For nearly two decades a few core principles have successfully guided us through hundreds of lighting projects around the world.

In a world where we are depleting the earth’s resources at an unsustainable rate, harnessing the potential of daylight is a major issue for architects and designers. We view light as a 24/7 system, in which we integrate artificial and natural light sources. Beyond its obvious functional benefits, natural light also informs the way we handle the profound relationship between architecture and artificial light. By studying the effects of natural light we have come to understand the possibilities offered by the dramatic and subtle interplay of light with materials in terms of contrast, texture, colour, time and movement.

Mankind has always had the need to extend the day. From the fire-light of the cave dwellers to the remarkable illuminated creations of today’s expanding metropolitan centres we have continuously sought the means by which to generate light where darkness otherwise might reign. By looking to the manner in which artificial light has been handled throughout history, and in particular by architects and designers in the twentieth century, we gain considerable insight into how we might move forward into the future.

If Speirs + Major have a trademark, it is our use of concealed lighting. We always strive to achieve a symbiosis of light and architecture. This approach is rooted in our own architectural background, with many of our team having practiced as architects. We argue that environments are best when light is embedded at the heart of the architectural process rather than applied as a cosmetic add-on.

We believe strongly in the power of collaboration to bring about the best solutions. Speirs + Major is a cross-disciplinary practice – attracting individuals from architecture, art, theatre, media and design – and our hallmark is the ability to work together with all disciplines across a design team.

For us delivery is as important as imagination – as creative ideas count for nothing without the pragmatism to see them realised. When designing with light, we bring a particular strategic-creative outlook to our projects, combining pragmatism and imagination in equal doses.

We have developed a clear and simple process for the development of ideas in collaboration with others. This includes how we communicate information to a client, their design team and the end user, and the methodology we use to craft, detail and help deliver the solution in reality. We use words, images, sketches, models, technical drawings and mock-ups to explore our ideas. This process, while constantly changing, has served us across a wide spectrum of project types – cities, cathedrals, airports, retail, cultural buildings, hotels and restaurants. Often what we have learned in one area of activity we take into another.