About the studio

ELEANOR BELL is an architectural lighting design practice, and bespoke lighting fabrication studio, based near Falmouth, Cornwall. The studio was founded in 2007 by Lighting Designer, Light Artist and Electrician Eleanor Bell.

Specialising in creative and technical lighting for inspirational spaces, Eleanor provides a wealth of knowledge and skill, alongside a refreshingly collaborative, personal and relaxed approach to the design process – overseeing each project from concept to completion.

The studio offers a flexible and tailored design service, with the experience to fulfil every aspect of even the most technically demanding projects. This ranges from a one-off design consultancy to a fully realised lighting design scheme. It can also encompass the design and fabrication of unique lighting features to compliment the aesthetic of the project.

Recent projects range from bespoke lighting schemes for high-end private residences to award-winning commercial spaces, predominantly in the South West, London and the Home Counties. The portfolio also extends internationally to unique light art pieces and installations, working to commission alongside private individuals, corporations and renowned artists, including James Turrell.

By understanding both the creative and technical language of light, Eleanor’s expertise makes the everyday extraordinary.

 

designer profile

My work crosses the boundaries between art and engineering, and combines sculpture, lighting design and electrical installation. By blending an artistic background with technical skill, I provide a comprehensive service from design right through to installation, saving clients time, money and stress.

After working in London for 6 years in sales and PR, including for the interiors company Fox Linton, I decided to move to Cornwall to study Contemporary Crafts at Falmouth University. It was here that I discovered my passion for working with light and I made a series of sound and light installations for my degree show, achieving a First Class BA (Hons) degree. Upon graduating, I was frustrated by my lack of technical skills and decided to train as an electrician. I worked full time for several years rewiring houses, lighting gardens and undertaking electrical testing, alongside residential lighting design. I went on to gain the Advanced Lighting Design Certificates (Interior, Exterior and Light Measurement), awarded by the Lighting Industry Association.

This unique mix of skills gives me the expertise needed to approach every individual project with solutions that are not only beautiful, but also practical and sustainable.

With experience of working on residential, commercial, and public projects, my business encompasses every aspect of lighting design, be it interior or exterior, large or small. I also make sculpture, both to commission and for exhibitions and have exhibited in London and Cornwall, including at The Eden Project.

Working across the UK, some of my recent notable commercial and public projects include: Jubilee Warehouse, a BREEAM excellent warehouse renovation; the Brain of Brian Office Barge; Muddy Beach Restaurant; the Enys Family Archive exhibition at Penryn Museum; Trebah Kitchen café; Penny Saunders' 'Restless Temple', at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, and James Turrell's Skyspaces in Cornwall and Northumberland. I have also worked on numerous residential projects.

I am a fully qualified electrician (18th Edition) and in 2011, I represented the NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) at a Parliamentary Reception and on Sky News, as part of their Jobs for the Girls campaign, which aims to encourage more women into the electrical industry.

I also lecture at Falmouth University and have spoken to a wide variety of audiences including school children, an NICEIC media event in London and at the launch of the lighting for the James Turrell skyspace in Kielder, Northumberland.

My aim is to design lighting that transforms its environment and has a positive impact on the community that uses the space and is far beyond the simply functional.

AWARDS:

Nominated by the NICEIC for the 'Outstanding Woman in Construction' Award, 2013

Runner Up of the Holophane David Currie Award for best student of the year for the Lighting Industry Association Advanced Certificate Course, 2012

Shortlisted for the South West Regional Final of the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards, 2012

Nominated for the Unlocking Cornish Potential 'Exciting Future' Business Award, 2011

About the process


Lighting has the power to completely transform the ambience of a space. The most successful lighting schemes are considered at the beginning of a project, before construction has started, so that they can be fully integrated into the build. There are six stages to the lighting design and construction process in line with the RIBA Plan of Work. They are:


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Stage One: The Brief

Firstly, there are two key questions: what are your design requirements, and what could a creative lighting scheme bring to your project? An initial meeting will answer these questions. A meeting onsite is ideal to gain the best understanding of your space, but this can also be done by phone if needed. Following our discussion, you will receive a lighting design fee proposal confirming your brief and the associated costs.

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Stage Two: Concept Design

The Concept Design will set out to give you the look and feel of possible lighting solutions that are the best fit for your project. It will include images and sketches illustrating proposed lighting schemes and lighting products, and an outline costing of the scheme. At the Concept Design meeting I will present mood boards for discussion and also demonstrate different lighting effects with a series of sample light fittings.

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Stage Three: Design Development

The third stage of the project develops the selected designs and focuses on the practical aspects of the lighting scheme. Products will be tested and any construction details worked out with the architect or building contractor. I will create 3D renders to show the lighting levels to help you envisage how effective the scheme will be. You'll also receive a draft layout, indicating where the fixtures and controls will be located, and an estimated product costing.

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Stage Four: Design Specification

During the design specification stage the details of your lighting scheme are finalised. I will produce a detailed specification for the project comprising of marked up plans, technical information and setting out drawings. It will also include product details and pricing for the light fittings. After the final sign off, it is either put out to tender or passed on to the contractors. Installation services are also available through my own team, as required.

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Stage Five: Construction

The construction stage comprises of Procurement and Project Inspection. A full specification sheet of the light fittings is issued at the end of Stage 4 for the procurement. I undertake project inspection site visits throughout the build to ensure that the lighting is installed as designed - usually at the beginning of the installation when I meet with the electrical contractor to run through the specification, and then during the first and second fix.

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Stage Six: Commissioning

The final commissioning ensures that the lighting is as designed and that the overall scheme is to your satisfaction. This includes identifying any snagging, overseeing the focusing of the light fittings and if applicable, the programming of the lighting control system. Once the project is completed, you will have a completely bespoke lighting scheme, tailored to you and your space.

Interested in having a chat?

If you would like me to put together a lighting design fee proposal for your project please get in touch.

Your light bulb moment awaits.