Laurie Laizure from “To The Trade” and Interior Design Community hosts Fiona Grunwald, a lighting design expert with a fascinating career transition from corporate HR to interior design in the U.S. Fiona discusses her journey, educational background, and passion for lighting design, emphasizing the impact of lighting on residential and commercial spaces. The conversation covers Fiona’s approach to personalized lighting plans, the benefits of specialized lighting education, the challenges and solutions in lighting design, and the importance of considering both aesthetic and functional aspects. They also talk about the role of home automation in lighting and the collaborative relationship between designers, clients, and manufacturers. Fiona highlights the individuality of lighting needs and the evolving importance of lighting quality and design in enhancing overall well-being.
Fiona’s website “design by conway“
Time Stamp –
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:47 Fiona’s Journey to the US and Career Shift
02:00 Passion for Lighting Design
02:40 Educational Path and Certifications
03:51 Challenges and Opportunities in Lighting Design
06:38 Residential vs. Commercial Lighting
10:49 Importance of Proper Lighting
22:49 Home Automation and Lighting
30:44 Creating Personalized Lighting Solutions
31:14 Challenges and Client Preferences
33:13 The Importance of Unique Lighting Designs
34:07 Integrating Technology in Lighting Design
37:14 Educating Clients on Lighting Impact
40:10 The Value of High-Quality Lighting in Real Estate
41:33 Dream Client and Custom Lighting Projects
43:46 Supporting Small Lighting Businesses
46:00 The High Point Market Experience
50:26 Collaborative Opportunities for Designers and Brands
54:11 Conclusion and Future Collaborations