Lighting Essentials

Debbie Baeder, LC Electrical Engineer

When you walk into a room, one of the first things that sets the mood and function of the space is the lighting. Whether it's a bustling hospital or a kindergarten classroom, lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the environment. To better understand how to transform a dark room into a functional and inviting space, we spoke with Debbie, our Lighting Certified (LC) electrical engineer here at KCL Engineering. She offered insight into how thoughtful lighting design can enhance both personality and practicality.

So how does being an LC shape how you approach a project?

Lighting design typically incorporates three key elements: ambient, task, and accent lighting.

To visualize these, imagine a dark, empty room. Now picture the ceiling and walls softly and evenly lit—this is ambient lighting, which creates a general sense of brightness, reveals the room’s size and shape, and ensures basic safety.

Next, consider task lighting, which is tailored to specific activities. Whether it's a quiet conversation or a precise medical procedure, task lighting uses carefully placed fixtures that support the needs of the occupants while complementing the room’s interior design and layout.

Finally, accent lighting adds the finishing touch. Often hidden within architectural elements, this type of lighting highlights focal points such as artwork, signage, or architectural features. It brings depth and personality to a space, making it visually engaging and dynamic.