Meet Evelyne Aebischer & Philippe Bovigny lightdesignagency | Lighting Design

We had the good fortune of connecting with Evelyne Aebischer & Philippe Bovigny lightdesignagency and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evelyne Aebischer & Philippe Bovigny, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
While many people appreciate well-lit spaces, they may not realize the extensive planning and technical expertise required to achieve optimal lighting solutions. We consider factors such as color rendering index (CRI), light color temperature, and light intensity, which are all critical elements often unknown to the onlooker. People may have a feeling about lighting, but they don’t always know how to define it, and these technical aspects play a critical role in creating the desired atmosphere. Our role in shaping environments is more nuanced than meets the eye. It is an intricate balance of aesthetics and functionality.

What should our readers know about your business?
When we opened our first lighting design office in Switzerland, we wanted to offer services to architects, private clients, companies, and communities with a fresh approach: prioritizing the concept of light itself while being completely independent from lighting brands. In our projects, we first discuss the light through a holistic lens, and then look for devices to implement our ideas.

When we left our jobs as employees to launch our company, it was a leap into the unknown. At that time, there were no independent lighting designers in our region, and we understood that the new service we were offering would either fill a gap or find no clients. Without risk, there is no progress. We apply this approach to our projects as well, and explore novel ideas. The success of a lighting project is not easily quantified or measured, as it hinges significantly on user perception and emotional responses.

We decided to pursue this career because we were drawn to the idea of perpetual challenges. Dedicating your life to creative work, while demanding, is also highly rewarding. It allows us to explore new ideas and find innovative solutions that are unique to each project. There is no repetition, and instead constant experimentation and discovery. A creative career requires substantial personal dedication and investment.

We are constantly striving to renew ourselves and practice adaptability, tailoring our projects to align with the architecture, client needs, and user experience. While this approach can be challenging and may involve complicated solutions that demand additional efforts from various trades, the end result is always worth it and justifies the hard work invested.

One of the factors behind our success is the complementary nature of our backgrounds, those being architecture and electrical engineering. Merging these two skillsets allows us to offer solutions that are both aesthetically and technically informed. Further, our team of skilled employees are trained in diverse fields including industrial design and interior architecture, which allows for strong competency when working with various architectural teams and client wishes.

Since we are partners both in business and life, our professional life tends to merge with our private life. At times it can be challenging to separate the two and find work-life balance, but we don’t find this problematic as we genuinely enjoy our work.

A quote we live by is “Less is More,” coined by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. When applied to our discipline, it highlights the idea that lighting should not be overdone or overly conspicuous. Often the most spectacular projects are not those where lighting fixtures are the most visible, but rather those where the light subtly and seamlessly enhances the space and its features. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since we are passionate about architecture, we would kick off the itinerary with a tour of the best examples of Googie architecture in Los Angeles. This distinctive and futuristic architectural style is a must-see for enthusiasts. A visit to the Watts Towers Art Center would be on the agenda to appreciate the incredible art and creativity on display there. For beer aficionados, we’d stop by All Season Brewing, housed in the historic midcentury modern Firestone tire shop in Miracle Mile. It’s the perfect blend of history and craft beer. In the evening, we’d explore Angel City Brewery and Arts District Brewing Company for some local brews and great vibes. To end the night, we’d head to Beelman’s on Spring Street, a fantastic bar with a cozy atmosphere, delicious pub food, and stylish décor. Throughout the week, we’d also explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles, enjoy some local cuisine, and soak in the dynamic culture and energy of this incredible city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We dedicate our shoutout and gratitude to those who trusted us during the early stages of our journey, when we didn’t have a portfolio of references. The first projects are always difficult to acquire, but our clients’ confidence in our capabilities enabled us to steadily build our company, and eventually be recognized in our field.

Website: www.lightdesignagency.com/

Instagram: @lightdesignagency

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lightdesignagency

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