IPS Archives - LightTouch

Santos Logdat IPS

Santos has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from the Philippines. He is a proven skilled & competent CAD draughts person, who over the last 16 years has produced electrical and mechanical shop drawings for a number of large scale contractual projects. Santos will utilise his experience in draughting coupled with his enthusiasm for design to further develop as a Lighting Design Engineer.

Santos is a valued member of the Light Touch Design team where his knowledge of related disciplines & services are coordinated within our comprehensive documentation.

DAN Reed IPS

PROFESSIONAL LEGACY

Dan Reed is a seasoned lighting designer and senior project manager, with over two decades of experience in the entertainment, event, and themed environment industries. His career highlights include technical direction, production design, and lighting across a range of high-profile projects, and he specializes in live broadcasts, and award shows immersive theme park experiences. Some of his notable achievements include being part of Emmy-winning teams for multi-camera lighting design for productions such as the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards. He has also contributed to global events such as the Olympic Opening Ceremonies in Salt Lake (2002) and Athens (2004), and joined several design teams in creating iconic productions for Super Bowl Halftime Shows and Democratic National Conventions in the United States. His technical expertise spans 3D CAD, scenic renderings, and advanced lighting control systems, and he is proficient in software tools such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and Unreal Engine. Dan holds a degree in Theatre with a specialization in Lighting Design from Cal Poly Pomona, California.

BEYOND THE DESK

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dan is passionate about lighting design and scenic environments, a love that began with his childhood fascination with designing haunted houses in his parents’ garage. This early interest evolved into designing professional haunted attractions such as *Field of Screams* in Pennsylvania and the *Haunted Hotel* at IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai. In his free time, Dan enjoys exploring creative ventures in theatrical and live performance design and has contributed to over 120 theatrical productions and cirque shows across the US, from Los Angeles to Broadway in New York.

AT LIGHT TOUCH

Dan recently joined Light Touch as an Associate Lighting Designer- Themed Entertainment & Leisure division, where he brings his vast experience in themed entertainment and large-scale event production. At Light Touch, he collaborates with the company’s renowned Leisure, Entertainment and Theming team, known for delivering immersive, cutting-edge designs that elevate guest experiences. With a focus on blending creative vision with technical precision, Dan plays a key role in leading complex projects like Six Flags Qiddiya in Riyadh, reflecting Light Touch’s unmatched expertise in crafting unforgettable leisure environments.

Sophia Stezenko IPS

Professional Legacy:

Sophia Stezenko, Light Touch PLD’s creative director, has been a cornerstone of the team since she joined in February 2014. Her journey with Light Touch PLD is a testament to her unwavering commitment to design excellence and her profound understanding of the intricacies of lighting. Sophia’s role within the company is pivotal as she spearheads the boutique hospitality pillar, with a focus on high-end hospitality and F&B projects. Her vision is not just to deliver exceptional projects but also to nurture and mentor talented designers, sharing her wealth of experience to maintain the highest standards of excellence.
Sophia’s educational background reflects her dedication to the craft. She earned her master’s degree in architectural lighting design at the Wismar Academy, following her diploma in product design from the Berlin Art Academy. Her foundation in both product design and architectural lighting design has enabled her to bring a unique perspective to her work.
Before joining Light Touch, Sophia worked at Consuline Architetti Associati in Italy, where she honed her skills in lighting systems development and architectural and event lighting projects. Her experience in Italy added an international flair to her expertise. She then moved to UAE where she worked for 3 years and then her journey with LT began.
Sophia relishes the design development process, and support on execution whenever possible. She mentions that she loves commissioning as this is where she can add her final touch to see everything that was envisioned and imagined for a project actually coming to life. Over the years, Sophia’s passion for both exterior/landscape and interior lighting design has played a vital role in creating evolving experiences, especially in Hospitality projects.

Beyond the Desk:

Beyond her professional achievements, Sophia is a multifaceted individual with diverse interests. She finds solace in sketching and baking, and excitement in beach volleyball and the exhilaration of riding her motorcycle on open roads. Her love for exploration extends to traveling, where she seeks inspiration from different cultures and landscapes. Sophia’s passion for discovering the beauty of the world around her transcends into her work as a lighting designer, as she infuses her projects with a deep appreciation for the natural and human-made wonders.
Sophia’s admiration for great minds is evident in her choice of role models. Leonardo DaVinci, the polymath who excelled in various fields, serves as an inspiration for her multifaceted approach to design. She also favours the wisdom of Albert Einstein’s words “I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious”, “Most people see what is, and never see what can be”. She also feels close to Winston Churchill’s words, who emphasized the importance of courage, excellence, and vision “My tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best” and ““Courage is what I takes to stand up and speak, courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”

At Light Touch:

Sophia’s value to Light Touch is immeasurable as she brings a level of passion and precision that elevates every endeavour. Her extensive portfolio of notable projects reflects her ability to turn spaces into captivating experiences. Her eye for detail and innovative approach have consistently exceeded client expectations. These include but not limited to the list below.

Dipti Saigal IPS

Professional Legacy:
Dipti Saigal, the Principal Lighting Designer at Light Touch, is a creative force with an impressive track record spanning 18 years. Her journey began with a with a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Mumbai in 2004, followed by a diploma in Interior Design from L.S. Raheja Institute of Architecture in 2008. These diverse educational backgrounds laid the foundation for her multifaceted career.

Dipti’s professional story is a tapestry woven with diverse projects that have demanded her specific design and management expertise. Her portfolio boasts an array of accomplishments, including lighting design, project and tender management. Her approach to each project involves meticulous research, conceptual design, development, and the creation of detailed working and presentation drawings.

Her notable completed projects include the Masti Restaurant, Casa Milano Showroom, ID Design Showroom at Mall of Emirates, Better Life Showroom at Mall of Emirates, and Jaguar & Land Rover showrooms in India. These projects showcase her ability to infuse spaces with light and innovation, creating memorable environments for clients and customers alike.

Beyond the Desk:
Beyond her professional achievements, Dipti is a well-rounded individual with a love for cooking and reading. In her leisure time, she is an enthusiast of motor car racing, a sport that mirrors her passion for speed and precision in design.

Her favourite movie, “The Godfather,” reflects her appreciation for storytelling and the complexities of human nature. However, a lesser-known fact about Dipti is her love for driving, and she harbours a dream of joining a racing club someday, embracing the thrill of the racetrack.

When asked about her favourite inspiring projects, she mentions an art installation by Karolina Halatek called “The Beacon.” This choice reflects her appreciation for art that illuminates spaces in innovative ways, much like her own work in lighting design.

At Light Touch:
Since joining Light Touch in September 2021, Dipti has brought her wealth of experience and skills to the table, enriching the company in numerous ways. Her role encompasses various responsibilities, driving commercial and retail projects, including client presentation and coordination management, work-winning capability, managing design teams in alignment with project schedules all while ensuring the delivery of projects from concept to IFC, coordinating and managing external resource teams, product research and selection, and maintaining quality assurance and quality control standards. Her strong communication skills enable her to liaise effectively with clients and colleagues, ensuring that projects are managed and delivered seamlessly from start to finish.

Dipti’s creative skills are evident in her ability to drive innovation and push design boundaries. She is not just a lighting designer; she is a visionary who can offer creative direction to subsequent design teams, guiding them toward excellence. With a minimum of five years of experience and two years in design management, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at Light Touch.

Graham Walmsley IPS

Professional Legacy:
Graham Walmsley, a Partner, and Principal Lighting Designer at Light Touch PLD since October 2022, is a luminary in the realm of lighting design. Graham’s illustrious career spans over two decades and encompasses a diverse spectrum of design expertise, most notably in the areas of Hospitality, Commercial, Residential, Retail, Mixed-Use Projects, and F&B Design.

Graham holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, awarded in 1996. Prior to that, he earned a Diploma from Cambridge University in 1993. Graham’s career trajectory reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence. He began his professional journey as a Designer at Light Projects Ltd in 1996, a testament to his early commitment to the field. He later became the Managing Director of Gravity Design Associates Ltd, and most recently, Graham held the position of Managing Director at LIGHT LTD, where he continues to make significant contributions to the world of lighting design.

Beyond the Desk:
Beyond the world of design, Graham is a multifaceted individual with a kaleidoscope of personal interests. He possesses a deep appreciation for design and theatre, having received initial training in theatre design and scenography. Graham’s culinary interests shine through his passion for food and wine, while his creative spirit finds expression in music, as he enjoys playing instruments such as the piano and guitar.

Graham is an avid reader and finds inspiration in the works of Iain M Banks, a renowned author known for his imaginative and thought-provoking novels. His diverse interests and passions mirror his ability to draw from various sources of inspiration in his design work.

Two interesting facts about Graham reveal the depth of his character. He achieved the distinction of being the youngest jiu-jitsu black belt in the UK, demonstrating his dedication to personal achievement and discipline. In the realm of cinema, his favourite actor is William Powell, a classic American actor celebrated for his role in the 1934 film “The Thin Man.” This choice showcases Graham’s appreciation for classic cinema and timeless performances.

At Light Touch:
Graham Walmsley’s addition to Light Touch PLD has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. His extensive portfolio includes a plethora of significant projects, reflecting his ability to transform spaces with his innovative lighting designs. Some of the notable projects in Graham’s Ligh Touch portfolio so far include: Amaala, KSA; Qiddiya, KSA; Al Khobar, KSA; AL Hamra, KSA.

With an impressive 25 years of experience, Graham played a pivotal role in his previous employment in projects such as Samsung HQ in the EU, Supreme Retail establishments in London, Paris, Milan, and Berlin, Hoxton Hotels in Shoreditch, Holborn, and Rome, as well as the Metro System in Dubai, and iconic Conran/D+D Restaurants like Bluebird and Quaglino’s. His wealth of experience, combined with his passion for innovation and design, makes him an invaluable asset to Light Touch PLD. His role as a Partner and Principal Lighting Designer is not just a testament to his past achievements but a harbinger of the bright and innovative future he will continue to shape for the company.

Paul Miles IPS

Professional Legacy:
Since starting his career in 1994, Paul Miles has illuminated the design field with his expertise. His journey has traversed diverse terrains within the lighting industry, encompassing project management, lighting consulting, independent lighting design, and collaborations with esteemed European luminaire manufacturers.

In 2007, Paul’s professional expedition led him to the Middle East, where he spearheaded the establishment of a pioneering lighting design department at WSP Middle East. His efforts materialized in remarkable projects such as the FOH Mall areas of Mirdif City Centre, signalling his commitment to shaping captivating spaces.

Rising to the position of Design Director and Partner at Light Touch PLD, Paul has meticulously crafted his legacy. His design philosophy, harmonizing functionality with artistic finesse, has graced several notable projects, across several fields; Signature hotels such as Atlantis the Royal, Jumeirah Beach, Palazzo Versace etc… Shopping Malls such as Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Hills Mall & Place Vendome Doha to name a few; blue chip commercial spaces such as Google, Mastercard & Aldar HQ; Public Realm & leisure projects such as JBR walk, Innovation Hub & Aqua venture water park, etc…

Beyond the Desk:
Paul’s persona extends beyond his professional achievements. Engaging in pursuits ranging from football coaching to the love of horse racing and golf, he embodies dynamism in every facet of life. This multifaceted approach resonates with his design methodology, where precision melds seamlessly with passion.

At Light Touch:
Paul’s role at Light Touch surpasses titles; it’s a testament to his leadership. With over 25 years of design experience, including two decades in the lighting domain and 15 years in the Middle East, he possesses a seasoned perspective. As Partner and Design Director, he orchestrates innovation, collaborating synergistically with his team to shape environments that resonate.

Paul’s influence extends to mentorship, fostering an environment of excellence and growth. His recent venture into tech-art and digital design showcases his adaptive approach and appetite for exploration.

Testimonials from partners and clients underscore his contributions. His philosophy transcends design to encompass resilience and creativity in the face of challenges. Paul’s journey mirrors dedication to crafting innovative, creative lighting designs fitting monumental projects.

As he embarks on this new phase, Paul’s enthusiasm remains unwavering. An architect of immersive experiences, a pioneer in design frontiers, he propels Light Touch and the industry into uncharted territories. Each endeavour, innovation, and illuminated moment underscores Paul’s enduring impact, reminding us of the transformative power of light.

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