Kate explores the power of color in lighting design—how it shapes human experiences, evokes emotion, and influences spatial perception. Drawing from her background in theatrical and architectural lighting, she shares insights on the intentional use of color as a storytelling tool.

From museum exhibits to built environments, Kate discusses how light enhances materials, the cultural significance of color, and why thoughtful color selection is often more effective than color-changing lighting. Whether you're a designer, architect, or simply fascinated by how light impacts our world, this episode will change the way you see color.

Topics Covered

• Theatrical vs. architectural lighting design
• The emotional and psychological effects of color
• The role of daylight and natural color variations
• How historical architecture was designed with lighting in mind
• Using light to enhance materials rather than overpower them
• Cultural perceptions of color
• The importance of intentionality in color selection
• Technical advances in color lighting and controls
• Balancing aesthetics and practicality in lighting projects
• Sustainability and responsible color application in lighting

Key Takeaways

1. Color in lighting is more than just RGB. Color is present in all light, and even subtle shifts in white light can dramatically impact perception.
2. Lighting is a storytelling tool. The way color interacts with a space, material, and time of day shapes how people feel and engage with an environment.
3. Cultural and contextual meaning of color matters. Different cultures perceive colors differently, and designers must consider these associations when making choices.
4. Static vs. dynamic color use. Not all projects require dynamic color-changing lighting; sometimes, carefully selecting a fixed hue is more effective.
5. Lighting design is a team effort. Successful implementation requires collaboration between lighting designers, architects, and other stakeholders.