Costing

The fee that a lighting designer charges is difficult to sell only when the extent and value of the services are not recognised. Owners and architects who have benefited from independent, skillful lighting design realise that there are both short and long-term paybacks that far outweigh a fee. Lighting designers can be a unique, value-added resource. In many instances, a lighting designer can actually reduce the project construction and/or operational costs. Here are some specific areas where this is repeatedly demonstrated:

Equipment Cost Control
Scenic Lighting can provide a design to meet an established budget, but we are most helpful establishing the budget. We are able to select equipment from numerous manufacturers to help keep bids competitive and recommend lighting equipment or techniques to reduce installation costs without sacrificing design intent.

Operations Cost Control
Reducing the owner's operational costs may be a crucial part of the design decisions, and these measures often benefit the project aesthetically and practically. Often, costs can be reduced simply by not over-lighting a space. Over-lighting is common if the specifier fails to understand the project's specific visual issues.

Aesthetic Costs
Technical skill can be learned, but talent cannot. Designers know that brilliant and creative design is difficult to assess and depends on the appreciation of decision-makers. However, the difference between a competent lighting design and one that brings landscape & architecture to its fullest realisation, or beyond, is more often felt than intellectually apparent. When these cost factors are put into play there are demonstrable and recognisable benefits from a professional lighting design.