Does anyone remember the tv show, To Tell The Truth? My parents used to watch it and there is even a new version out now. The premise is that there are three contestants all claiming to be someone—two are imposters and one is the genuine article. The panelists ask questions of the contestants then guess who is the real deal. The host then says, “Will the real _______ please stand up?”
The game show reminds me a little of what architects must go through today trying to determine who is best qualified to provide lighting design for their projects. There are a number of influencers trying to claim that distinction. There are those who approach the project from a product sales perspective or those who approach the project from the point of view that lighting is a commodity. Both of these lead to a devaluation of the design where the lowest price becomes the greater influence.
The truth is none of those influencers are going to provide a fraction of the design expertise and level of service that you will get from an independent lighting designer. In short, an independent lighting designer does not in any way gain financially from the product sold, but instead understands the influence light has on architecture. He or she also focuses on working with your design team, assisting in navigating lighting complexities, and providing unbiased lighting and lighting control system expertise to see your design intent to fruition.
Maybe it is time to take your designs to the next level by bringing in an independent lighting designer for lighting and lighting controls. If you would like to find a better way to light your projects, give us a call at 615.596.3001, or reach out to us at shine@dhslightingdesign.com.
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Danny Streit, IALD, IES, LC is Design Principal of DHS Lighting Design in Nashville, TN, and has over 20 years’ experience in architectural lighting design and lighting control systems. He has successfully completed over 1300 designs in his career and has a history of providing innovative, functional, and sustainable lighting solutions for any design application. danny.streit@dhslightingdesign.com
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