Before and After: Core Introduction to Lighting with Issie Gilbert
To explore this process, we followed Issie Gilbert, a Sales & Marketing Design Assistant at Architectural FX, as she embarked on The LIA’s Core Introduction to Lighting course.
Having joined the industry through a placement during her degree, Issie was drawn to lighting by its ability to transform spaces, influence atmosphere, and support human wellbeing. With a background in product design, she was particularly intrigued by the technical challenges of lighting design and the opportunity to build a strong foundation in industry standards, controls, emergency systems, and software.
This case study captures Issie’s insights before starting the course, documenting her current knowledge, experiences, and confidence across key areas of lighting. She will revisit these same questions after completing the course to reflect on her growth, highlighting the learning journey and the impact of a structured, foundational lighting education.
What drew you to the lighting industry, and what do you hope to achieve through completing this Certificate?
I worked at Architectural FX as a placement student for my degree during COVID. This was my first introduction to the lighting world, so it was limited with the restrictions throughout that year.
When I was offered a fulltime job at the end of my degree, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. After seeing how lighting is used to create art, compliment architecture, changing an atmosphere and supporting health, I was fascinated by how endless the opportunities are.
Coming from a BA Product Design degree, I was intrigued by the challenges of designing around the technical restrictions. I’ve already focused on the human element of designing, so the technical design was something new that I wanted to explore. I’ve done a lot of learning and training on the technical side of lighting over the years, but I look forward to developing a stronger and more generalised foundation to this knowledge.
Core Introduction to Lighting – Fixed Case Study Questions
What do you understand about the role of lighting standards and compliance (such as UKCA/CE markings and technical files) in the industry?
Lighting standards and compliance are created to set the minimum allowance of products, safety, efficiency and comfort. These are necessary to every stage of the process and cooperation is crucial to ensure meeting the required standards.
How would you describe the purpose of emergency lighting and its importance in lighting projects?
I know very little about emergency lighting. I am aware of it needing an independent power supply, so they stay illuminated in an emergency that might affect the power in the building. There are important laws and regulations that need to be followed, and these can affect how it is designed and installed.
What do you currently know about lighting control systems, including dimming methods, sensors and DALI?
Lighting control systems manage the colour, timings, energy efficiency, compliment daylight, etc. This can be done with simple dimming switches or building management systems. Sensors can be used for automated lighting or daylight adjustment.
I am familiar with DALI, casambi, dimming methods etc. due to their involvement with my job. I know less about the technical element.
How confident are you in using or understanding industry lighting software such as Relux or DIALux?
I have never used Relux or DIALux software. Through industry discussions and providing LDT files for DIALux, I am aware of the software and what they do but not in an operational sense. I am confident with using software such as AutoCAD for technical drawings and modelling. From my degree I used a lot of software for product and graphic design, so I am always interested in developing my skills.
What is your current understanding of the stages involved in the lighting design process, such as those outlined in the RIBA Plan of Work?
I understand the basics of the RIBA Plan of work and each stage but no first-hand knowledge with any stage other than 2/3.
How would you explain the difference between conceptual lighting design and technical engineering approaches?
From my understanding, conceptual lighting design is focused on the aesthetic and stage 2 of the RIBA plan of work. The technical engineering is focused on functionality and technical development in later stages (5/6) of the RIBA plan of work.
What key terminology in lighting do you currently feel familiar with (e.g. lumen output, colour temperature, uniformity, etc.)?
From being the operator of our in-house photometry machine, I have become very familiar with technical terms such as CRI, CCT, MacAdam’s, Lumen output, binning, Beam angles, Lux, Candela. I’ve also become familiar with reading LDT and IES files.
How aware are you of the importance of accurate documentation and information flow in delivering compliant lighting projects?
Projects can easily get complicated when a lot of people/stages are involved, so clear communication and plans are vital with progressing through the project. Providing the correct documentation and information not only help with the project progressing, but it also builds trust and relationships which can help with the project flow and future possibilities.
With the ever-changing regulations, sustainability and litigation, it is essential to have the correct documentation readily available. This industry can move fast when given the green light. Being prepared to assist the project moving forward and not hinder it, is a desirable quality.
What is your current level of confidence in discussing lighting concepts, standards or software with others in a professional setting?
I’ve found myself in a lot of these conversations. I feel confident going into them and saying I’m not aware of something or asking questions. However, I would like to have a better foundation of general knowledge to help me with creating my own opinion and applying it to these conversations.
Even with my lack of knowledge in certain areas, I feel confident with asking questions when it is needed. Although this confidence helps me ask questions and learn, I would like to develop my general lighting knowledge to strengthen my ability to create innovate design solutions.
Which areas of lighting (standards, controls, design, software or emergency lighting) do you feel most and least confident in at this stage?
I feel the most confident with software and design as I believe I have enough knowledge and experience to provide my opinions and insight in these discussions. Part of my degree was to pass multiple software courses and since joining the lighting industry, I have been familiarising myself with software I don’t know.
I feel the least confident with emergency lighting and control systems. For emergency lighting, I have very little experience with it other than the basics. I also feel less confident in controls. Although I have a good understanding of the basics, the technical parts are difficult to wrap my head around, so I look forward to developing that skill.
Conclusion
Issie’s pre-course reflections provide a fascinating snapshot of her understanding, confidence, and aspirations within the lighting industry. We are excited to see how her knowledge and skills will develop after completing the Core Introduction to Lighting course, and to revisit these answers to track her learning journey.
If you’re interested in building your own foundation in lighting design, standards, controls, emergency systems, and software, you can enrol in the Core Introduction to Lighting course below. Whether you’re starting out or looking to strengthen your expertise, this course offers a structured, practical approach to lighting knowledge and professional development.
