We meticulously plan, design, and deliver through well-established processes, providing a solid foundation for award-winning lighting designs

Michael Grubb Studio provides specialised expertise in lighting design across a broad range of sectors which are categorised into nine key areas. The majority of projects adhere to the RIBA Plan of Work stages 1-6, ensuring a structured approach to project delivery.

However, recognising the unique demands of individual projects, the lighting design consultancy can incorporate agreed flexibility into its processes which ensure our approach is tailored to suit the project’s specific needs.

Inception and Mobilisation

stage 1

In this Stage, our primary objective is to fully understand the project’s requirements and establish a strong foundation for the design process. This phase involves early engagement with the client, design team, and key stakeholders to align goals and expectations from the outset.

Our team begins by conducting thorough research and reviewing any existing work or documentation related to the project. This gives us insight into the project’s history and any previous design decisions that may influence the direction of the lighting design. We then conduct site visits to assess the current lighting conditions, allowing us to identify potential challenges and opportunities specific to the location.

A key focus during this stage is collaborative communication. We work closely with all parties involved to gather input, exchange ideas, and ensure that the lighting design meets both functional and aesthetic objectives. This dialogue is crucial for creating a lighting solution that integrates seamlessly with the overall project vision.

Our typical deliverable for Stage 1 is the development of a comprehensive lighting brief. This document, produced in collaboration with the client and design team, outlines the key design objectives, technical requirements, and project goals, providing a clear roadmap for the next stages of the project.

Concept Proposals

stage 2

In this Stage, our aim is to develop a preliminary lighting strategy and explore innovative design ideas that resonate with the project’s core values. This stage is where we begin translating the vision into practical, yet creative, lighting concepts.

We start by producing a range of visual tools, including sketches, models, images, and animations, to give shape to our initial ideas. These allow us to experiment with various lighting effects, considering how they will enhance the space’s atmosphere and functionality. Throughout this creative exploration, we are mindful of how light will interact with architectural elements and materials.

Alongside the design work, we also address critical practicalities such as cost, feasibility, and sustainability. We evaluate each concept to ensure it aligns with the project’s budget and buildability constraints, all while prioritising energy-efficient solutions and sustainable materials. This balance ensures our concepts are both visually compelling and grounded in reality.

By the end of Stage 2, we present a refined set of concept proposals that align with the project’s objectives. These proposals not only embody the creative potential of the lighting design but also set the stage for further refinement and development in the following phases.

Outline Proposals

stage 3

In this Stage, the focus shifts to refining the initial lighting design into a more detailed and structured plan. This stage is critical for ensuring that the creative vision is fully realised in a way that meets technical, budgetary, and operational requirements.

During this phase, we produce detailed lighting layouts that map out the precise placement of fixtures and controls. Alongside these layouts, we create lighting schedules and provisional specifications, outlining the types of equipment, luminaires, and systems to be used. These documents help solidify the design while also providing clarity for all teams involved in the project.

Collaboration intensifies at this stage, with early discussions held with the design, construction, and maintenance teams. These meetings are vital for ensuring the proposed design is fully understood by all stakeholders. It also allows us to address practical concerns such as installation, buildability, and long-term maintenance, ensuring that the lighting design is both feasible and sustainable.

The outcome of Stage 3 is a comprehensive set of proposals. These include project-specific documentation like Planning Consent requirements and BIM modelling, which ensure all technical and regulatory aspects are addressed. This refined design package forms the foundation for moving forward into the detailed design and implementation phases.

Technical Design

stage 4

In this Stage, the aim is to finalise every detail of the lighting design, ensuring it’s ready for tender and construction. This stage focuses on translating the refined concept into precise, technical documentation that can be used for procurement and installation.

We prepare a full set of tender documents, including comprehensive layouts, technical details, and finalised specifications for all lighting systems. These documents cover every aspect of the design, from fixture types and placements to control systems. At this stage, the design must be entirely accurate, leaving no room for interpretation during construction.

We also work closely with sustainability consultants to ensure the design complies with environmental frameworks such as BREEAM. This ensures the lighting contributes to the overall sustainability goals of the project, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable materials.

The result of Stage 4 is a thoroughly detailed design package, fully prepared for procurement and construction. This includes all the technical documentation required by contractors, ensuring a smooth transition to the building phase. Additionally, we provide demonstrations and visualisations to clearly convey the design intent, leaving no room for misinterpretation. At this point, the lighting design is finalised and ready for execution, with all necessary approvals and specifications in place for the next stage of development.

Construction (Focusing & Commissioning)

stage 5

This Stage is all about bringing the lighting design to life and ensuring that it is executed precisely as envisioned. The primary goal of this stage is to oversee and support the construction process, ensuring that the design is realised to its full potential.

Our role during this phase includes supporting tender reviews and engaging directly with contractors to ensure they understand the design intent. Throughout construction, we maintain close coordination with the build team, addressing any installation issues that arise. This hands-on involvement helps resolve challenges swiftly, ensuring the project stays on track and aligns with the original concept.

Once installation begins, we assist with the commissioning and programming of the lighting systems. This involves carefully focusing the lights to achieve the desired effects, fine-tuning their performance to ensure the lighting creates the right ambiance and meets the project’s functional requirements. We work on-site to adjust settings and test controls, ensuring every detail is correct.

The outcome of Stage 5 is the successful implementation of the lighting design. Concepts are transformed into reality, creating the intended atmosphere and experience. By the end of this stage, the lighting systems are fully operational, aligned with the design, and ready for use.

Completion and Handover

stage 6

The Stage focuses on finalising the project and ensuring ongoing support for the client. The objective is to provide a smooth transition from construction to operation, ensuring that the lighting scheme functions effectively over the long term.

During this stage, we deliver training to the team responsible for maintaining and operating the lighting systems. This ensures they understand the controls, programming, and maintenance requirements. Alongside this, we provide remote support for a period of twelve months, offering assistance in case any issues or questions arise after installation.

As part of the handover, we supply a detailed “As Built” package, which includes all final design documentation, specifications, and any adjustments made during construction. This ensures the client has a complete record of the lighting scheme for future reference.

A follow-up visit is also conducted to review the lighting controls and make any necessary adjustments. This ensures the lighting performs optimally and meets the client’s ongoing needs as they settle into the space.

The outcome of Stage 6 is a comprehensive handover that guarantees the client is well-equipped to manage their lighting system. Our ongoing support helps ensure long-term satisfaction with the design, offering peace of mind and ensuring the lighting scheme remains effective over time.