Introduction
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating an ambiance in any space. Whether it’s a home, office, or public building, the lighting sets the mood and adds a layer of design to the overall aesthetic. The industry of lighting design and production is vast, with various creative and sustainable options available. In this article, we will be exploring the work of Tom Raffield, an innovative lighting designer based in Cornwall, UK.
Background
Tom Raffield is a designer and craftsman, initially trained in woodworking in Falmouth, Cornwall. He was interested in combining traditional techniques with modern design and founded his own company, Tom Raffield Lighting, in 2008. Since then, his unique and ethereal designs have been celebrated worldwide, and his company has established itself as a creative force in the lighting industry.
Design Philosophy
Tom Raffield is committed to creating sustainable designs with minimal environmental impact. He is passionate about using natural materials, in particular, wood, to craft his creations. He believes that good design should enhance life and that everyone should have access to beautifully crafted products that use ethically sourced materials.
Creative Techniques
One of the unique features of Tom Raffield’s designs is his creativity with wood. Using steam bending, a method that applies steam to wood, he creates intricate and complex shapes that transform the material into stunning lighting designs. The natural patterns and grains of the wood are highlighted in each design, producing a natural and organic feel.
Collections and Collaborations
Tom Raffield Lighting has several lighting collections, each with its unique style, inspired by nature and conservation. The collections include the Coves, which features spiraling and glistening shells that project warm and dynamic light, and the Skipper, with its ship-like, contoured wooden panels.
Tom has also collaborated with other designers and brands. In 2020, he worked with fashion designer Paul Smith to create the “Paul Smith & Tom Raffield” lighting collection. The collection features a series of handcrafted wooden lamps that combine Tom’s signature steam-bent curves with bold pops of color, a distinguishing feature of Paul Smith’s fashion brand.
Sustainability and Ethics
Tom Raffield Lighting is committed to sustainability, and this reflects in the materials they use and their production methods. All the wood used in their designs is ethically sourced, and for every tree they use, three more replace it. They also use 100% recycled packaging, and their workshop is powered by 100% renewable energy. In addition, their lighting designs are LED-powered, ensuring energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Recognition and Awards
Tom Raffield’s innovative designs and commitment to sustainability have seen him receive several international awards, including The Design Guild Mark 2018, The Lighting Design Award 2019, and The Good Design Award 2020.
Conclusion
Tom Raffield Lighting is a beacon of creativity and sustainability in the lighting industry. Through his designs, Tom has created stunning lighting fixtures that transform any space, with minimal impact on the environment. His commitment to sustainability and ethics ensures that every piece of his work is ethically sourced, and his production process is low impact. If you’re looking for lighting solutions that are sustainable and creative, look no further than Tom Raffield Lighting.
Bibliography
– Tom Raffield Lighting. (n.d.). About us. Tom Raffield Lighting. https://www.tomraffield.com/pages/about-us
– Pickard, S. (2020, May 18). Paul Smith & Tom Raffield team up on a new lighting collection. Wallpaper*. https://www.wallpaper.com/design/paul-smith-tom-raffield-lighting-collection
– Tom Raffield. (n.d.). The Skipper range. Tom Raffield. https://www.tomraffield.com/collections/skipper
– Tom Raffield. (n.d.). The Coves collection. Tom Raffield. https://www.tomraffield.com/collections/coves
– Tom Raffield. (n.d.). Sustainability. Tom Raffield. https://www.tomraffield.com/pages/sustainability
– Design Guild Mark (2018). DG Mark 2018 Winner – Tom Raffield. Design Guild Mark. https://www.designguildmark.org.uk/dgmark-2018-winner-tom-raffield
– Lighting Design Awards (2019). The winners. Lighting Design Awards. https://awards.lighting.co.uk/winners-2019
– The Good Design Awards (2020). Good design awards – 2020 winners announced. Good Design Awards. https://good-design.org/goo