As part of our plans for 2021, we are delighted to announce the launch of our brand new and complete range of lighting. We are partnering with some quality manufacturers to bring our customers a lighting solution for any project type. In addition, we are delighted to welcome to the team our new Head of Lighting, Darren Becton. Darren brings with him two decades of lighting experience and a whole pile of knowledge. By way of an introduction, we thought we’d pick his brains on what is going on in the industry.
You are 20 years working in lighting now. How has the industry changed in that time?
The industry has changed dramatically in that time and most of the changes relate to innovation and technology. When I started working in lighting, we were working with the likes of fluorescent and metal halide. Then LED came along and changed everything. Not only did lighting become more and more efficient from an energy point-of-view, but possibilities were massively expanded, and we could achieve a lot more. Even the design process itself has become a lot more advanced and there is much more than can be achieved, not just in calculating light levels, but also in 3D renders that simulate the light effect that will be achieved. And, of course, the Internet of Things has brought changes to lighting, just as it has with other industries. Now, so much more is achievable from a lighting and lighting controls perspective, the potential is endless really.
In the past you must have worked on some really interesting projects. Which ones stand out for you and why?
There have been so many and it’s not always the larger projects that give you the best rewards, but I think the New Central Bank Project on Dublin’s North Wall Quay was a big highlight for me. We supplied some fantastic lighting concepts to this project and had a great team from architect through to electrical contractor. It was the largest project I have worked on with numerous products supplied and over 3km of linear profile ranging in installations. Some run lengths were over 100m long with numerous junctions to consider. We also developed some bespoke products and it was great to get involved in the design process. Working on a project like this, the devil is in the detail and there was great attention to that here. As with all things, the care on the install side can make or break a lighting installation and in this instance the finish was excellent, which showed off some quality lighting products.
What do you think are the most important lighting-relating elements to provide when supporting specifiers and installers with their projects?
I would say the number one thing is having a solid, quality range of products – I only work with lighting manufacturers I can trust and that will not let me or my customers down. Obviously providing value-for-money and meeting budgets, or making savings if possible, is important too. Being able to offer control systems with lighting is vital as, for many, both lighting and controls are part of the same conversation. And providing excellent service is essential too – from design stage through to project completion, your clients need to know you are there to support them every step of the way.
Lighting technology is constantly evolving. What are the most relevant innovations shaping the future of lighting?
I believe light to be the most important aspect of a project, but I think technological advances in lighting are only interesting when they deliver real benefits, it is only then they can be truly considered innovations. With that in mind, the development of Human Centric Lighting is very interesting and something that will shape the future. Using the colour changing ability of LED and creating light that is in harmony with our natural circadian rhythm has been proven to deliver real wellbeing benefits. I think the advancements being made with lighting controls bring great possibilities too, not just in allowing for greater energy usage but also in the area of data capture as part of a building management system. Buildings will become more intuitive, learning from human behaviour the type of light that is required and reconfiguring accordingly. That way the lighting system is working for the occupant and not the other way round.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their lighting career?
Be constantly curious. Lighting is constantly changing and the best approach to take is to keep learning and embrace change. Obviously, hard work is important too, just as it is in any other industry. Building trust is paramount so always deliver what you say you will and don’t make a promise unless you can deliver on it. All you really have to trade on is your reputation so make it a good one.
If you would like to learn more about our lighting offer, check out https://modula.ie/product/lighting/, call us on +353 (0)1 455 9472 or email Darren directly at dbecton@modula.ie.