Virtual Lighting Design Community – Details, episodes & analysis

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Virtual Lighting Design Community

VLD Community

Arts

Technology

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 72

The Virtual Lighting Design Community Podcast is part of an online platform that connects lighting design enthusiasts all over the world. This podcast brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators in the field of lighting design to share their knowledge, experience, and insights. From interviews with legendary lighting designers and mentors, to discussions on the latest technologies and trends in the industry, this podcast is a must-listen resource for anyone who is passionate about lighting design.

Join us as we explore the world of lighting design and learn from the experts. We cover a range of topics, including the latest advances in lighting technology, sustainable lighting design, and the importance of social inclusivity and preservation of the night sky. Our podcast also spotlights the incredible work of lighting designers and their invaluable contributions to the industry.

As a listener, you'll have access to a wealth of free content, which you can find on our website, www.vld.community. We also have exclusive content available for pro members, as well as active discussions and community events to connect with other lighting design enthusiasts from around the world. So, tune in to our podcast, and join our thriving virtual community of lighting design enthusiasts dedicated to advancing the industry and preserving the beauty of lighting design.

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https://www.vld.community/
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https://buymeacoffee.com/vld.community
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https://www.aerolight.cn
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2162496/open_sms
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2162496/support
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2162496/supporters/new
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/vld-community/
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/magali-m%C3%A9ndez-9021a217/
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-zunigap/
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Score global : 83%

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The Hidden Pillars of Successful Lighting Design Businesses | with Paul Nulty

Season 2025 · Episode 65

Monday, July 14, 2025 • Duration 34:28

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What does it really take to run a successful lighting design business? Beyond the creative brilliance and technical expertise lies a complex web of business skills that many designers never anticipate when launching their own practice.

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Re-release of a presentation from our 'Business of Lighting Design' series from the first season on the VLD Community platform. To watch this presentation visit members.vld.community and head to the 'Season One - The Business of Lighting Design' section.

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In this presentation, award-winning lighting designer Paul Nulty (founder of Nulty Lighting) pulls back the curtain on the business fundamentals that separate thriving lighting design practices from struggling ones. Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey spanning over two decades, Paul introduces a straightforward yet powerful four-pillar business model that forms the backbone of any successful design practice.

The revelation that actual lighting design work constitutes merely 25% of running a business serves as both a reality check and roadmap for aspiring practice owners. Through candid insights and practical wisdom, Paul details how Operations, Human Resources, Business Development, and Finance must work in harmony—with each demanding equal time and attention from practice leaders.

For many creative professionals, topics like sales strategies, financial management, and team building feel foreign or uncomfortable. Yet Paul makes a compelling case for embracing these skills not only for personal success but for elevating the entire lighting design profession. His refreshing honesty about his own limitations ("I want to be the worst person at everything in my practice") offers a powerful lesson in leveraging team strengths.

Beyond tactical advice, this presentation delves into the deeper questions of purpose and passion that should drive any business endeavor. Paul guides listeners through crafting meaningful vision and mission statements that serve as both compass and fuel for the entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you're contemplating starting your own lighting design practice or seeking to strengthen an existing one, this presentation delivers the framework and inspiration to transform creative talent into business success. The path may be challenging, but with passion, purpose, and professional acumen, the business of lighting design offers rewards well worth the journey.

Support the show

Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

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What's on the platform: Your July Community Roundup

Season 2025 · Episode 64

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 24:50

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Enter our world of lighting design with our latest community roundup. We're thrilled to welcome a wave of new members to our growing community, creating an increasingly diverse group of lighting professionals sharing insights and inspiration.

Mark your calendars for two webinars approaching: Sarvdeep Basur presents "Preserving Darkness" on July 24th, hosted by the Signify Lighting Academy, which explores the balance between design excellence and environmental responsibility. Henk Rotman presents "The Growing Role of Controls" on July 25th, hosted by BHA School of Lighting, examining how technology is reshaping professional roles within our industry.

The highlight of this episode features a conversation between Martin Klaasen and Juan Ferrari discussing AI's transformative impact on lighting design. Juan, who directs a team of 25 lighting designers after transitioning from a theatrical background, offers a practical perspective on embracing AI as a powerful tool rather than viewing it as a threat. His journey from actor to lighting director illustrates how diverse experiences enhance creative approaches to lighting narratives in architectural spaces. "Everybody using AI is not cheating," Juan emphasises. "They're using a tool that is powering and amplifying what they're doing."

We also spotlight an exciting international opportunity – the design competition for ornamental lighting at the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, with submissions open until August 19th. Finally, don't miss our preview of the upcoming Business of Lighting Design episode featuring Paul Nulty, who shares candid insights about the diverse skill set required to run a successful lighting design practice.

Join our community at members.vldcommunity.com to access these resources and connect with fellow professionals.

Creative Lighting Asia
A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions.

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Changing Perspective Changes Everything: The Future of Light with Daan Roosegaarde

Season 2025 · Episode 63

Thursday, May 15, 2025 • Duration 10:27

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What happens when light beams collide at high speed? They can transform into matter – possibly explaining how celestial bodies form. This mind-blowing scientific reality perfectly captures the spirit of our conversation with Daan Roosegaarde, the visionary lighting designer who, despite being kicked out of fine art school twice, found his calling in pushing the boundaries of what light can achieve.

In his discussion with Martin Klaasen, Daan weaves through the fascinating parallel between resistance to new ideas and Galileo's revolutionary assertion that Earth orbits the sun – a perspective shift that took humanity 500 years to accept (and we still say "sunrise" despite knowing better). Daan argues that similar perspective transformations are essential in lighting design, where challenging established viewpoints can unlock unprecedented innovation. By bringing together diverse minds at events like Lux Futurum in Shanghai later this year, the lighting community creates space for these paradigm shifts to occur.

The future of lighting extends far beyond illumination. We're merely "scratching the surface" of light's potential to heal, create new dimensions, and allow us to experience the world through entirely different perspectives – imagine seeing through a butterfly's eyes while remaining human. Daan's passion for continued experimentation stems from his conviction that these innovations will fundamentally transform our relationship with our environment and ourselves. As he prepares to take the stage in Shanghai, his message resonates clearly: changing how we perceive light might just change everything else.

Support the show

Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and .If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

How Lighting Transforms Patient Experience in Hong Kong's Health Centres | with Eugenia Cheng

Season 2025 · Episode 62

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 • Duration 21:26

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The divide between theory and practice in healthcare design couldn't be more evident than in lighting strategies for medical spaces. Through an illuminating exploration of two contrasting Hong Kong medical facilities, we discover how the same foundational goal—promoting health and wellbeing—manifests in dramatically different design approaches based on context, clientele, and purpose.

Most fascinating is how these case studies challenge our assumptions about "clinical" environments. The first project, Laguna City Medical Center, completely reimagines what a neighbourhood GP clinic can feel like. Located in a windowless basement serving diverse demographics, its designers rejected sterile lighting conventions in favour of bright, joyful spaces with curved elements and simulated daylight. The lighting strategy thoughtfully distinguishes between waiting areas (using indirect, warmer lighting to reduce anxiety) and examination rooms (featuring direct illumination with higher colour temperatures for clinical accuracy). This approach transforms what could have been a drab medical office into a space that actively contributes to healing.

The contrast with Cosmax Cosmetic Centre couldn't be more striking. This high-end aesthetic medical facility in Hong Kong's Central Business District serves an elite clientele seeking discretion and luxury. Rather than brightness, its lighting design employs dramatic shadows, minimal direct illumination, and carefully crafted privacy through light and darkness. Patients move through a choreographed journey from reception to treatment to recovery, with lighting that simultaneously guides and shields them from view—particularly important for celebrity clients who don't want to be recognised post-procedure.

What makes this examination so valuable is its reminder that good design isn't about rigid adherence to standards or benchmarks, but about understanding human needs within specific contexts. Whether creating an affordable neighbourhood clinic that radiates positivity or an exclusive medical sanctuary that prioritises privacy, thoughtful lighting transforms how we experience healthcare spaces. Ready to rethink what your medical environments could feel like? These case studies prove that with empathy and creativity, every healthcare space can be designed to truly support wellbeing.

The Lighting Professional's Challenge: a conversation with Andrew Bissel

Season 2025 · Episode 61

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 • Duration 19:20

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A passionate conversation with Andrew Bissel at Light Middle East reveals the growing frustration among lighting professionals fighting for recognition in the built environment. Wearing multiple hats as Ridge and Partners' lighting design head, a dark sky consultant for Red Sea Global, and past president of the Society of Light and Lighting, Andrew delivers a candid assessment of where the industry stands today.

Quote of the day:

“We need this participation of advocates, we need the certification for a business model and we need the legislation from government to drive certain industries, because they won’t drive themselves. But you also need the lighting professional.” — Andrew Bissel

This interview was recorded at Light Middle East in Dubai in 2024. Although it's been a little over a year, the insights and expertise Andrew shares are timeless and incredibly relevant today.

The discussion highlights a painful truth: despite decades of education and advocacy, lighting remains "the forgotten person around the design table." As Andrew bluntly puts it, "Every poor project didn't have a lighting professional." After years of polite education, he suggests the time may have come for lighting experts to more assertively claim their rightful place in the design process.

Perhaps most fascinating is the exploration of how the industry has evolved beyond separating "dark sky specialists" from regular lighting designers. Today's professionals simply practice "responsible design" as standard. The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn when addressing how lighting organisations themselves might inadvertently reinforce industry silos rather than breaking them down. Could integrating lighting professionals throughout built environment events rather than segregating them into dedicated sections be the way forward?

For anyone invested in the future of lighting design, this discussion illuminates both challenges and potential pathways to elevating the profession's recognition across architecture, engineering, planning, and beyond. Join us in exploring how lighting professionals can finally secure their essential place at the design table.

East Meets West: How Lux Futurum Is Transforming Lighting Design Awards

Season 2025 · Episode 60

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 07:12

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March Look Back

As we pause to reflect on our recent episodes, we've been privileged to host some exceptional conversations in lighting design. Looking back at our recent two episodes, Philip Rafael from Insight Lighting Berlin shared invaluable insights on workplace lighting and wellbeing, challenging traditional productivity-focused approaches. Our community resonated strongly with his vision of transforming lighting from purely functional to wellness-supporting elements.

Following that, Koert Vermeulen from ACT Lighting Design Brussels offered a masterclass in merging artistic expression with technical precision. His approach to lighting as a storytelling medium has sparked meaningful discussions in our community."

We'd love to hear your thoughts on these episodes. Join the conversation at members.vld.community, where you can view full episodes and share your perspectives.

Lux Futurum 2025

Lux Futurum 2025 stands at the forefront of lighting design innovation, reimagining how excellence is recognized in our industry. This groundbreaking global program transcends traditional awards by focusing on future-oriented concepts, products, and projects that push boundaries and challenge conventions.

Our distinguished 2025 judging panel brings together remarkable talents from across the globe. Claudia Paz from Peru eagerly anticipates discovering "what creative minds around the world are thinking about the future," while Faraz Izhar from Dubai highlights how Lux Futurum fills a crucial gap in recognizing emerging technologies and AI applications in lighting. Daniel Hammond brings his expertise in light science and its health impacts, complemented by Jinkie De Jesus's enthusiasm for innovations that extend beyond decorative purposes into crucial areas like healthcare lighting. Karen Owens celebrates the "East meets West" philosophy underpinning the program, noting how different global regions experience unique "rhythms of light" that influence design approaches. Lauren Dandridge, both a practicing principal and educator, values how the program exposes students and professionals alike to "the newest, freshest ideas around lighting design."Building on the success of our inaugural 2024 event in Guangzhou, Lux Futurum represents a unique collaboration between the Virtual Lighting Design Community and the Zhurong team. This partnership creates a platform where Eastern and Western design philosophies converge, fostering innovations that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Whether you're an established p

A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry.A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions.Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Illuminating Experiences: The Art of Lighting Design with Koert Vermeulen

Season 2 · Episode 59

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 • Duration 36:45

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Is lighting design an art or a science? In this episode we feature Koert Vermeulen from ACT Lighting Design, based in Brussels, Belgium. Koert was one of our earliest thought leaders to share on the Virtual Lighting Design Community platform and it was certainly a memorable presentation.

Initially, Koert's presentation was shared only with premium members of the community. However, since opening up the community to a wider audience late last year and introducing free memberships, everyone will be able to have access to the great information shared by our earlier presenters. We have seen a tremendous amount of new members join the community and this is why we are excited to re-release this episode again. This time also as a podcast episode. Please enjoy and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

"Recreate exceptional experiences at the intersection of design, arts, and innovation." — Koert Vermeulen

Lighting is much more than just illumination—it's an art form that transforms spaces and experiences. Koert delves deep in to how lighting can evoke emotions, encourages interaction, and enhances narratives in environments. He shares his insights on the interplay of creativity and engineering, revealing the nuances that separate great lighting from mere functionality.

A central theme of the presentation is about the importance of storytelling in design and how a multidisciplinary approach helps blend visuals, sound, and interactivity into co-created experiences. Koert also discusses innovative brainstorming methods, like Miro, that enhance collaboration among team members, making the creative process more fluid and effective.

This presentation is not just for lighting design professionals; it’s for anyone interested in the art of creating memorable experiences. Join us as we take an in depth look at how thoughtful design can impact our lives and spaces.

Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave your thoughts on the episode!

A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry.Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Philip Rafael on Reimagining Workplace Lighting for Enhanced Well-Being and Connection

Season 2025 · Episode 58

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 • Duration 24:25

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Founder & Design Director at In'Sight Lighting Design, Philip Rafael explores a critical element often overlooked in workplace design: lighting. With over 18 years of global experience, Philip sheds light on how traditional lighting has prioritised productivity over well-being, sometimes to the detriment of employee health and job satisfaction. He explains how a shift in focus can lead to healthier, happier work environments by minimising negative lighting effects like glare and flicker. Lighting can be reimagined to support not just physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being, especially as hybrid offices become the norm.

"Lighting for health and wellbeing needs to be an experience, providing a variety of environments that nurture our professional, personal, and physical needs." — Philip Rafael

In this episode we go back a couple of years when Philip presented this topic at the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition 2023. It was certainly a memorable event and the topic is still very relevant and pertinent today.

The presentation dived into the transformative power of lighting as a "supercharger" for diverse workplace needs. Philip discussed the importance of flexible and inclusive lighting environments that cater to both extroverts and introverts, advocating for the adoption of biophilic and multi-sensory designs, to name some of the highlights.

The take home message included how these strategies can thrive even within conservative company cultures, ultimately creating dynamic spaces that encourage self-regulation and community connection. By integrating scientific criteria with innovative design, he aims to craft workspaces that genuinely nurture the health and well-being of today’s workforce.

Aero Hospitality Lighting
A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry.Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Lighting the Way: Welcome to 2025 with the Virtual Lighting Design Community

Season 2 · Episode 1

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 • Duration 01:50

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Join us for the first episode of 2025 as we welcome back the Virtual Lighting Design Community! After a refreshing break over the holidays, we're excited to kick off a new year filled with opportunities to connect, enhance skills, and share knowledge within the lighting design industry.

In this episode, we celebrate reaching over 600 members and reflect on the incredible growth of our community. With over 100 hours of content consumed last year and numerous enlightening discussions, our platform is a hub for creativity and innovation in lighting design. Tune in as we outline our plans for the coming year, revisit insightful talks from our expert speakers, and express gratitude to our loyal supporters. Stay tuned for more engaging content!

Aero Hospitality Lighting
A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry.

Signify Lighting Academy
Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Learn more about our community by visiting www.vld.community

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more like this, please signup, subscribe and would appreciate a 5-star review!

Martin Klaasen & Paul Nulty | Reshaping Future Growth & Innovation Through Merger & Collaboration

Season 1 · Episode 57

Thursday, December 19, 2024 • Duration 17:03

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What happens when two industry giants join forces to reshape the future of lighting design? Tune in to hear Martin Klaasen and Paul Nulty share their insights following the merger of Klaasen Lighting Design and Nulty+. Get a better understanding of how their shared values and mutual respect are setting the stage for unprecedented growth and innovation. This isn't just a business deal; it's a cultural alignment that prioritises knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the well-being of loyal staff, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for both companies involved.

The excitement of transitioning from a "small, family-like atmosphere to a more structured enterprise" is palpable—Martin Klaasen. The merger has cleared the path for mentoring, embracing diverse cultures, and empowering every team member to harness their strengths. Paul Nulty: "Picture a merry band of pirates ready to chart new courses"—this is the spirit driving our unified team as we align our energies for significant growth. It's a partnership built on trust and respect, where the whole truly becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

Aero Hospitality Lighting
A leading provider of innovative and sustainable lighting solutions for the hospitality industry.

Creative Lighting Asia
A leading provider of architectural lighting design and implementation solutions.

ERCO
A leading international specialist in sustainable architectural lighting with LED technology.

Signify Lighting Academy
Providing comprehensive and interactive lighting education and relevant educational resources.Pioneering LED tech importer and innovative lighting solutions developer.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Virtual Lighting Design Community – Details, episodes & analysis

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Virtual Lighting Design Community – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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LinkedIn7

RSS feed quality and score

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Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other25

Buzzsprout5

LinkedIn7

Apple Podcasts

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