CE Pro May 2024 - 47

contractor to determine
where the remote drivers
will reside so they can pull
the wires to that location.
We have enough experience
in the field to know
what it takes to get this
done. We rely on our integrator
partners, who are
the real miracle workers.
It's during these phases
where collaboration between
the lighting designer
and other professionals,
such as integrators and
electricians, is crucial. The
clear communication and
well-defined responsibilities
we outlined early in
the design process ensure
the project proceeds
smoothly.
Consistency of design
and programming offers
a cohesive lighting experience.
For this reason,
lighting designers must
provide a comprehensive
pre-commissioning and
commissioning directive.
The pre-commissioning
directive provides all the
details the technology
integrator needs to set up
and program the system
including the types of
protocols, keypad function,
LED states, high and low
trims, advanced programming
requirements, conditionals,
schedules, etc. We
require that the keypads
are installed and engraved
prior to commissioning.
The final touch of the
lighting design process
is commissioning. This is
where we finetune and
ensure that every element
of the system is operating
at its peak.
A lighting designer's keen
cepro.com
eye can pick up discrepancies,
such as uneven
dimming or inconsistency in
the lighting system. For example,
if a fixture isn't dimming
the same way as the
others the problem could
be the gauge of the wire,
the reversing of polarity, or
that lighting fixtures dim at
different rates due to the
dimming curve programmed
into the driver.
This is where it's valuable
that the technology integrator
and lighting designer
have a relationship with the
vendor partner to assist
- not just when problems
arise but at the front end
by enabling the programming
to be adjusted to
achieve a more uniform
light level.
This detailed approach
ensures that the entire
house operates seamlessly,
regardless of the room or
area. Plus, it has the benefit
of saving the integrator
numerous hours of labor.
Once commissioning is
complete, the lighting designer
can aim accent and
art lighting, and set final
light levels.
Successful Lighting
Projects Take a
Team Effort
Collaborating with a lighting
designer offers several
indispensable advantages.
We bring a unique
perspective to the
project, ensuring that
lighting goes beyond
merely functional illumination
that could be
done by anyone.
We are meticulous
about details, from fixture
selection to control
protocols to the
commissioning, that
serves to streamline
the integrator's job.
We have the experience
to pinpoint
issues when they
appear.
Our goal is to create a
lighting design that is both
aesthetically pleasing and
technically flawless.
As our industry continues
to evolve, so does
the value of the lighting
designer's unique role in
delivering a transformative
experience for our clients.
It's critical as we all take
our next step forward, we
do so collectively - technology
integrators, lighting
designers, and lighting
fixture and lighting control
manufacturers. CE Pro
MATTHEW TIRSCHWELL
is the founder of Tirschwell
& Co., Inc. (www.t-ld.com),
a 25-year-old architectural
lighting design firm that
operates out of New York
City and Los Angeles
offices.
With clear communications, lighting designers and dealers can ensure the smoothness of a
project, and integrators can cater the home's controls programming before the designer adds
finishing touches like aiming accent lights and setting final light levels.
May 2024 CE Pro | 47
MATTHEW TIRSCHWELL

http://www.t-ld.com http://www.cepro.com

CE Pro May 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CE Pro May 2024