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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.

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…
Ruth Asawa, The Lighting Doctor
Ruth Asawa was a wire sculpture artist. Her work can be seen in the Guggenheim and Whitney museums in NY.

Ruth Asawa and Her Lightly Wired Art

Light and shadow work hand-in-hand. Together they add texture and dimension to a space, or in this case a particular type of art. I want to talk about an amazing artist, Ruth Asawa, who is a master…
Biltmore Hotel, Arizona, Randall Whitehead
The Biltmore Hotel in Arizona.

The Lighting Doctor Tours the Arizona Biltmore Hotel

I recently got the chance to see the legendary Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, AZ. This magnificent resort opened its doors on February 23, 1929. They had an opening gala that lasted three days in a row…
This simple set for Moulin Rouge became a spectacular 3-dimensional backdrop for the show through the use of LED theatrical lighting.
This simple set for Moulin Rouge became a spectacular 3-dimensional backdrop for the show through the use of LED theatrical lighting.

The Lights are Bright on Broadway

I do go to see a lot of stage productions, both on the West Coast and New York City’s Broadway productions. What has changed is how lighting has become an integral part of the shows. Before, it was…
RH, Restoration Hardware, Chandelier, The Lighting Doctor
Randall Whitehead says size matters when it comes to dramatic entry chandeliers.

Destination Retail Spaces and the Impact of Lighting

Restoration Hardware, now rebranded as RH, has opened the ultimate retail space in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco. Starting in 2016, they have beautifully restored the Bethlehem Steel…

Lighting Report: LEDs Are Different...and Better

When LEDs were first introduced, it was hard for us to part with our old friends incandescent and halogen lamps, and the luminaires made for them. It seemed like nothing could ever replace the warm…

The Lighting Doctor checks out a San Francisco Landmark

I recently made a visit to downtown San Francisco to take a look at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, located on San Francisco’s waterfront. It was designed by architect John Portman and built in 1973. For me…
Print Pendant, RBW Lighting
The Print Pendant from Rich Brilliant Willing Lighting has an opalescent finish.

LED Lights the Way at Light! Design Expo

There is a lighting exposition that comes regularly San Francisco. It’s geared toward people that are not able to get to New York or Las Vegas for LightFair, which is the lighting industry’s most…
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