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Randall Whitehead

Randall Whitehead, our resident Lighting Doctor, is a lighting designer, author and contributor to Furniture, Lighting & Decor. He writes monthly blogs for the publication's website, and he also produces a video series on lighting design.

Got a question? Ask Randall here.

the lighting doctor, ferry terminal
The Lighting Doctor assesses the lighting in a Seattle ferry terminal.

Means and Waterways: Lighting a Ferry Terminal

On a recent visit to Seattle, I was greatly impressed by the new ferry terminal, designed by NBBJ Architects. It is a 20,000-square-foot space that is surprisingly warm and inviting. Part of this…
Pearls in a shell
The Lighting Doctor takes on the cool LED lighting in a pearl factory.

Pearly Whites: LED Lighting in a Pearl Factory

Once again, I found myself lucky enough to be visiting other countries and studying the people and their cultures. It’s always interesting to see how LED lighting is being integrated into commercial…
chihuly sculpture
Randall Whitehead visited the Chihuly Garden and Museum in Seattle.

Light and Glass: How Chihuly's Sculptures Capture Light

I was lucky enough to visit the Dale Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle. His large-scale sculptures have always intrigued me. Part of it is the way light interacts with blown glass, making it…
LIGHT! San Francisco
These innovative pendants were shown at LIGHT! in San Fransisco.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Lighting Doctor Visits LIGHT!

I was fortunate to attend the LIGHT! conference in San Francisco. It is not as gigantic as a LightFair or Lightovation, but it is in my backyard which is really convenient. I don’t have to fly…
The Lighting Doctor in Japan
The Lighting Doctor explores lighting in a Japanese museum/hotel.

A 'Light' Sleep

While in Japan, I had a great fortune of visiting a place called Benesse House. It is an art museum and a hotel all rolled into one. This wondrous place is located on Naoshima Island. The word ‘…
Banana Republic store
The Lighting Doctor explores Banana Republic by the lighting.

Lighting Up Retail Therapy

The Banana Republic has a special store in San Francisco. This is where they test out new clothing and accessories before releasing them nationally and internationally. The design is unlike a typical…
The Lighting Doctor in Japan
Randall Whitehead gets lost in a mirrored maze of LED rods.

Magic in Lights: Day Tripping in Japan

One of the most exciting things to experience in Japan is the experiential art installation by teamLab, called Borderless, in the city of Tokyo (https://www.teamlab.art). It is a massive, tactile…

Eat, Pray, Light: The Lighting Doctor Finds Comfort, Food and Light

As a lighting designer I am always looking at how a space is lit. I can’t help myself. It’s just a part of my professional genetic makeup. It’s not just me, a friend who is a kitchen designer says…
mid century modern entry
Mid-century modern design has held up through time.

The Lighting Doctor: The Future Is in the Past

Decorative lighting fixture design falls out of fashion, just like clothing. What fascinates me is how a mid-century modern lighting designs have held on for so long. What makes them special? What…
Desert Landscape Lighting, The Lighting Doctor
When lighting desert flora, it's important to remember that the opacity of the greenery causes light to bounce off.

A Prickly Situation: Lighting Desert Flora

I do like to touch on landscaping lighting design now and again. It’s important because it is what creates a wonderful first impression of a home. When done well it can also help expand the sense of…
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