September 09, 2025

Episode 23: The Hidden Cost of Bad Lighting: An Architect's Perspective

1 hour 9 minutes

Why are expensive light fixtures often the wrong choice for better spaces?

Margaret Cavenagh, Managing Director at Perkins & Will Chicago, discusses her evolution from residential lighting basics to managing complex architectural lighting at a global firm. Drawing from 20 years at Studio Gang and recent transition to Perkins & Will's 2,500-person practice, she explores budget-conscious lighting strategies and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Cavenagh emphasizes that "it doesn't have to be expensive to still have high quality impact" when discussing cost-effective approaches to architectural lighting. The conversation covers circadian rhythm standards, restaurant lighting psychology, and maintenance considerations. Her perspective on integrating lighting designers early in the process rather than at design development reveals how strategic thinking prevents costly mistakes in educational and healthcare projects.

In This Episode:

(00:00) From Studio Gang to Perkins & Will

(08:28) Early lighting discoveries in residential projects

(13:14) When to bring in a lighting designer

(24:05) Why expensive fixtures aren't always the answer

(30:14) Selling lighting design to skeptical clients

(39:46) Circadian rhythm standards changing building design

(47:30) Restaurant lighting psychology and profit

(53:15) Cross-disciplinary design and acoustics

(57:33) White tuning technology revolution

(1:04:00) Favorite illuminated spaces and inspiration

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About the show:
Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design.

Resources:
Margaret Cavenagh [email protected]
Lighting Matters Podcast LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/lighting-matters-podcast/
Lighting Matters Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLkEKnB8XgSXoeDY0T8t3w
Lisa Reed https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-reed-b198154/
Reed Burkett Lighting Design http://www.rbldi.com
Avraham Mor https://www.linkedin.com/in/avrahammor/
Morlights https://www.morlights.com/