What Total Lighting does

Design, Consulting, Planning: Conceiving and implementing a list of services.

Design Consultation: Obtain brief from architect. Discuss plans, interior, treatments, finishers and exterior of project.

Design Concept: Understanding of the theme and the architect’s intention. Prepare a lighting design concept based on the brief from architect.  

• Meet with the design team to look at all the possibilities so as to develop a strategy in order to realise the look and feel of the project.

• View all material such as working drawings, renders, and model.

• Meet with the individual design team to evaluate what can be achieved.

• Develop strategies to minimise the sight line of the light fixtures.

• Research other projects of a similar nature to be able to assist in developing the project to its full potential.

• Gather together the lighting team to explore all ideas and possibilities.

• Test and review all materials under different colour temperatures to ensure the continuity of the look and feel of the project.

• Obtain lighting levels required to meet with New Zealand standards.

• View site at night to absorb the ambiance of the surroundings and calculate the surrounding light levels.

Development of Conceptual Design: Exploring of all the options and testing so as to ensure the brief is met.

Concept Design: Estimate of costings to develop a budget.

• Obtain budget estimates from client.

• Research, then consider all lighting options.

• Explore all fitting types and fixtures.

• Explore the options of what optics are available to achieve the desired effects.  

• Research control methods available and suitable for the project.

• Meet with builders, engineers and architects to explore ways of concealing light fixtures once fixtures have been approved.

• Meet with electrical engineer to explore and develop cabling options and controls.  

• CAD modelling of concept design.

• Test in lighting Lab and on full scale model, the concept design.

• Test light colour temperatures on reflective surfaces of all materials.

• Test for glare at different beam angles.

• Test shadowing effects.

• Test to see if any diffusion is required.

• Report back to all parties on findings.

• Prepare concept design sketch.

• Prepare concept design lighting schedule.

• Prepare concept design light level plot and calculations.

• Ensure all calculations met the required NZ light levels and standards.

Lighting Design: Once the concept design has been approved by all parties involved, then the Lighting Designer can move to the final design.

• Prepare and approve Lighting design budget.

• Prepare Lighting design.

• Prepare Lighting design schedule.

• Prepare Lighting design light level plot and calculations.

• Prepare Lighting design programme (time-lines).

• Meet with Client and architect.

• Approved Lighting design.

• Approved Lighting Construction team

Lighting Supply: We can source and supply light fittings through our wholesale connections. This is a great advantage to the project and to the budget, as margins can always be negotiated. Also, it gives total control over the lighting design in terms of ensuring the correct quality and specification required.

• Obtain competitive quotes for fittings and controls.

• Secure delivery dates.

• Mark all fittings with dedicated coding that follows the lighting design and schedule.

• Supervise and coordinate delivery.

• Check all guarantees/warrantees of fittings.

• Engage with local representation of the product to ensure smooth process.

• Introduce local representation to lighting team.  

Lighting Project Management: This is the critical part of the operation to make real the look and feel of the project.  All parties need to have a clear understanding of what is required and how this process works.

• After the Lighting contracting team is approved, we will immediately workshop with the installation team to explain, clarify and show the results required and why.

• Attending project on-site meetings.

• Keeping all parties informed of any changes.

• Checking off and approving lighting fixtures.

• Supervising all light fixture installations to ensure correct positioning.

• Keeping open and clear communications at all times.

• Check on a regular basis and making sure the project is on time and on budget.

• Regular meetings with the project Light team supervisor.

• Keeping the design team informed on any changes or challenges that occur.

• Develop a maintenance plane.

Lighting Commissioning: This is the final part of the lighting design process and where the Lighting Designer becomes the Lighting Director. This is where the look and feel of the Lighting Design is completed. It’s where the magic is created to make the project come alive and produce a stunning effect that a building of this design excellence well deserves.  

• Pointing and Focusing of the individual fittings at their optimum position to achieve the maximum light level and modelling effect required.

• Set lighting levels for each individual fitting to sculpture the light level for the desired effect.

• Set light levels to balance between different activities within the space.

• Set light levels for individual times of the day.