Meet the Middle East Lighting Design Team

02 / 05 / 2023

decorative and architectural lighting in dubai lighting design project

It is now 7 years since Rebecca Nambiar (then Crawford) left the UK to head up the Middle East Lighting Design Team based in Dubai. Testament to the strength of the department, there are now 6 designers in the team with three support staff and they have won numerous lighting awards.

Rebecca says “It has been quite a journey over the past 7 years to set up a strong Design Team based here in Dubai. We enjoy celebrating the creativity of lighting in all our schemes often selecting the most stunning decorative pieces that compliment the strong architectural look and feel of our projects. Whether working in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or even Dubai, our team is equally dedicated to design and create the details that such high end projects deserve.”

 

Rebecca Nambiar | Design Director

With nearly 15 years in the lighting design industry, Rebecca believes passionately about creating immersive experiences with lighting, in even the simplest of spaces. Her university education started with a degree film and television and she believes strongly in translating the drama from the stage to the home, and into the mind. Her intuitive thought process also ensures that all aspects of the design are not only expertly detailed but also very approachable from a functionality standpoint. Rebecca moved from the London John Cullen office in 2016 and credits her passion for travel and discovery in helping create a unique lighting experience with every project. ​

Fiona Harvey | Senior Lighting Designer

An established lighting designer with enthusiasm and passion for all aspects of the lighting industry. With over 9 years of experience in London and the international arena, her ability to apply unique lighting techniques stems from the intellectual knowledge and artistic gifts she possess.  Fiona gained a Degree in Architecture from Liverpool University in the UK and this is a proven advantage to her profession in Architectural Lighting Design honing the skills and techniques which will enhance any architectural space.

Elaine Hernandez | Senior Lighting Designer

Elaine graduated Bachelor of Science in Architecture in University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. She started her career in 2008 and attained her architecture license in the Philippines in 2010. Her focus shifted to lighting in 2012 upon joining DPA Lighting Consultants, coordinating on a variety of building typologies ranging from luxury villas, hospitality projects, to mixed-used (residential and commercial). Elaine continued this after joining the John Cullen team in 2017 and continuously looks to expand her experience with each new challenge.​

Suraj Francis | Lighting Designer

Having attained a Civil Engineering Diploma, and Architectural Design Diploma and also attained LED Professional Certifications from Philips Lighting, Suraj has a total 7 years of experience in Interior & Architectural Design. With the last 5 years being dedicated towards his passion for all things lighting, Suraj joined the JCL team in 2018. His responsibilities are to create, develop and coordinate lighting design from concept & schematic to project handover.  In his spare time, Suraj runs and manages a blog called “The Lighting Blog” that posts everything inspirational related to lighting & architecture.​

Marian Erandio | Junior Lighting Designer

Marian is an architect with a passion for lighting. She started her career as a lighting designer in the Middle East and has been involved in a variety of lighting design projects including indoor, façade, and landscape lighting for residential, commercial and mixed use developments. With over 5 years of experience, Marian believes in the transformative power of good lighting and how it can create an experience for the users of a space. She has a vision of how the architectural designs and details can stand out when properly lit. For her, light helps architecture achieve its true purpose. 

Kevin Escaler | Junior Lighting Designer

Clocking up over 8 years of experience in different areas of the lighting industry, Kevin acquired a better knowledge of manufacturing decorative and architectural lights to  designing facade, landscape, commercial and residential spaces. During his career, he gained knowledge in design and supply tasks that let him gradually in understanding the beauty of ambient and contrast lighting. From caustic water reflections and playing with shadows, Kevin is passionate about creating a unique design where light can add value to different architectural elements.

Read more about what inspired Rebecca Nambiar.

Be inspired by some of the award winning projects completed by the Middle East Design Team:-

Private Villa, Dubai Hills, UAE – Winner Lighting scheme at the IDA Awards

Palm Jumeirah Apartment, UAE

Private Residence, Kuala Lumpur – Winner International Design and Architecture Awards.

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