As 2021 draws to a close, we look back at yet another unusual year. 2020 had been dominated by a sense of isolation for so many of us, and while this past year saw a return to a more social world, it has perhaps not been a complete return to normalcy. Still, there has been plenty to appreciate in our world of architectural lighting design. In this month’s blog, two of our designers share what has brought them joy in 2021. From fixtures to trends to gatherings, let’s take a look at a few of their favorite things.
Kelly Catalano (Lighting Designer)
Working on the restoration of a historic library
The early sense of anticipation on a project felt particularly exciting this year: “I loved doing the initial site visit for this library, which has been abandoned for decades. The building is falling apart but has great character and beautiful architectural details. I’m excited to see it restored to its original glory and return to being a space that can be enjoyed by the public.”
In-person events
While technology certainly facilitated communication around the world throughout the pandemic, online gatherings couldn’t quite replace the feeling of getting together with friends, colleagues, and peers face-to-face: “This year it was great to be able to meet with colleagues in person again! I enjoyed attending my first IES event in over a year and watching [Design Principal] Erin [Held] give a tour of her Illumination Award winning work at Union Station.”
Taking friends to see some finished CharterSills projects
“This year I was able to take friends to see some of our completed projects including the Hoxton Hotel, Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Union Station Great Hall, and the Kovler Lion House at Lincoln Park Zoo.”
Their tour covered projects completed around 2019, including a major renovation of the Marriott and a brand-new hotel in the Hoxton, which features a basement speakeasy called Lazy Bird plus Stephanie Izard’s rooftop restaurant, Cabra—both spaces also lit by CharterSills. Kelly’s friends especially loved the dark cozy vibe of Lazy Bird. They found all of the spaces inviting and beautiful, and Kelly had a great time explaining the design process to people who don’t know much about or typically pay attention to lighting.
Chris Lewis (Project Lighting Designer)
An augmented reality app
Light Architect, from Cooper Lighting, allows designers to visualize on their phone what a particular light fixture would look like in an existing space, and Chris is very excited to give it a try. “I really find it interesting and believe it is the future for existing renovation projects.”
A light fixture search engine
LightAZ.com is a great resource for finding light fixtures when doing research.
Flexibility in fixture features
“My favorite trends in LED lighting are the continuation of minimalizing fixture sizes without sacrificing output as well as providing maximum flexibility of replacing optics, glare accessories, and other accessories while in the field. That flexibility is key to providing the right lighting solution due to unforeseen circumstances and client decision changes.”
Products that offer adaptability
“One product that comes in handy when dealing with very shallow ceiling depth restrictions is the Element Lighting Ultra shallow housings. At only 2” in depth, these housings have saved our design layouts many times when the contractor has found conflicts above the ceiling when tearing out.”
“Another product I really like is this mini trackhead from Targetti. They connect to the track using only magnets and are more powerful than expected.”
“Lutron Pico wireless controls, with their Vive control system, have worked well, especially on existing projects. The keypads are battery powered and can be mounted anywhere within wireless reach of wireless hub, offering flexibility in unforeseen circumstances, existing wiring restrictions, or client decision changes.”
With new projects on the horizon, new products and innovations to try out, and more opportunities to gather with our friends, family, colleagues, clients, and fellow designers, we are looking forward to a bright 2022!
At CharterSills, we believe that when lighting is designed correctly, it can add dimension to the simplest of spaces. Lighting can turn an ordinary space into a work of art. Whatever design challenges clients present, CharterSills responds with a solution that exceeds their expectations. Contact us today at (312) 759-5909 or by email at info@chartersills.com.