commonly encountered while integrating lighting into a construction project.
The benefit of a lighting designer can even be realized when your team contains engineers and architects. The professional lighting designer focuses only on lighting and their decision time is not split between lighting and other systems – yielding the best lighting solutions. Professional lighting designers have a lot of experience working in and coordinating with multiple team members. Your job will be easier – and there will be one less thing to worry about when you include the lighting designer.
What should I expect for a contract with a lighting designer?
Like a lot of professional service providers, contracts with professional lighting designers can be an hourly rate or a fixed rate proposal for an agreed upon scope of work. If you are managing a large construction project, or one that is predictable in terms of what work will be required – it is best to request a fixed rate proposal. In these cases, the designer has a good understanding of the requirements to complete the project and having the proposal will provide you good information for budgeting. If you are embarking on an unusual project – in scope or schedule – or, if you have very limited tasks that you would like assistance with, you may want to consider an hourly rate proposal. This will allow you to better control how much or how little a lighting designer is contributing to your project. In summary – a professional lighting designer is dedicated to helping you achieve the best lighting for your project, your contract arrangement should reflect that dedication to you and your project.
These are the questions most commonly asked by our clients, but it is likely that all of your questions are not answered here. A lighting designer can help you realize lighting that will improve your life. With so much to gain – you should contact us and ask your specific questions. We love to talk to people who are looking for good lighting.