Lighting Design

WSP delivers lighting solutions that enrich places and the people who use them.

Our lighting studio is dedicated to exploring and enhancing the user experience of every space we work in. We leverage our creativity and technical expertise to support client aspirations and project goals. Whether providing interior lighting geared towards fostering collaboration and embracing natural light, like we did for Gensler's Denver office, or developing an illumination strategy that supports multiple active program spaces while reinforcing architecture, like at Amazon in the Regrade, our team has an established track record of providing innovative, yet practical, lighting solutions.

By collaborating closely with client and design teams, as well as our colleagues, we provide inspired lighting solutions that are informed by all project disciplines.  For instance, at SFJAZZ in San Francisco, our designers used lighting to reinforce the idea that the experience of the interior lobby could be extended beyond the glass curtain wall - a key component of the architectural design. 

The lighting studio at WSP USA provides lighting services for interior and exterior environments from concept design through construction completion. Along the way we provide our clients with many specialized and tailored services to suit project needs. Click through the carousels below to learn more about our services.

Concept Design

Every projects starts with an idea. Our team collaborates closely with the client and design teams to develop strong concepts for lighting design. We study each project individually to determine lighting that will support project goals and make each project sing. A strong concept can serve as filter and touchstone throughout the design, documentation and construction process.

Daylighting Design

Our team believes that architectural daylighting and electric lighting should be designed together to create a cohesive approach for each building and program space. We are versed in early large-scale building placement and orientation of daylighting studies through comparison of size, shape, reflectance and transmittance of glazing and shading devices designed to leverage daylighting contribution. 

Design Documentation

We work tirelessly to ensure that our designs are documented thoroughly via CAD, Revit and BIM as needed for each project. Our light fixture specifications are detailed and extensive, providing the client, design team and contracting team with clear direction for fixture selection. Our team also works closely with the architectural team to draw mounting details for fixture installation and for fixture modifications. 

Modeling and Calculations

We provide detailed lighting models and calculations that provide realistic representations of the project. By evaluating this modeling, our lighting designers are able to provide project teams with solid, realistic recommendations and solutions. This level of evaluation helps our teams be close collaborators and to lead the lighting design on the project. 

Mock-ups

Our lighting design team is hand-on and performs physical mock-ups for internal project study and for display to the client and design team. We know that the best way to determine how light will affect a material or be affected by a mounting condition is to see the installation in person and in real time. Our studios are equipped with mock-up rooms that are used for experimentation and innovation. 

Energy Efficiency

We believe that energy efficient lighting designs can be beautiful, comfortable and inspiring. This belief leads us to be partners in designing high performance lighting systems that meet ambitious energy goals while meeting user needs and wants. We take full responsibility for the efficiency of our projects by providing energy code and LEED credit documentation.

Lighting Controls

We provide lighting control intent diagrams, lighting control specifications and control intent schedules which provide the project electrical and contracting teams clear lighting control direction. We are also able to provide our clients with clear control descriptions that help them make informed decisions regarding lighting controls for their projects. As control systems become more complex and interconnected, our team is able to help clearly define control intent scope and operation.

Systems Integration

We collaborate closely with our colleagues in MEP engineering, building technology systems, high performance design, structures, commissioning and enclosure engineering to integrate lighting into building systems. Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with a streamlined design and documentation process that links all of our services into one holistic approach. 

Construction Support Services

Our designers are on site during construction to ensure lighting systems are installed as designed and documented. This level of service includes a pre-installation review, punchlists and participation in client lighting system operation education. In addition, our team responds promptly and thoroughly to RFIs and provides detailed shop and light fixture submittal reviews. 

Our lighting design staff has diverse experience and training in architecture, illuminating engineering, theatrical design and interior design, bringing creativity to a discipline that bridges architecture, art and engineering. We blend the creative architectural lighting design process with pragmatic discipline and technical know-how.

We are dedicated to the highest standards of professional service and quality assurance. We maintain professional membership and accreditation with the following:

• American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)
• Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)
• U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accreditation
• Lighting Certified, National Council on Qualifications for Lighting Professionals (LC, NCQLP)