Name: Melvyn Law 
Company: Limelight Atelier
Position within company: Director
Website: www.limelightatelier.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)
I am trained in interior design and always have been intrigued by a bigger contribution to Architecture and its surrounding. It was by chance that I came across the specialisation of lighting and its unique affiliation with the built environment. I went on to further my foundation studies in lighting in the UK, worked for MNCs. I was at a boutique firm in Singapore, that greatly refined my perception and critical thoughts about lighting. At the time, I was working on one of the largest integrated resort projects in Singapore. I started my own practice in 2012 and have never look back since.
How would you describe your personal lighting design style?
It is always challenging when using something intangible yet simple such as lighting, as a medium for generating quality lighting. We believe, by starting from the macro design of the perception and emotions of the human scale and how it relates to its master context. Exploring single lighting technique as a dual purpose for beauty and functionality, whilst also producing a high ecological, sustainable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing design to uplift a space.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Looking to the past, the culture, the materials, the relationship between the Architecture, space and its users. In general, using different technologies to innovate and not to mimic the great mother nature.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Full collaboration of different design disciplines, this is where all expertise can be tapped on to push the boundaries for the better of the project and the users of the space.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
We need to look at a space/object to
1) Being more intelligent with a multiple usage of techniques and technology.
2) A design with a lot less energy to generate, yet with more of an output.
3) Integration of daylight and artificial lighting.
4) Always towards human experience and its contribution on a wider context.
5) Partaking in the push for carbon neutrality.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
I would say that simplicity is the key to solve complex problems.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Design & Architecture Awards are a benchmark of excellence in design, and allows recognition and comparison of work at the apex of the industry, by our peers and the design community. Winning any award is always a bonus and the team must remain focused on continuing to deliver quality designs.
What projects are you currently working on?
Some of the exciting projects we are currently working on are; The largest integrated mixed development at the north of Singapore, A luxurious 800-room 5-‐star graded hotel in Sri Lanka, and The Façade illumination for a couple of stadiums/arenas within the KL sports city in Malaysia.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Looking forward to continue building up the practice with more design challenging projects. Engaging and sharing with the communities, and the next generation of talent, about the importance of quality ecological lighting.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
Your most treasured possession?
Give me a pen and good paper, and I will be content.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Japan, I love Japan.
Your favourite hotel/restaurant/bar?
10 Scotts at Grand Hyatt Singapore.
Your favourite book/film/song?
Michael Buble’s soothing voice.
Your favourite food and drink?
Coffee for the day and whisky for the evening.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
My family is an important part of me. I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife and kids.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I would probably be a chef, exploring the simplicity of ingredients and spice.
