We advise clients to choose lighting (whether ours or someone else's) according to function, first. No matter how beautiful the product, it won't be satisfying if it doesn't provide appropriate light - the right intensity, the right coverage, the right diffusion and the right color, in the right location.

This might sound complicated, but we make it simple because we've had so much experience doing it. (To learn more about the depth and breadth of our work, please refer to case studies). When you come to our building you'll see the lighting laboratory™ where you can learn about the differences among various light sources (referred to in the trade as lamps, not bulbs) and complete fixtures (referred to as luminaires). And you'll see some interesting (and surprising) energy-efficient products and lighting methods. (We even do what's known in the industry as daylighting - daytime illumination using tracking- or fixed-mirror systems and lightpipes to bring natural light indoors.)

There are many benefits to energy-efficient lamps. The most obvious is reduced operating cost. But there are at least two additional major payoffs: Markedly reduced cooling load, and isolation of heating-system performance. And there are many kinds of energy-efficient lamps: L.E.D.s (Light-Emitting Diodes), Metal-halide lamps, Halogen-IR lamps (not the same as halogen), Krypton-filled incandescents, Electronic fluorescents, Electrodeless compact-fluorescents, and, of course, conventional Compact-fluorescents. We use them all.

But in the final analysis, good energy-efficiency is a product of more than just efficient lamps. It requires luminaires that get all the light from the lamp where you want it, without waste. And that means efficient diffusion and efficient beam-control. Remember that undesired reflections (glare), and direct light in your eyes (dazzle) reduce visibility, produce physical discomfort, and waste energy.