Lighting design, planning, and implementation consultancy

After an initial analysis phase, the second step in our lighting design methodology involves translating these intentions into a shared visual language. We create mood boards and select material references—textures, finishes, colors, and material effects—that bring the lighting concepts envisioned for the project to life. This step is not merely an aesthetic exercise. It serves as a valuable tool for dialogue with the design team (architects, interior designers, project owners) to verify, before it is too late, that the chosen lighting direction truly aligns with the project’s ambitions.

Why does this phase occur before structural constraints are finalized?
The timeline is critical here. Mood boards and material boards are produced and approved before structural constraints lock in the technical integrations: ducts, cutouts, suspended ceilings, electrical feeders, and light source placement.

 Planning ahead at this stage allows you to:

• Finalize lighting integration decisions before the structural work or structural trades make certain solutions impossible or costly to modify.
• Avoid late-stage rework caused by a mismatch between the desired lighting ambiance and the building’s technical constraints.
• Streamline coordination among the various disciplines (architecture, structural engineering, electrical, lighting design) by providing a common visual reference that everyone understands from the very first decisions.
• Control costs and schedules by limiting adjustments during the construction phase, which are always more expensive than those made during the design phase.

This phase is intended to be a time for active discussion with the design team. The visual boards serve as a validation tool: they enable the team to collectively decide, early in the process, on lighting directions before they become irreversible technical constraints.

Following the definition of the desired atmosphere and material references, the third phase of our lighting design methodology involves transforming these intentions into a detailed lighting concept. Every light source, fixture, and lighting effect is carefully considered, positioned, and justified in relation to the project's intended use, spatial volumes, and materials. This stage marks the transition from conceptual intent to technical specification—covering fixture types, power ratings, color temperatures, beam angles, and control or dimming systems. It establishes the precise foundation upon which all subsequent project stages will be built.

3D simulation: seeing before building.
To validate the concept, we create a 3D lighting simulation, allowing us to visualize how the fixtures integrate into the spaces prior to actual installation. This visualization tool provides a realistic view of the projected lighting atmosphere, including light distribution, contrasts, shadow areas, and the highlighting of volumes and materials. This phase culminates in a detailed lighting concept package, illustrated by the 3D simulation, which serves as a shared reference for all project stakeholders. It ensures that lighting choices are visually and technically validated before being translated into execution drawings and equipment orders.

Following the validation of the lighting concept and its 3D simulation, the fourth phase guides the project through to realization. This stage ensures that the lighting choices approved earlier are faithfully implemented on-site, in compliance with technical requirements and project objectives.

We maintain close technical coordination with the contractors involved, electricians, lighting installers, home automation integrators, and other relevant trades. Once installation is complete, we verify photometric values ​​directly on-site, measuring illuminance (lux), luminance, color temperature, and lighting uniformity.

At the end of the assignment, we deliver a comprehensive operations manual, serving as a key reference tool for the building's future management.

Our approach does not end with the delivery of the lighting fixtures to the site. This final phase ensures ongoing support—extending beyond commissioning—to guarantee the installation's performance and longevity. We assist the installer throughout the lighting system's commissioning phase to quickly resolve any malfunctions prior to final handover. Furthermore, we collaborate on fine-tuning settings (such as lighting scenes, dimming, and timing) to create the perfect lighting environment. By remaining your primary point of contact after delivery, Clarma ensures that our support is built on a long-term commitment. Our goal is to ensure that the lighting quality envisioned during the initial design stages remains intact, fully controlled, and effective throughout the building's entire lifespan.