Light Talk Podcast

You can feel it in every project: the spark happens early, then the real grind begins. I sit down with Flynn Talbot to talk about what happens when AI stops being a toy and starts taking meaningful chunks out of the lighting design workflow, especially the parts that slow studios down the most: documentation, schedules, spec sheets, and the endless back-and-forth that turns a concept into somethin...

AI is speeding up design work, but it’s also triggering a new kind of client skepticism and a very real skills crisis. I sit down with Mark Lien to unpack why many people hear “AI” and immediately think lower quality, lower fees, or hidden risk and why a Bentley University study showing 74% of people don’t trust AI should change how creative professionals talk about their process. We get practical...

What if a building could act like a good host—aware of time, mood, and context—because its walls, ceilings, and fixtures are all speaking fluent light? That’s the world explored with immersive design veteran Brad Koerner, who connects dots from Disney show control and Harvard studios to Color Kinetics, microLED production, and today’s AI-powered workflows. The thesis is bold and practical: every l...

The revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on lighting education takes centre stage in this thought-provoking conversation with Phil and Daniel from BHA School of Lighting. As pioneers in online lighting education since 2017, they offer unique insights into how AI is transforming both learning methodologies and the lighting profession itself. When students began submitting suspiciously po...

The fear that AI will replace skilled professionals is misplaced – at least in lighting design. "I don't want AI to do lighting design for me," explains Juan Ferrari, Lighting Design Director at Hoare Lea, UK, "I want AI to actually make my lighting design better." This enlightening conversation explores how creative professionals are harnessing artificial intelligence as...

When Daan Roosegaarde speaks of light, he's not talking about lumens or lux—he's describing a language that shapes human experience. "I see light as a language," he explains. "What do people remember when they wake up the next morning? That's what I want to design." This conversation reveals the mind of one of today's most innovative creators, whose work def...

Imagine having a creative partner that never sleeps, never gets bored, and can brainstorm with you endlessly about your latest design challenge. That's the reality Sahil Tanveer discovered when he first encountered ChatGPT, launching him from traditional architecture into the fascinating world of AI-enhanced design. In this illuminating conversation, Sahil takes us through his evolution from...

The architectural lighting industry stands at a fascinating crossroads where human creativity meets artificial intelligence. In this thought-provoking conversation, Martin Klaasen sits down with Faraz Izhar, an architectural lighting designer with two decades of experience, who has emerged as a trailblazer in integrating AI into professional lighting design workflows. "A little less than two...

What truly fuels a successful business acquisition? Join us as we uncover the intriguing story behind Nulty's acquisition of Klaasen Lighting Design, featuring insights from this conversation between Martin Klaasen and Paul Nulty. This episode isn't just about business strategies; it's about the magic that happens when two companies with a shared vision and complementary strengths c...

This is a conversation about an unexpected journey.  As founder of Klaasen Lighting Design, I stumbled into the world of lighting design through a serendipitous encounter at Philips. I share how this encounter transformed my career and ignited a passion that led me from industrial design to become a global influencer in lighting design. This story is woven with tales of international projects, the...

Blogpost Reading What if sharing your expertise could shape the future of an entire industry? In our latest episode of Light Talk, I recount my journey through mentorship in the lighting design field and the profound impact it has had on both my career and the lives of those I've guided. From my blog post "Pay It Forward," this episode reveals how mentorship isn’t just about imparti...

Ever wondered how lighting can transform an entire space without you even noticing the lights themselves? That’s exactly what I uncover, taking you through my journey from setting up Philips' project lighting division in Asia Pacific to my own lighting design practice Klaasen Lighting Design. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of lighting design, offering not only practical in...

In this special episode, Martin Klaasen of Klaasen Lighting Design (KLD) welcomes the dynamic duo, Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton from Light Collective, as they bring the Women in Lighting Initiative to Singapore. As ambassadors for gender diversity and inclusivity in the lighting industry, Sharon and Martin L visit the KLD office to interview Cheryline Chua, a senior female lighting designer a...

In the virtual site reviews Martin shows us a behind the scenes look at the site review of The Alila, Maldives and the Ritz Carlton, Singapore. Watch the videos here: https://youtu.be/HqDFZ560lJo and https://youtu.be/vdrhVLYAIJA    Previously Martin or his team would go on site and check that every component of the lighting design is working as desired, with changes made as necessary. Since COVID...

Interested in an Architects perspective on lighting?  Martin interviewed Andrew Tang-Smith, Associate Principal at Woods Bagot Architects Perth for this latest instalment of Light Talk Conversations. Send us Fan Mail More from the Light Talk Desk Watch my vlogs, industry dialogues and project tours. Listen to enriching stories, deep insights, and expert opinions in my podcast. Learn directly from...

Martin recently interviewed Paley Ho CEO and founder of Unios Lighting in his latest Light Talk conversation. Send us Fan Mail More from the Light Talk Desk Watch my vlogs, industry dialogues and project tours. Listen to enriching stories, deep insights, and expert opinions in my podcast. Learn directly from a master, absorbing the knowledge, techniques and the artistry of lighting design through...

Martin walks us through the design of the lighting design as well as the challenges and implementation of the lighting design of his recent project, the Manning Building in Fremantle, Western Australia. Send us Fan Mail More from the Light Talk Desk Watch my vlogs, industry dialogues and project tours. Listen to enriching stories, deep insights, and expert opinions in my podcast. Learn directly fr...

Martin is being interviewed about one of KLD's most recent projects the award winning Naera Hotel and Spa. Send us Fan Mail More from the Light Talk Desk Watch my vlogs, industry dialogues and project tours. Listen to enriching stories, deep insights, and expert opinions in my podcast. Learn directly from a master, absorbing the knowledge, techniques and the artistry of lighting design throug...