KCB Hosts simpleHome for Integrated Lighting Design Program

KCB kicked off the Boiler Room Breakfast Club series with a program on Integrated Lighting Design presented by Dan Abramson and Kyle Tripp from simpleHome. Architects, interiors designers, and builders know that light is essential to any space and can be transformed by the placement or manipulation of light. Dan presented the AIA accredited program and Kyle presented a follow-up talking about specific types of fixtures and bulbs.

The program presented how beam spread, temperature of lighting (how bright, how warm) and controlling the lighting can significantly affect what types of fixtures are used in the home. Since incandescent bulbs have gone the way of the Dodo bird, and halogen bulbs have also been discontinued, LED (light emitting diodes) are the main source of artificial illumination. However, LEDs do not dim in the same way that our old light bulbs did, so the technology has been adapted through “color tuning.”

As lighting technology improves, homeowners will benefit from customized lighting plans with multiple types of lighting: task, ambient, decorative, and accent. The quality of lighting plans and fixtures will impact how people feel in a room whether cooking in a kitchen, working from home, or relaxing. Comfortable light is thoughtful and layered. Examples of luxury lighting illustrated included rooms where the walls were illuminated, not just the floors. Task lighting was focused while recessed fixtures had a wider spread of illumination. Decorative chandeliers, pendants, and lamps provide yet another source of light and ambiance.

Manipulating and Mimicking Natural Light

Motorized or manual shades manipulate natural light in a space – from room darkening shades that completely block light to light-filtering shades that block UV rays (and protect fabrics from fading) but allow some radiance to come through. Automated shades can also help with energy efficiency, blocking the sun during the warmest hours of the day in summer and staying open in cooler climates during winter.

Shades aren’t the only smart technology that manipulate the level of light in our homes. Circadian lighting products like Ketra are human-centric, and follow our inner clocks that tell us what time of day it is. Lighting plans can be “tuned” to mimic a bright summer day at noon in our kitchens even in the dead of winter. It can extend the feeling of daylight hours even when the sun is setting by 4:30 p.m. By setting “scenes,” the lighting in our homes can power down in the evening to help us relax. 

The importance of learning about lighting technology

KCB is offering a series of learning opportunities, including the recent program on Integrated Lighting Design, for architects, interiors designers and builders. “We build better when we know better,” Kevin says. “I’m happy to be able to provide a forum for architects and builders to earn license credits (CEUs) and to continue to improve our craft.” In addition to the participation ofKCB team members, local architects and interior designers attended the inaugural Breakfast Club. Project Coordinator, Denise G., a trained pastry chef, made Linzer heart tarts to celebrate Valentine’s Day. 

The next Boiler Room Breakfast Club will be this spring. More information to follow.