Lighting Design
Our success is derived from a thorough design process, which is informed by our extensive history. We maintain a creative design studio which encourages open artistic inquiry coupled with a concrete analysis of light quality performance, cost/income metrics, architectural integration, and constructability.
FKA has completed lighting designs around the world for leading architects, developers, and institutions. We work closely with our client and the design architect to understand their concepts and embellish these opportunities with light. We challenge ourselves and our clients to define an architecture of light, which enhances the community and reinterprets their context and purpose.
We design projects at any scale or building type, from retail boutiques to civic masterplans or high-rise towers. We tailor our services and scope for each particular client, project, location, time schedule, and programmatic need.
Environmental Lighting Analysis
FKA is recognized as a leading expert with respect to light in the environment. We provide lighting technical expertise to assist municipalities, property owners, land use attorneys, and environmental consultants in the evaluation and mitigation of exterior lighting impacts from building and site lighting, sports lighting and illuminated signs. FKA services include development of municipal codes and land use regulations, land use planning documents, land use entitlement analysis, lighting environmental impact studies, mitigation measures, field testing and certification.
The environmental analysis includes a review of the existing local and state codes or regulations affecting light trespass, glare, or refresh rates pertinent to the project, an on site evaluation of the project and surrounding properties, a simulation of the proposed project, and a report summarizing the findings of the analysis, including conclusions and recommendations for mitigation measures.
We work with our clients to develop solutions which minimize the impact to the surrounding environment.
Our experience includes lighting studies for university and high school sports fields, outdoor illuminated signs and media walls, exterior site and façade lighting, and the development of municipal code sections and specific plan or sign district ordinances.
Daylight
Controlled sun light illuminates interior space and decreases electric lighting loads while improving occupants' well-being and comfort. Daylight is literally medicine for the body and mind. FKA daylighting design services evaluate passive and active solar systems to achieve maximum performance, comfort and aesthetics.
The daylighting design process is aligned with the architectural design to develop the best solutions for solar autonomy, glare mitigation, and occupant satisfaction. We collaborate with creative architects to develop the best solution to allow more sun light into an interior. Passive daylighting systems include curtain walls, skylights and clear stories embellished with high performance glazing, light shelves, louvers. Active daylight systems include heliostats, motorized shading systems and electrochromic dynamic facades.
We create detailed studies, drawings and 3d models to demonstrate our analysis and recommendations. Additionally, we quantify and document illuminance and luminance calculations and recommendations using daylight simulation software and modelling techniques.
We provide analysis and documentation for Spatial Daylight Autonomy (SdA) for LEED and Well project certification.
Lighting for health and wellbeing has always been a significant aspect of our design work. Our staff are active members of professional organizations devoted to the best practice of lighting design and lighting engineering. They are active participants in the development of policies and guidelines for light and health as part of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) Policy committee and as members of the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) and US Green Building Council (USGBC).
Tools
FKA is a lighting industry leader in adopting the most advanced tools to aid our analysis, design and documentation. We utilize the latest software for lighting calculations, renderings and documentation, including BIM software such as REVIT, and lighting analysis software such as Elume, DIVA for Rhino, AGI32, and AutoCAD. Our field measurement and testing includes state of the art photometers, spectrometers, and luminance meters.
Throughout the design process we combine advanced visualization and simulation techniques with physical mock-ups.
We thoroughly review the construction documents prepared by the architects and engineers of record to ensure the approved lighting design is implemented correctly. During construction we review the contractors request for information and submittals and visit the Project site to confirm installation, focusing and controls system settings.
Light is both a particle and a wave. Light is both an art and a science. The physical and immaterial are both part of our processes.
Education and Research
FKA supports the development and advancement of best practices for lighting design and illumination engineering as critical professions within the building industry and public policy realm.
Our staff participates as committee members within the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), Solar Energy Provides (SEPA), International Well Building Institute (IWBI) and the US Green Building Council (USGBC) to offer their experience and expertise in the advancement of these policy initiatives.
Our firm supports the education of architects and engineers with respect to lighting design and lighting technology.
Our firm maintains an internship program for current students and recent graduates to provide professional practice training and a detailed introduction to the lighting industry.
We support research initiatives with respect to case studies and prototype analysis of new products.