Design et al – In Profile:

Baseline Lighting Design Studio

Baseline Lighting Design Studio have been shortlisted for Lighting – Piece Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about CEO & Creative Director, Boris Duhamel, below:

Design et al: Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

Boris Duhamel: With over 25 years of experience in management in the electronic, engineering, industrialization, and lighting design industry, I enjoy tackling any design and technical challenges. I’ve learned lighting design at the French Association for Lighting (AFE) to understand the basics of lighting technology and the criteria to apply for space lighting design. I’ve gained extensive knowledge and experience in the field with some Senior Lighting designers’ mentors and luxury clients to the point where I could develop my own style. Design calls on common sense, space apprehension, and taste; I always had a sensibility for beautiful and comfortable atmospheres. It naturally became an obsession.

The foundation of Baseline Lighting Design Studio comes from my passion for Lighting technology and its interaction with luxury architecture and people’s emotions. This is what forms the basis of our design studio. Our team is composed of international, empathic people who understand clients’ needs and constraints and focus on providing adequate solutions.

How would you describe your personal design style?

The fundamentals of our studio’s design style lie in our high capacity to listen to clients and integrate their briefs into concepts that enhance contrasted atmospheres. Our lighting design style is versatile and playful. We are highlighting architectural details of furniture and contributing to maximizing the functional usage of the space. Our style is minimalist, luxury-focused, yet sustainable.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

We are inspired by the influence of the environment and nature. With sustainable application at heart, our designers are LEED Green Associates and are trained to comply with environmental lighting requirements. It prompts us to consider the ecological impact of lighting choices, fostering a responsibility to create sustainable and energy-efficient designs. This philosophical approach to lighting design encourages a deeper connection with the natural world and an appreciation for the balance between human needs and environmental preservation. We design lighting to ignite people’s feelings.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Decarbonization has become a key leading criterion for developers and designers nowadays. Design is moving towards green buildings and a circular economy. Design is also framed with a budget. Designers are due to maintain creativity with a new set of rules that must be considered from the concept stage.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

1. Sustainability
2. Circular economy (Re-cycle, Re-use)
3. Customization
4. Colours
5. Materials

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Better to clarify the brief three times to make sure your creative production will meet the client’s intent!

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

The International Design & Architecture Awards are the reference in the industry as they are plebiscite by professionals themselves engaged in prestigious projects. It showcases the designers’ ability to create unique designs that stand out in a competitive market. It inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of lighting design and innovation and to strive for excellence in everything that we do.

What projects are you currently working on?

We have got several hotel projects (Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, Westin) on the drawing table as well as a few new mind-blowing restaurant concepts.

What was your favorite project to work on and why?

I very much liked working in Resorts and Restaurants as I can project myself in the environment and challenge my design with my expected customer experience. Wyndham Soleil Da Nang Hotel & Condotel Complex is certainly my past favorite, a considerable project composed of 4 towers of 50 storeys each, luxury shopping mall, complex façade, and landscaping.

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What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Our aim in the next 12 months is to strengthen our team by bringing expert talents on board. This year we welcomed Matthew NORMAN as Design Manager – Associate to lead and grow our organization. He has a solid background in the world of architecture and lighting design. He is a pioneer LEED AP since 2008, which is an important accreditation for our team to continue delivering eco-friendly designs that make a difference. We also aim to extend our coverage across South-East Asia with Hotel developers and to increase our presence in China in the hospitality sector while consolidating our leading lighting consultant position within Luxury Retail in Asia.

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