In the ever-evolving world of home technology integration, lighting design stands out as a field where artistry meets functionality. A recent discussion on Resiweek with host Matt Scott of Omega Audio Video, Jeremy Glowacki of Residential Tech Today, and Rich Fregosa of Fregosa Design sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in this space, particularly when it comes to working with builders and homeowners.
Click here to listen to the entire conversation on ResiWeek Episode 439
Managing the Balance
The conversation, sparked by an opinion piece by David Warfel in CE Pro, delves into the delicate balance required to create exceptional lighting designs within the constraints of time, budget, and builder preferences. As Matt Scott points out, “Lighting is vital; lighting design is not.” This distinction sets the stage for a complex negotiation between integrators, builders, and clients.
Jeremy Glowacki highlights a crucial point: there’s a difference between lighting design and the quality of light itself. “Lighting design is one thing and just the quality of light is another thing,” he explains. “You can have a lighting design which is very intricate with layers and levels and artwork being highlighted… but the quality of light just alone, if all you were doing was putting can lighting in with higher quality LED, is an improvement over what your typical builders are putting in still to this day.”
This observation underscores a persistent issue in the industry: the prevalence of basic, often inadequate lighting solutions in new home construction. Glowacki references a common industry joke, “4 cans and a fan,” describing the typical bare-bones lighting setup in a family room. This approach, while expedient for builders, falls short of creating a truly inviting and functional living space.
Value of Lighting Design
The challenge, then, lies in educating both builders and homeowners about the value of thoughtful lighting design. As Glowacki notes, “Getting the buy-in from the homeowner themselves is really important. Really explaining what the quality of light differences are.” This education process is crucial, as it helps justify the premium often associated with superior lighting solutions.
However, even with client buy-in, integrators face the hurdle of working alongside other professionals in the construction process. Rich Fregosa emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “This is all about learning how to play in the sandbox.” He cautions against the “cowboy” mentality some low-voltage contractors bring to projects, insisting on their way without considering the broader context of the build.
Instead, Fregosa advocates for a more nuanced approach: “You have to be more willing to be heard than to be right.” This philosophy acknowledges that each project involves numerous negotiations and considerations beyond just the lighting design. The key, he suggests, is finding the right balance between standing firm on crucial aspects of the design and being flexible enough to work within the project’s constraints.
Compromise is Key
This idea of compromise is central to David Warfel’s original article, as discussed by the panel. Far from being a sign of defeat, compromise in lighting design is about making “educated, value-driven decisions,” as Fregosa puts it. It’s about understanding which aspects of the design are non-negotiable and where there’s room for flexibility.
One intriguing point raised in the discussion is the tendency for project photographs to be taken during the day, often at “golden hour” when natural light is at its most flattering. Matt Scott argues that a well-designed lighting system should make a space look “as good at night as it does during golden hour.” This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for lighting designers to showcase their skills in creating ambient environments that shine 24/7.
Regular People Lighting
The conversation also touches on the importance of avoiding extremes in residential lighting design. Scott humorously notes, “I see a lot of, especially from our industry, designs that look like nightclubs, which is not how the majority of people outside of Miami want to live.” The goal, he suggests, is to “create beautiful interiors with light at a semi-obtainable price point that again, the builders will not fight as much over.”
Achieving this balance requires more than just technical skill; it demands effective communication and persuasion. Fregosa emphasizes the power of visual evidence in making a case for quality lighting design: “If you’re trying to sell lighting and you do not have a portfolio of what lighting looks like in a space, even just the photo of a couple of different settings in a room, how are you going to explain lighting to somebody?”
He encourages integrators to leverage modern tools, such as AR simulations provided by fixture manufacturers, to help clients visualize the impact of different lighting designs. This approach can bridge the gap between abstract concepts and tangible benefits, making it easier for clients and builders to understand the value of investing in superior lighting solutions.
Creating Experiences
Ultimately, the discussion underscores that success in lighting design, much like other aspects of home technology integration, hinges on the ability to balance technical expertise with interpersonal skills. It’s about creating designs that not only illuminate spaces but also illuminate the imagination of clients and builders alike.
As the industry continues to evolve, the path forward seems clear: education, collaboration, and a willingness to find creative compromises will be key to elevating the standard of lighting design in residential construction. By striking this balance, integrators can hope to create spaces that truly shine, both in the golden hour of day and the depths of night, enhancing the lives of homeowners and setting new standards for what’s possible in home lighting.
In the words of Rich Fregosa, “If you want to sell something that you feel is what you do the best, and you’re the best in the region for X, Y, Z, then have the tools and the evidence that support it.” With this approach, lighting designers can illuminate not just homes, but the entire industry, one thoughtful compromise at a time.
