The Lighting Design Journey
When it comes to interior design, lighting has powerful influence on how we experience a space. It shapes the tone, highlights design features, tells a brands’ story, and sparks emotion. But behind every bespoke lighting installation is a carefully crafted process. At Northern Lights, with over 35 years of experience designing and manufacturing complex and luxurious lighting solutions, we understand that bringing a vision to life is a journey. Here’s how we do it.
Collaboration at the Core
Every great lighting project begins with collaboration. We partner with interior designers, architects, and procurement specialists to deeply understand the project’s brief, environment, and vision. Lighting isn’t an afterthought – it’s a critical component that needs to considered right at the early stages of every project.
This collaborative approach ensures that every lighting solution not only fits seamlessly into the design but also highlights key features of the space. By working closely with all stakeholders, we save time later in the process, providing solutions that blend style with practicality.
Expertise Under One Roof
Having all our design and manufacturing processes housed under one roof gives us a unique advantage. Our design team collaborates closely with our skilled artisans, fabricators, and wiring experts to ensure seamless communication and execution throughout every stage of the process.
We pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve, researching future trends in materials, technology, and hospitality design to offer innovative solutions that stand the test of time. Decades of shared knowledge within our team ensure every project benefits from expertise at every level.
From Concept to Creation
The design process begins with conceptualisation, where ideas are explored, and solutions start to be developed. We work in many ways with our clients – some provide initial inspiration images or sketches for us to build upon, whereas other clients prefer to talk through their vision verbally.
Once a concept is finalised, the initial drawings are created and during this stage we advise on the best materials and processes to achieve the desired outcome. After approval, highly detailed technical drawings are prepared to be shared with our artisans for each stage of manufacturing.
For complex projects, these drawings can be intricate, detailing every step and technique required to bring the design to life.
Discover more about our lighting design service here, with each stage of the process covered in more detail.
Engineering for Functionality and Safety
Creating bespoke lighting is not just about aesthetics – it must also be functional, safe, and durable. At Northern Lights, our design team includes experienced engineers and designers with product design and engineering qualifications. Their expertise ensures that every fixture is structurally sound and fit for purpose, even in the most demanding environments.
For example, we’ve worked on projects like the Orient Express and Galaxy Yacht, where lights needed to remain stable despite movement.
Another standout project was a 5-metre-long bespoke ceiling light for The Mayfair Townhouse, featuring over 100 hand-blown glass pieces. This required a series of calculations and different load tests to ensure the weight could be taken by the frame, resulting in a design that was not only breathtaking but safe and functional.
Mayfair Townhouse
Studio Frantzen, Harrods
Total Confidence, End-to-End
One of the key benefits of working with Northern Lights is the peace of mind we offer. With in-house control over every stage of the process – from initial concept to final delivery – our clients can trust that their project is in safe hands.
Choosing the right lighting supplier is about more than just product quality; it’s about finding a partner you can rely on to bring your vision to life. At Northern Lights, we’re committed to making the lighting design journey as inspiring and enjoyable as the finished result.
Why Bespoke Lighting Matters
Bespoke lighting goes beyond functionality to tell a story, highlight design details, and create a memorable atmosphere. Whether it’s an intricate chandelier for a luxury hotel or discreet accent lighting for a restaurant, tailored solutions ensure that every element of the design is perfectly aligned with the client’s vision.
Partner with Northern Lights
With over three decades of experience, Northern Lights is the trusted choice for designers and architects who demand more from their lighting. From innovative concepts to expertly crafted installations, we turn your ideas into extraordinary lighting solutions.
Looking for a partner who can bring your project to life? Explore our project portfolio or get in touch with our team to start your lighting design journey today.
