The Porter Sconce

A recent expansion of a product line for decorative high end residential lighting. The goal of product development was to add a new line of decorative sconces for the bath space focused on a traditional design aesthetic. I chose to focus this study on a farmhouse inspired line that would blend a traditional feel mixed with the contemporary/transitional language that the company is know for.

After a brief and understanding of design goals I took the most literal approach to research. I looked into the tools used for farm/handy work, specifically hand tools. Some of the main takeaways was the use of texture and form across a limited group of materials. It is a common practice to use details like knurling to give a tactical advantage when working with a tool. Grip provides the user with the ability to activate functions and delivers an unspoken language with the user that this part of the tool provides a function.

This brought me to the concept of using a knurled detail that would provide a function to the light fixture. The knurling can invite the user to touch and provide the mechanism needed to attached the diffuser to the body of the fixture. In addition, the diffuser shape and feel was referenced from classic milk and wine vessels. A soft milk-like glass with details giving it a unique profile and view from the users position, which most often might be from below.

After sketching, I moved to a final direction and then modeling the form to understand its proportions. The final concept married the classic aesthetic with a modern light source. With a custom optic and LED light engine, a unique light source was created, giving a ode to the classic visible light bulb.

Final Design

The Morgan Sconce

A recent expansion of a product line for decorative high end residential lighting. The goal of product development was to add a new line of decorative sconces for the bath space focused on a traditional design aesthetic. I chose to focus this study on a farmhouse inspired line that would blend a traditional feel mixed with the contemporary/transitional language that the company is know for.

After a brief and understanding of design goals I took the most literal approach to research. I looked into the tools used for farm/handy work, specifically hand tools. Some of the main takeaways was the use of texture and form across a limited group of materials. It is a common practice to use details like knurling to give a tactical advantage when working with a tool. Grip provides the user with the ability to activate functions and delivers an unspoken language with the user that this part of the tool provides a function.

This brought me to the concept of using a knurled detail that would provide a function to the light fixture. The knurling can invite the user to touch and provide the mechanism needed to attached the diffuser to the body of the fixture. In addition, the diffuser shape and feel was referenced from classic milk and wine vessels. A soft milk-like glass with details giving it a unique profile and view from the users position, which most often might be from below.

After sketching, a final direction was chosen. I then modeled the form to understand its proportions. The final concept married a classic/industrial aesthetic with a modern light source.

Final Design

REVO Surface Mount

A recent expansion of a product line for hospitality, contract and residential lighting. The goal of product development was to create a new product line as an introductory offering into a new sector of the lighting market.

Developing a fixture for hospitality and commercial spaces meant creating a cost effective solution while keeping the strong build and design quality that the company prides itself on.

Being the first offering into this space, I wanted to create a fixture that fit in multiple spaces and scenarios. A surface mount fixture would allow for both wall and ceiling mounting, doubling potential opportunities for purchase.

The familiar circular shape separates itself from its peers with a clean chamfered edge, similar to a watch face. This edge detail highlights the light reflecting from the diffuser and gives the slim fixture some depth. The clean and even light distribution is achieved through Light Guide Technology, pulling light from the edge lit LED array towards the center of the diffuser.

Final Design

Naked Pendant

The main design goal for this product was to create a simplistic light fixture without the use of conventional lighting components. The dual functioning socket houses an energy efficient LED light source while also suspending its decorative glass diffuser. Taking inspiration from chemistry beakers, cruets and wine decanters, the mouth blown glass diffuser’s form allows the cork socket assembly to naturally support its body. The canopy incorporates a "twist and lock" feature requiring a quarter-turn motion to lock it to the ceiling. A clean and simple approach to design has resulted in a creative use of light paired with a fixture free of any visible screws or decorative fasteners. In addition, the Multi-Pendant version is available in a variety of formats allowing for a clean, symmetrical or organic cascading presentation.

The mouth blown glass diffuser as well as the natural cork/aluminum socket assembly are all made from materials with countless recycle loops. Cork is a great material to pair with light fixtures. Aside from its gentle touch, cork provides a natural heat sink. It has one of the best insulating values of any natural material, with very low conductivity of heat, sound, or vibrations. Cork has shown remarkably high tolerance to heat. It is also 100% renewable and biodegradable. Cork production is eco-friendly and sustainable.

The Naked pendant is available as a single pendant or in a variety of multi-pendant configurations. It comes standard with a natural cork or dyed cork socket assembly.

After some material research, I chose cork as the core material for the fixture based on its heat properties and sustainability. Its soft touch would also make it a great choice to pair with a delicate material like glass. This led me to use the cork for thermal management while also supporting a glass diffuser, eliminated the need for a decorative thumb screw or socket cup to suspend the glass.

I wanted the cork to make a visual impact in the design. Early on, I focused on a clear, frosted or smoked type diffuser that would allow the cork to be visible. A clean, clear glass form would be required. Exploration took inspiration from beakers, wine vessels and vases.

After sketching, I moved to a final direction and then modeling the form to understand its proportions.

Final Design

Icon Series

The Icon series is a family of linear LED fixtures for the bath space. The offering was designed to compliment the range of standard size medicine cabinets available in the marketplace. The series is made up of 5 sizes ranging from 18” to 48” in length.

Initial design direction focused on the ability for the user to remove the diffuser in what can be tight quarters in the bath space. Showers, walls, and ceilings can obstruct pathways needed to slide diffusers onto fixtures. The space would benefit from a clip in action.

The result was a familiar cylindrical form that compliments a variety of design styles for the bath space. A universal design language with a clean and simple appearance gives users options for matching hardware and faucets for a cohesive designed space.

A custom, fully replaceable, LED light engine delivers the correct color, quantity, and quality of light needed for the personal grooming space.

Axis Series

The Axis series is a linear LED series intended for bath and hospitality use. The series is made of of 5 sizes ranging from 18” to 48” in length to compliment the standard bathroom cabinet sizes found in the marketplace.

The Axis was envisioned as a functional light engine for the grooming space. Whether flanking a mirror or installed above, the AXIS delivers functional light directly to the end user due to its angled form. This angled body pushes the led, a culminated light source, directly to the users face. This provides the correct quality, color, and quantity of light needed for applying makeup, shaving, and personal grooming.