The Role of a Lighting Designer
Perth City Skyline, in the distance one of my projects…
Getting involved in supply issues can be a tricky undertaking in general, so I would like to highlight this specific aspect that I feel is at the periphery of the role of a lighting designer. I have been working on a project here in Perth, a big commercial building, and after a thorough design process with the architect / interior designer came to a number of light fitting specifications that I felt comfortable with for a number of reasons.
Firstly, I am familiar with the light fittings and am confident about their performance. Secondly, the local supplier is reliable, knowledgeable and has a great track record (I have worked with them for years) in terms of quality and service support. I know I can call or reach out to them for assistance if needed. This is also something I can confidently convey to my client and the site contractor. Lastly, the budget estimates we worked out with them were accurate with the final quote coming in spot on (even slightly less) then originally budgeted and subsequently approved.
So, nothing to worry you would think, right? Not so fast, because now comes the negotiations between the contractor (who is to order and install the fittings) and the supplier including confirmation on lead supply times to make sure they can manage their building schedule for completion. This is where politics comes into play. The contractor might be running a bit behind schedule, might have some other legal issues to iron out which meanwhile delays order confirmation. The supplier of course is not committing to any production without a firm order. Previously agreed supply times and therefore project completion is now under pressure.
No problem, let’s ask the lighting designer to help fast track the supplies, he knows the manufacturer and supplier well, surely he can apply some weight and influence, perhaps get some further discount too! This is where it becomes tricky as the perceived delays even if not caused necessarily by the supplier create an uneasy feeling as the contractor points its finger to the supplier and by association indirectly to us the lighting designer as well. We recommended this supplier!
I am sure many of you have been in this situation. Personally, I prefer not to get involved at all in these supply negotiations as I feel you can never win. However, it might also create some bad blood and optics if you just let them sort it out as your reputation (as well as that of your recommended manufacturer and supplier) might be affected or even “damaged” in the process, even if it has nothing to do with you! Absentees are always wrong the saying goes. We are in this for the long run, not the short-term gain. So, I would rather be part of the solution rather than part of the problem, even though technically it is not really part of my scope of work or responsibility.
Would love to hear from my readers about their thoughts and experiences on this issue.
