Concept Design

As lighting designers at Chimera, we aim to work with the client and lead designers to formulate lighting designs that accentuate and compliment the interior and exterior of the building. During the conceptual stage of the design, it is vital to demonstrate to the design team and client what aesthetic and atmosphere they will be achieving with the proposed lighting scheme, at Chimera we use a number of presentation techniques in order to fulfil this purpose.

Planning & Implementation

As part of the consultancy process, we produce lighting plans that clearly and concisely indicate lighting fixture locations, setting out and luminaire references, and relate these to the various architectural, mechanical, electrical, and interior features of the building where appropriate. Where certain lighting levels are required, lighting calculations can be provided to ensure that these levels can be achieved with the proposed scheme.

Coordination

Closely working with the architect, interior designers, engineers, contractor and manufacturers throughout all stages of design and construction phases enables us to provide a more integrated lighting solution with all the professionals involved. This serves the purpose to develop the lighting scheme, verify drawings and / or approve samples of standard or custom light fittings.

Specification

Lighting equipment is selected ultimately for its appropriateness relating to its function and aesthetic. Where strict deadlines are imposed, availability is also taken into consideration. A comprehensive specification manual is compiled detailing luminaire reference, description, order information, manufacturer / supplier contact information, dimensions, mounting position, finish and detailed lamp breakdown, along with luminaire illustrations.

Specials

Where 'off the shelf' lighting fixtures are deemed inadequate or inappropriate for a particular lighting solution, we would use our professional expertise to custom design and detail lighting fixtures to meet the requirements of the brief. Thus, if specific aspects of the lighting project require specials to achieve a particular aesthetic or optical effect, we at Chimera have the capability to create unique, tailor made lighting solutions for this purpose.

Budget

Budget costing, of all lighting equipment to be supplied on a particular project, can be provided. This informs the client and enables greater control of the lighting costs within the overall project budget.

Detailing

Where lighting is integrated into various architectural or interior elements of the building, concise details are provided indicating locations of luminaire, fixing details and generic fabric required. These details are formulated either through experience and / or mock-up.

Control / Dimming Systems

To enable greater control of the lighting installation a control / dimming system that meets the requirements of the client is specified. A loading schedule is compiled identifying by area, type of control, number of circuits, loading and recommended manufacturer or supplier.

Snagging

Once the project has commenced on site, any RFI's raised or revisions made, are actioned efficiently. Upon visiting the site, any intermediate snagging is identified with a comprehensive snagging list of items produced at the final stages of site completion.

Site Commissioning

One of the most essential components of the lighting design process is the commissioning phase. Once the soft furnishing and / or construction are complete, the lighting installation is fine tuned, focused and scene set, creating the desired, dynamically lit environment, portrayed at concept. Where applicable a full maintenance booklet is provided enabling the lighting installation to be always maintained at its optimum.

DELIVERABLES

All presentation, documentation and drawings including supporting calculations can be produced. The following deliverables can be supplied or undertaken:

3D Renderings:

Autodesk Lightscape 3.2 - Accurate, photo-realistic renderings and simulations.

Presentation:

Adobe Photoshop - Artworked Simulations, Microsoft Powerpoint presentations.

Scope of Works:

A comprehensive description of lighting systems specified including controls and installation procedures / requirements.

Drawings:

AutoCAD format - Full layout, detail, schematic and 3D capabilities, using lead designers base drawings and overlaying lighting schematic.

Calculations:

Hand calculations for simple applications to fully calculated plots and isolux renderings.

Schedules & Documents:

Microsoft Word, Adobe Indesign, PDF Adobe Acrobat - used for schedules either brief concept schedules through to fully detailed specification.

Budgets & Program:

We would expect to provide budget costs and to ensure that equipment is available within the required time scales.