By Tom Acciarini, 

Business Development and Marketing Manager at Iberian Lighting

Bridging the Gap - Communication is everything

In the world of hospitality interior design, every project starts with a vision—an idea meticulously crafted to set the right mood, evoke emotions, and create a memorable experience. But too often, that vision gets diluted along the way.

Procurement agencies, design consultants, and fit-out companies step in, altering the original concept to fit budget constraints, logistics, or manufacturing feasibility. While their role is well-intended, the result can be a compromised design that no longer reflects the designer’s true intent.

At Iberian Lighting, we believe in a better way. By working in direct contact with manufacturers, designers can protect the integrity of their ideas. Cutting out middlemen means less is lost in translation between concept and completion.

The Challenge with Gatekeeping

Interior designers spend hours refining their vision, selecting materials, textures, and lighting to complement the space. But when their designs go through multiple layers of approval and translation, details get lost. Changes are made based on convenience, cost, or ease of manufacturing rather than what’s best for the project’s aesthetic and functional goals.

This can be particularly frustrating in hospitality, where lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere. A lampshade is not just a functional element; it is a statement piece, a reflection of the brand, a detail that completes the space. If the design is altered beyond recognition, the entire mood can shift.

 The Direct Collaboration Solution

By working in direct communication with manufacturers and product designers like Iberian Lighting, interior designers can ensure their ideas are faithfully brought to life. With over 60 years of experience, we understand the balance between creativity and practicality. We don’t just make lampshades, we collaborate with designers to find solutions that retain their artistic intent while also meeting commercial requirements.

Case Studies

1. Harrods The Georgian Restaurant - David Collins Studio

When David Collins Studio designed the stunning interiors for The Georgian Restaurant at Harrods, they knew that every detail had to align with their vision of refined elegance. While a procurement company was involved in the process, the designers insisted on direct collaboration with us. This meant we could create bespoke lampshades that perfectly matched the project’s aesthetic, ensuring that no compromises were made on design integrity.

2. 20 Berkeley - Pirajean Lees x Lightheory Studio

A project that truly highlights the benefits of collaboration is 20 Berkeley Square. We worked closely with Jenny Bland from The Lightheory Studio implementing a design by Pirajean Lees, blending vintage and modern elements. Pirajean Lees were an integral part of the feeback loop from our production design team and the collaborative artisans, ensuring our production processes kept the design as true to the design intentions as possible.

The 20 Berkely entrance features pleated uplighters in aged brass with Dedar Milano fabric, inspired by Villa Medici in Rome. We meticulously recreated a French Art Nouveau candle holder with electric wiring and pierced card shades for the main seating area. Above the bay window table, a striking hexagonal lampshade hangs, complemented by smaller tapered half-hexagon shades on mirrored columns.

Throughout the project, we documented the creation process weekly, fully immersing ourselves in Pirajean Lees' Narrative Design Style—where each item’s story is as important as its craftsmanship.

3. A Gentleman in Moscow - Ussal Smithers

When Ussal Smithers chose Iberian Lighting for collaboration on manufacturing the decorative lighting for A Gentleman in Moscow she was looking for the benefits of direct engagement. Typically on film productions time is always an issue and there were a lot of designs to realise in what was a very short timeframe. To create the atmospheric lighting that complemented the luxurious Hotel Metropole, Moscow setting, we had to develop around a dozen bespoke solutions true to Ussal's artistic vision. Dialogue and prototype reviews made sure that each fixture struck the right balance of old-world charm and ease of manufacturing. By eliminating intermediary steps, we were able to deliver cost-efficient lighting solutions that seamlessly integrated into the project’s unique aesthetic and in time. 

Cost & Efficiency Benefits of Direct Manufacturer Collaboration

Aside from maintaining design fidelity, cutting out intermediaries has clear financial benefits. Every extra layer in the process adds costs—consultancy fees, procurement markups, and administrative overheads. Working directly with manufacturers streamlines the process and speeds up production. This ensures that budget is spent on quality materials and craftsmanship rather than unnecessary middlemen.

The Future of Hospitality Interior Design

There is a shift happening in the industry as more designers are recognising that direct collaboration with manufacturers lead to better outcomes—both in terms of design authenticity and cost efficiency.

While gatekeepers may still have a role in some large-scale projects, that role should not stand in the way of creativity. Interior designers have the option of insisting on the direct collaboration with the manufacturer to make sure their vision stays intact.

At Iberian Lighting, we are committed to working with designers who want to see their visions realised without compromise. If you are looking for a manufacturer who understands the artistry behind hospitality lighting and is invested in bringing your ideas to life exactly as you imagined, get in touch.

By choosing the direct communication route, designers can take back control of their projects, ensuring that every detail reflects their original vision—without detours along the way.