What Does a Designer Do?
The Initial Contact...
Most designers will want to meet with you for an initial, no cost consultation. This allows you and the designer to "size each other up" to determine if the two of you will further build the relationship. During this time, the designer will explain their lighting background, experience, and show you a portfolio of their work. You should also expect them to tell you a little about their company. The designer will take a look at the area you are trying to light and ask questions to ascertain how you plan to use the space. The questions asked will be different for different projects but will generally try to uncover if the space will be used for tasks, relaxation, or commercial use - or some combination thereof. The designer will also want to know if you have any particular tastes or dislikes in lighting methods, fixtures, and controls. Finally, they will ask for your budget. You should consider providing two different budget figures. First, a pie-in-the-sky budget that includes everything in which you've dreamt and is the maximum you are willing to invest. And second, a realistic budget of what you are expecting to invest. These two numbers provide the designer with a range from which to work.
During this exchange, the designer will be developing a working understanding of the type of design that would appeal to you. He will certainly ask many questions and may even make some initial suggestions in order to get your reaction. Toward the end of the initial consultation you will need to determine if he is 'right' for you. Some things to consider:
- Does the designer's personality and company mesh with yours?
- Will he be able to create a mood and style of lighting that fits your personality?
- Does the designer seem professional, trustworthy, and knowledgeable about the products and services for which you are looking?
- Will the designer be able to work within your budget?
The Preparation Phase...
After you and the designer come to an agreement for his continued services he will begin the initial research and preparation phase of the project. This may include reviewing plans or drawings you have already had prepared and will likely include returning to the job site for on-site measurements and also to get a better 'feel' for the space. It is not necessary for you to interact with the designer at this time unless you have additional ideas. The designer should have received all of the pertinent information necessary for the design at the initial consultation. Otherwise, he will have made contact to schedule an additional meeting which will permit you to provide further direction.
The Concept Meeting...
After completing preparation, research, plan review, and measurement, the designer will schedule a convenient time to meet with you to discuss design concepts and ideas. Often, he will have a few different concepts that he will present in order to see which best suits your fancy. He will likely have manufacturer's catalogs for you to review with photographs or images of fixtures and/or controls he believes would work well with each conceptional design.
The Design Process...
Once you have given the designer some direction via the concept meeting, he will begin creating a lighting plot plan showing the placement and types of fixtures. During this phase of the project, the designer will research, design, and select the type and style of each fixture. Based on the purpose of the project and the fixtures chosen, he may compute an energy consumption calculation or energy efficiency calculation.
If the designer's company also provides full service installation, an electrical plan will also be created for in-house use. The electrical plan, crafted by a Master Electrician or Electrical Engineer (depending upon its complexity), will outline how the lighting will be energized by the existing electrical system or how the system will be modified to accommodate the new lighting. Furthermore, a design and installation company will be able to provide a quotation for installing the design. The quotation should state the lighting that is going to be installed, the control methods, any permit fees, and inspection fees.
The Final Presentation...
Once the lighting design is finished, the designer will meet with you to go over the complete design. Plan on leaving your schedule fairly open the day of the presentation, as sometimes these meetings can take a few hours. Ensure that you ask whatever questions are necessary so that you understand the designer's proposal. If the design calls for decorative fixtures, you will need to choose from the various styles that will both accomodate the design and meet your budget requirements. Some of those fixtures may constitute an 'upgrade' to the investment price included in the installation quotation. Again, remember that the fixtures you choose may greatly affect the bottom line. You are ultimately in control of your budget. When the designer discusses installation, be sure to ask some very important questions:
- Is there a master electrician that is familiar with the National Electrical Code and local code requirements that will be supervising the job?
- Is an electrical permit required by law? If so, who will obtain it and pay for it?
- Will there be an electrical inspection by a third party inspection agency (required by law in many areas)?
The Decision...
If the design is a suitable solution to your problem, the installation quotation is reasonable with respect to your budget, and you are confident of the installation team's capabilities - then go for it!
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