Randall Whitehead
Randall Whitehead, our resident Lighting Doctor, is a lighting designer, author and contributor to Furniture, Lighting & Decor. He writes monthly blogs for the publication's website, and he also produces a video series on lighting design.
Got a question? Ask Randall here.
Means and Waterways: Lighting a Ferry Terminal
On a recent visit to Seattle, I was greatly impressed by the new ferry terminal, designed by NBBJ Architects. It is a 20,000-square-foot space that is surprisingly warm and inviting. Part of this…
Pearly Whites: LED Lighting in a Pearl Factory
Once again, I found myself lucky enough to be visiting other countries and studying the people and their cultures. It’s always interesting to see how LED lighting is being integrated into commercial…
Light and Glass: How Chihuly's Sculptures Capture Light
I was lucky enough to visit the Dale Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle. His large-scale sculptures have always intrigued me. Part of it is the way light interacts with blown glass, making it…
A Glimmer of Hope: The Lighting Doctor Visits LIGHT!
I was fortunate to attend the LIGHT! conference in San Francisco. It is not as gigantic as a LightFair or Lightovation, but it is in my backyard which is really convenient. I don’t have to fly…
A 'Light' Sleep
While in Japan, I had a great fortune of visiting a place called Benesse House. It is an art museum and a hotel all rolled into one. This wondrous place is located on Naoshima Island. The word ‘…
Lighting Up Retail Therapy
The Banana Republic has a special store in San Francisco. This is where they test out new clothing and accessories before releasing them nationally and internationally. The design is unlike a typical…
Magic in Lights: Day Tripping in Japan
One of the most exciting things to experience in Japan is the experiential art installation by teamLab, called Borderless, in the city of Tokyo (https://www.teamlab.art). It is a massive, tactile…
Eat, Pray, Light: The Lighting Doctor Finds Comfort, Food and Light
As a lighting designer I am always looking at how a space is lit. I can’t help myself. It’s just a part of my professional genetic makeup. It’s not just me, a friend who is a kitchen designer says…
The Lighting Doctor: The Future Is in the Past
Decorative lighting fixture design falls out of fashion, just like clothing. What fascinates me is how a mid-century modern lighting designs have held on for so long. What makes them special? What…
A Prickly Situation: Lighting Desert Flora
I do like to touch on landscaping lighting design now and again. It’s important because it is what creates a wonderful first impression of a home. When done well it can also help expand the sense of…