Stefan didn’t set out to become a lighting designer; he arrived there by way of performance design and immersive art.
He studied Civil Engineering at the University of South Wales before moving into Live Event Technology, specialising in lighting, sound and rigging for live performances. That’s where he found his direction – but the creative spark came earlier, standing beneath Olafur Eliasson’s Weather Project at the Tate Modern. Watching the artificial sun fill the Turbine Hall and evoke feelings of calm, warmth and happiness, he saw firsthand how light can shape a space. He’s been chasing that emotion is his work ever since.
His early career in the UK saw him designing for dance, opera, live broadcast and contemporary circus, working with National Theatre Wales, Dance Wales, the BBC and NoFit State Circus. After that, Australia (and the lure of riding his motorbike through the outback) called. Over the next 13 years, he honed his craft designing hospitality, retail and residential projects across North America, Asia and Oceania, before making his way back to our London studio.
What he loves most about his role is conceptualising spaces with clients to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with artificial light: using light and shadow to promote intrigue, soft illumination to create intimacy, and a respectful approach outdoors that helps people feel safe and connected to the night sky.
Outside the studio, he’s an adventurer at heart. He has circumnavigated three continents by 4×4 and motorbike – ironically sustaining his only serious injury during a yoga headstand.
