Name: Joanna Mann 
Company: Light House Designs Ltd
Position within company: Director
Website: www.light-housedesigns.com
Tell us a little about your background in design…
I studied at KLC and it was here I discovered my passion for lighting. After graduating, I worked at Vaughan Designs for a few years. Wishing to move into the design side, I went on to work at John Cullen. After 7 happy years it was time to realise my dream of starting my own business and in 2010 Light House Designs was born.
How would you describe your personal lighting design style?
I approach lighting design in a sensitive manor, looking at the architectural features, the character of a room and furniture layouts, I allow them to guide me in the right direction. Lighting should be discreet and subtly enhance the other areas of design.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Buildings, natural light, patterns and simply looking up
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I think design has an optimistic future, technology is allowing light fittings to be increasingly energy efficient, without compromising the output. The fittings are getting smaller which makes the schemes more exciting. Boundaries are widening and the level of design is increasing as a result.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2018 and beyond.
- Broad mind
- Budgets
- Receptive to clients
- Remain passionate
- Experiment
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to lighting design schemes, what would it be?
The lighting scheme should flow, if it doesn’t, the room will never feel right when finished. Go back to the furniture layouts and re-jig in line with the lighting.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
As a small business it is great to get some recognition of our efforts!
What projects are Light House Designs Ltd currently working on?
We are working on many projects with private clients alongside a hotel in Oxford, jewellery shop in Mayfair, Spa in the Cotswolds and members club in Verbier.
What are Light House Designs Ltd aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Grow the business, continue to be happy and enjoy a healthy work/life balance
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
Beetle
Your favourite holiday destination?
Somewhere with mountains and snow
Your favourite hotel –
Crillon le Brave, Provence
restaurant –
impossible to choose, it is always a treat to eat out
Your favourite book –
The Count of Montecristo
film –
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
song –
It changes on a regular basis but currently Little Giant by Roo Panes
Your favourite food and drink?
Eggs and Red wine.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Being outdoors in the country
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I would like to run a deli/farm shop