Derek Barnwell of Available Light: Jumping over Dollars to Pick Up Nickels - Part 2 [Ep. 3]

Watch on YouTubeWelcome to the second half of our “Jumping Over Dollars” episode. Lisa Reed of Reed Burkett Lighting Design, and Avraham (Avi) Mor of Morlights continue their conversation with special guest Derek Barnwell, from Available Light. Derek touches on how lighting designers tackle budget constraints, forensic analysis of bids, and the pursuit of truth, beauty, and client satisfaction. We then examine trust and deception in lighting design (and car sales), highlighting the importance of shared commitment to excellence. Finally, we discuss how we help clarify project goals, handle contractor input, and emphasize the need for clear communication and strategic decision-making. Derek Barnwell, Assoc. IALD, Managing Principal, Raleigh Studio/Available Light is a seasoned lighting pro with over 21 years of experience in lighting system design across museum, architectural, and entertainment sectors. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Technology from Wake Technical College, Raleigh NC. Derek's career spans roles at Design & Production in Lorton VA, where he managed lighting design and show control for diverse projects. He has also contributed significantly to the architectural lighting industry, serving in software/marketing roles and as a manufacturer's representative. Derek's expertise integrates creative, technical, and logistical insights, evident in his contributions to landmark projects like the National Museum of the Marine Corps, BB King Museum, and the Liberty Science Center renovation. Available Light brings together a diverse team with extensive expertise in architecture, theater, computer automation, lighting control, interface design, equipment specification, and special events production. Their comprehensive services encompass every phase of lighting design, from master planning and documentation to final equipment adjustment and maintenance scheduling. They excel in LEED accreditation management, photometric calculations, computer daylight studies, simulations, photographic representations, and mock-up production. Committed to precision, accurate budgeting, and timely delivery, the company prioritizes creativity, technical excellence, and practicality in realizing clients' visions through collaborative teamwork. In This Episode: (00:00) That “magic moment”, lighting is over budget (06:16) The honor and protectiveness over earned lighting jobs, innovative parking garage design in Boston (00:12:43) Navigating game playing, trust and trickery (00:18:59) Bad actors that threaten your designs and projects, value engineering pressures (00:26:40) Standing up for your vision in the industry Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes! About the show: Lighting Matters is hosted by Lisa Reed and Avi Mor. In each episode, we’ll dig deep into the meticulous process of creating lighting design for architecture, showcasing industry leaders who balance artistic creativity with technical precision, and listen as they share their successes and challenges in architectural lighting design. Resources: Derek Barnwell LinkedIn Available Light Lisa Reed LinkedIn Avraham Mor LinkedIn Reed Burkett Lighting Design Morlights Lighting Services Inc.