Light Talk Podcast

Bonus: Taman Reverses Street Lighting -Design the Need Before the Fixture Bonus

Show notes

Taman, street lighting, and why “just right” matters

Martin Klaasen speaks with Dean Skira about the long road from early lighting practice to Taman, a web-based tool that flips street lighting design on its head. Instead of choosing a luminaire first and calculating around it, Taman starts with the environment, the lighting requirements, and the real impact on the surrounding city. Dean explains the origin of the software, how it uses machine learning, and why he believes street lighting should be designed to reduce waste, glare, spill light, and light pollution without sacrificing performance.

Key topics

• Dean shares how a programming career in ex-Yugoslavia led him to New York, FIT, and eventually lighting design.
• He recounts early landmark projects in Pula, including a church tower and the famous lit cranes that drew 15,000 people to the port.
• In this episode, Dean argues that conventional street lighting design is backwards because it starts with a product instead of the site.
• He explains how Taman was prompted by Croatia’s light-pollution legislation and the realisation that existing tools only calculate the road surface, not the full urban environment.
• Dean describes Taman’s workflow: import a site image, draw and name layers, assign road and pedestrian categories, auto-position poles, and optimise the result.
• The software generates photometric curves and compares them with a database of manufacturer products to find the closest market match.
• He says the goal is to reduce required luminous flux by 40 to 45 percent in real projects, while also cutting spill light and light trespass.
• Dean discusses AI in Taman as machine learning that improves through use, rather than a system that replaces design judgment.
• He argues that future street lighting should move toward modular, mass-customised fixtures instead of fixed luminaire products.
• He says the best lighting decisions still belong to humans when there is a clear contextual reason to override the software.

Request Early Access to Taman:
https://taman.tech/

Oct 21, 2026 17 min

Dean Skira: How One Designer is Revolutionising Street Lighting

Episode 8

Show notes

What if the problem with street lighting is not the fixture, but the entire way we design it? Dean Skira reveals why the industry has been calculating the wrong thing for decades - and how Taman flips the workflow from product-first to requirement-first to cut waste, reduce light pollution, and still deliver better results.

Martin Klaasen sits down with Dean, the Croatian lighting designer, developer, and visionary behind Taman, to trace the path from his early work in New York and iconic public projects in Pula to the creation of a tool that challenges the foundations of urban lighting design. Dean also shares the story behind the city's celebrated cranes, the first light festival in Pula, and the philosophy that turned a local idea into a widely discussed innovation.

You'll discover how Taman works from a simple Google Earth snapshot and hand-drawn layers, why it calculates the entire urban environment instead of just the space between two poles, and how it can automatically position fittings, optimise photometric curves, and compare market-ready products against the ideal outcome. Dean explains the role of machine learning in the software, the surprising 45.8% reduction in luminous flux achieved on a real project, and why he believes lighting professionals should stop designing from the catalogue backwards. We also break down the bigger stakes: why outdated manufacturing, political decision-making, and copycat product culture are holding the industry back, what master planning could mean for whole districts and cities, and why the future may belong to modular, mass-customised lighting rather than one-size-fits-all luminaires.

Dean makes a strong case that the right amount of darkness is not a flaw - it's the point. Essential listening if you work in lighting design, urban planning, street lighting, or product development, and especially if you want to know where AI actually helps creative professionals instead of replacing them.

Connect with Dean:
On Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skiradean/

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Aug 18, 2026 24 min

Kuldeep Vali: The Lighting Industry’s Next Shift - Copilot, Not Autopilot

Season 3, Episode 2

Show notes

Our conversation covers Kuldeep Vali's career journey in the lighting industry, the impact of LED technology, the adoption of AI in different regions, the transition to AI, and the development of the Rise with AI platform. We delve into the integration of AI in lighting design workflows and the importance of balancing human expertise with AI capabilities.

Kuldeep shares his collaboration with Dusk AI, the integration of AI in the lighting design industry, and the impact of AI on the creative process and workflow. We also explores the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption in the industry.

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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out http://lighttalk.space

#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #LightingDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #Architecture #DesignTechnology #PromptEngineering #FutureOfDesign #GenerativeAI #ChatGPT #Midjourney #Visualisation #BuildingDesign #DesignWorkflow #Innovation #SmartDesign #CreativeTechnology #LightingProfessionals #ArchitecturePodcast #DesignThinking

Jul 28, 2026 1 hr 16 min

Flynn Talbot: AI For Lighting Designers

Season 2, Episode 18

Show notes

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 something contractors can actually build.

Flynn shares the “lightning bolt” moment that convinced him AI was ready, then we unpack his pivot toward helping lighting studios adopt AI in practical ways. We get specific about automating the luminaire schedule, pulling product data from manufacturer URLs and PDFs, and why a purpose-built tool can reduce errors, speed up revisions, and still leave the final judgment where it belongs: with an experienced lighting designer.

From there, we zoom out to the bigger questions shaping the future of architectural lighting design and lighting consulting. How do we prevent a race to the bottom on fees? Should we disclose AI use to clients, and what does privacy look like when NDAs collide with cloud tools? What happens to junior designers if AI handles the “boring” work, and how do studios build guardrails that protect craft, quality, and brand standards? If you care about AI workflow automation, value engineering defense, and keeping the soul of lighting design alive, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe, share this with a lighting designer who is feeling the time crunch, and leave a review with one workflow step you want AI to fix first.

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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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out https://www.lighttalk.space/

Jul 6, 2026 1 hr 5 min

Mark Lien: How Lighting Designers Can Use AI Without Losing Credibility

Season 2, Episode 17

Show notes

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 about what’s actually useful right now for lighting designers and lighting engineers, from AI-assisted research to scalable lighting control that can manage thousands of luminaires for weather, events, and changing city needs. Then we pivot into the harder stuff: cognitive atrophy, “AI speak,” hallucinated sources, and the uncomfortable reality that oversight is becoming the most valuable skill even as few organisations train for it. If you care about architectural lighting design, professional liability, and maintaining client trust, this part hits home.

From ethics and intellectual property rights to confidentiality and data privacy, we map the guardrails that help teams use generative AI without letting it quietly degrade craft, judgment, or credibility. We also talk energy use and data centres, plus why the future may reward the people and firms that adapt fastest while doubling down on fundamentals. If this sparks a reaction, subscribe, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a review. What’s your personal rule for when AI is allowed on a project?

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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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out https://www.lighttalk.space/

Jul 2, 2026 1 hr 10 min

AI Won’t Replace Designers; It Will Expose Who’s Just Pushing Spreadsheets

Season 2, Episode 16

Show notes

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 light is a pixel, every pixel is a light, and the space you occupy is the best interface to the digital world.

We pull apart the myth that AI “replaces” creativity. Instead, Brad shows how tools like Midjourney, large language models, and rapid prototyping let designers stock the idea funnel in hours, not weeks, then do the real work—curation, de-risking, and shipping. We contrast spreadsheet lighting with theatre’s living vocabulary of time and motion, and we follow that thread into retail and healthcare: generative media that slashes content costs, luxury fitting rooms that earn the sale, and patient rooms that heal through spectrum, narrative, and calm. Along the way, we touch DC power, data-driven optimisation, and microLED walls that are nearly indistinguishable from reality, complete with extended channels for accurate skin tones and circadian-aware scenes.

If your toolbox stops at dimmers and presets, this conversation expands your map. We talk privacy as a spectrum—from anonymous reactions to check-in personalisation—and why designers should own that placement with clarity and care. We also tackle education and leadership, arguing for judgment over tool worship and for cross-silo fluency that merges lighting, AV, content, and IT into one coherent experience. The bottom line: technology is no longer the bottleneck; imagination, coordination, and courage are.

Enjoy the episode, share it with a colleague who still thinks AV is “not our spec,” and leave a review with the one space you’d transform first. Your feedback helps more curious listeners find the show.

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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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out https://www.lighttalk.space/

Feb 17, 2026 1 hr 23 min

Light and Learning in the AI Era

Season 2, Episode 15

Show notes

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 polished assignments with distinctive AI fingerprints, the educators faced a critical question: Is AI a valuable learning tool or a shortcut that undermines genuine education? The answer proves far more nuanced than expected. While some universities have embraced unrestricted AI use, BHA takes a more measured approach, implementing a 15% grade penalty for AI-generated work that lacks proper integration with course materials. Surprisingly, not a single student has contested these penalties.

The conversation reveals concerning research from MIT Media Lab showing students using AI for academic tasks demonstrate up to 55% less brain activity in areas related to creativity, memory, and semantic processing. As Daniel aptly puts it, "AI is not going to remember for you." This raises profound questions about skill development in an AI-assisted world. How will the next generation of lighting designers develop the intuition that comes from years of hands-on experience?

For lighting professionals, the implications extend beyond education. While AI excels at generating impressive concept renders and streamlining documentation, it falls short in understanding the emotional and practical nuances of lighting. The educators share fascinating examples of using Midjourney to animate Relux lighting designs, while emphasising that AI cannot replicate the human sensitivity needed to create truly exceptional lighting experiences.

Whether you're a lighting professional curious about integrating AI into your workflow or an educator navigating this technological revolution, this episode offers valuable perspective on finding balance. As Phil concludes, we must embrace AI as a companion rather than a replacement – understanding its capabilities and limitations while preserving the human expertise that makes lighting design both an art and a science.

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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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out https://www.lighttalk.space/

Sep 15, 2025 1 hr 9 min

Lighting designers won't be replaced by AI, they'll be empowered by it | Juan Ferrari

Season 2, Episode 14

Show notes

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 a powerful assistant rather than viewing it as a threat. Juan, whose fascinating journey from actor to architectural lighting designer gives him unique perspective on narrative and emotion in spaces, shares practical ways his 25-person team uses AI daily to enhance their work.

From streamlining mundane tasks like email writing to creating custom GPTs for technical processes, Juan demonstrates how embracing these tools allows designers to focus on what truly matters – the creative play with light that no algorithm can replicate. He walks us through challenges like maintaining data integrity when training models, ethical considerations around copyright, and the necessity of transparency with clients about AI usage.

Perhaps most compelling is Juan's vision for the future: AI handling computational tasks to free designers from computer screens so they can physically experiment with light. "We are lighting designers. We spend quite a bit of time behind a computer doing things to enable the play, and the play seems to be a really small portion of our job," he notes. "I wish that AI enables us to do much more of that."

Whether you're a lighting professional curious about incorporating AI into your workflow or simply interested in how creative fields are adapting to technological change, this conversation offers valuable insights into maintaining human expertise while embracing powerful new tools. How might AI enhance your creative process rather than replace it?

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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out https://www.lighttalk.space/

Jun 30, 2025 1 hr 5 min

Creating a World that Glows: Dan Roosegaarde's Journey from Fine Arts to Sustainable Innovation

Season 2, Episode 13

Show notes

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 defies categorisation across art, architecture, technology, and environmental activism.

Daan's journey from fine arts student to founder of Studio Roosegaarde illustrates the power of hybrid thinking in solving complex problems. His Rotterdam-based studio creates experiences that challenge our relationship with technology and nature—from electricity-generating dance floors to the world's largest outdoor air purifier. But it's his work with bioluminescence that truly captures the imagination.

The discussion delves into his current passion: breeding fireflies that communicate through synchronised light patterns as part of their mating ritual. With these insects disappearing due to light pollution and pesticides, his team has established the world's first breeding program. Similarly, his work with glowing flowers allows humans to see what butterflies naturally perceive through ultraviolet light. These projects represent what he calls "super nature"—learning from natural phenomena to create new forms of human experience.

Perhaps most striking is Roosegaarde's "Seeing Stars" project, where he convinced entire cities to turn off every light for one night. "I think it's unacceptable that we live in a world where we talk about AI and self-driving cars and blockchain, but we don't see the stars anymore," he argues. "That's not a smart city. You see the stars in a smart city."

The conversation explores AI's role in design, with Daan embracing it as a creative tool while emphasising that our uniquely human qualities—emotional intelligence, creativity, and comfort with failure—become more valuable as technology advances. "We just got to be better humans. That's the best solution," he concludes.

Whether discussing his glowing Van Gogh bicycle path, developing biodegradable fireworks, or his philosophy on sharing ideas freely, Daan demonstrates why innovation requires us to change perspective. As he puts it, "When you change your perspective, everything changes." What would you create if you saw the world differently?

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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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out https://www.lighttalk.space/

May 15, 2025 1 hr 3 min

Navigating the AI Revolution in Design: A Conversation with Sahil Tanveer

Season 2, Episode 12

Show notes

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 reluctant engineering student to passionate architect, and eventually to AI innovator through his company RBDS AI Lab. What makes his perspective so valuable is how he frames artificial intelligence not simply as a productivity tool but as a creative collaborator that's fundamentally changing how designers think and work.

The discussion reveals how AI is uniquely bridging professional divides. Unlike specialised software that once separated different professions, tools like ChatGPT create a common language across disciplines. When an architect and doctor discuss using AI in their respective fields, they immediately connect through shared experience—something unimaginable just a few years ago.

For lighting designers specifically, Sahil outlines practical applications ranging from technical calculations and reasoning through design options to creating realistic visualisations. The most compelling insights emerge when the conversation turns to design authorship. Are we still the authors of our work when AI contributes significantly to the creative process? This question leads to fascinating explorations of co-creation, copyright, and the evolving definition of design itself.

Whether you're a lighting designer curious about integrating AI into your workflow or simply interested in how technology is reshaping creative professions, this episode offers both practical guidance and philosophical food for thought. Sahil and Martin also preview their upcoming course, "AI Fundamentals for Lighting Designers," designed to give lighting professionals a solid foundation in AI concepts and applications.

Join us for a thoughtful exploration of where design meets artificial intelligence, and discover how to maintain your creative voice while embracing these powerful new tools.

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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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out https://www.lighttalk.space/

May 7, 2025 1 hr 3 min

Human Creativity Meets Artificial Intelligence: A New Era for Lighting Designers

Season 2, Episode 11

Show notes

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 years ago, rendering a photorealistic nighttime image without Photoshop seemed like wishful thinking. Now it's reality," Faraz explains, capturing the breathtaking pace at which AI has transformed from experimental curiosity to essential design tool. Leading the specialist lighting division at AE7 in Dubai, Faraz shares how his team has embraced AI as a "co-pilot" that works hand-in-hand with designers to translate creative visions into compelling visual narratives.

The conversation unveils practical applications that go far beyond simple image generation. Faraz's team has developed custom AI agents that automate luminaire schedules, verify Dark Sky compliance, and optimise costs—reducing documentation time by 60-70%. His design process begins with metaphors—"a lantern in the desert" for a Saudi hotel, or a "shimmering jewel" for a Dubai mall—which AI helps visualise before developing technical lighting solutions.

Martin and Faraz explore critical concerns about intellectual property, confidentiality, and transparency, with Faraz advocating for clear disclosure to clients about AI's role in the design process. Looking forward, both experts discuss the need for industry standards and regulations as AI becomes further embedded in professional practice.

Yet amid all this technological advancement, a reassuring message emerges: "It is our own light that will always guide the way." Human intuition, sensitivity, and creativity remain irreplaceable, with AI serving as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement for the lighting designer's unique vision and expertise.

How might AI transform your creative process? Listen in and imagine the possibilities!

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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out https://www.lighttalk.space/

Apr 17, 2025 57 min

The Synergistic Acquisition of Klaasen Lighting Design by Nulty

Season 2, Episode 10

Show notes

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 come together. Discover how Nulty's global reach complements Klaasen's rich heritage, and learn why shared values like work-life balance and empowering teams are the glue holding this partnership together. It's a lesson in how aligning philosophies can create a nurturing environment that not only benefits the companies involved but their clients as well.

This new venture is built on trust and a friendship and we're poised for a thrilling journey over the next 12 to 24 months as these two companies merge their strengths. It’s not just a business move; it’s a new chapter we're excited to write together, anticipating outcomes that are greater than the sum of our parts.

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 my masterclass.

Sign Up to the AI Fundamentals course for Lighting Designers.

Download and delve into my works 'Light Talk, a Year in the Life of Light' and 'Light Talk 2, 16 Years in the Life of Light' - follow the journey of lighting design through his books.

Check out https://www.lighttalk.space/

Dec 18, 2024 15 min

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